title: Treatment of erectile failure with prostaglandin E1: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-response study.
abstract: We report a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-response study of prostaglandin E1 as treatment for erectile failure. A total of 15 men 55.8 +/- 9.2 years old with a mean duration of erectile dysfunction of 7.6 years participated. During phase 1 (double-blind) subjects received injections of prostaglandin E1 twice weekly at doses of 0 micrograms. (placebo), 2.5 micrograms., 5.0 micrograms., 7.5 micrograms. and 10 micrograms. During phase 2 (nonblind) the dose was increased until a full erection or intolerance developed. Response was measured using a RigiScan monitor. During phase 3 the subjects injected prostaglandin E1 at home. Of the subjects 66% achieved an erection adequate for intercourse, with an average rigidity of 59%. The dose-response curve reached a plateau at 5 to 10 micrograms. Among those responding to prostaglandin E1 intercourse was rated satisfactory by 81% of the subjects and by 90% of the partners. There were no prolonged erections requiring reversal and pain was reported with only 10% of the injections. In summary, intracavernous prostaglandin E1 is an efficacious and effective treatment for erectile failure.
authors.affiliation: Division of Geriatrics, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond.
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Godschalk
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Katz
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mulligan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000527:Alprostadil / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D000527:Alprostadil