Efficiency and Side Effects of Prostaglandin El in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

AbstractThe efficiency and side effects of a single dose of intracorporeally applied prostaglandin El (20mcg.) in inducing penile erection were examined. In addition, the effect of this dose of prostaglandin El was compared to the effect of 7.5mg. papaverine plus 0.25mg. phentolamine in a double-blind, crossover designed study. We tested twice 12 men 52.9 ± 7.6 years old (mean ± standard deviation) with erectile dysfunction. On 1 occasion the subjects received 20mcg. prostaglandin El and on the other they received 7.5mg. papaverine and 0.25mg. phentolamine. At this dosage prostaglandin El was most effective in inducing artificial penile erection (11 of 12 patients). However, 75 per cent of the subjects reported burning sensations during the entire period of erection and in 1 prostaglandin El treatment resulted in a sustained erection. At the doses used, prostaglandin El was more effective in inducing penile erection than papaverine plus phentolamine (11 versus 6 patients). Intracavernous injection of pros...