Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)
Alprostadil with thyroid medication (levothyroxine)
Levothyroxine is one of the most prescribed medications worldwide, and many adults on it also use chronic medications such as Alprostadil (Alprostadil). The combination is generally safe, but levothyroxine's narrow therapeutic index and finicky absorption mean a few practical points matter more than for most other co-administered drugs at 10mcg, 20mcg, 40mcg.
How Alprostadil affects thyroid medication
Levothyroxine absorption is sensitive to timing relative to food, calcium, iron and several medications. Whether Alprostadil interferes depends on Alprostadil — most agents in Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) have no clinically meaningful effect on thyroid hormone levels, but a small number affect TSH or T4 free fraction. Alprostadil binds prostaglandin E receptors on smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum, triggering cAMP-mediated relaxation of cavernosal smooth muscle independent of the nitric oxide pathway used by P…
Practical timing
According to standard endocrine practice, levothyroxine is taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before food and 4 hours from interacting medications. Alprostadil at 10mcg, 20mcg, 40mcg can usually be taken at any time relative to the levothyroxine dose, but the prescribing information for Alprostadil should be checked for specific timing instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Will Alprostadil affect my thyroid levels? ▾
Most Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) medications do not directly affect thyroid hormone levels at 10mcg, 20mcg, 40mcg. Some affect TSH testing, hormone-binding proteins or T4 free fraction in subtle ways. Routine thyroid function tests every few months catch any meaningful drift.
When should I take Alprostadil relative to levothyroxine? ▾
Levothyroxine is taken on an empty stomach with at least a 30-minute fast and 4-hour separation from interacting medications. Alprostadil at 10mcg, 20mcg, 40mcg usually has no specific timing constraint relative to levothyroxine; the pharmacist confirms based on the prescribing information for Alprostadil.
Products containing Alprostadil
More on Alprostadil
- With alcoholAlprostadil and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Alprostadil be taken with food?
- Side effectsAlprostadil side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- Dosage guideAlprostadil dosage guide: how much to take and when
- OnsetHow fast does Alprostadil start working?
- DurationHow long does Alprostadil last?
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.