Prostaglandin E1 versus mixture of prostaglandin E1, papaverine and phentolamine in nonresponders to high papaverine plus phentolamine doses.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the efficacy of 40 micrograms/ml, prostaglandin E1 versus a combination of 17.64 mg./ml. papaverine hydrochloride, 0.58 mg./ml. phentolamine mesylate and 5.8 micrograms/ml. prostaglandin E1 (3-drug mixture).


METHODS
A total of 32 patients randomly received 1 ml. of either medication by the intracavernous route. All patients had presented with erectile dysfunction longer than 6 months in duration and had failed to respond to high doses of papaverine (60 mg.) plus phentolamine (1 mg).


RESULTS
Of 32 patients 7 (22%) responded to prostaglandin E1 and 16 (50%) to the 3-drug mixture, achieving erections allowing penetration (grade E4 or E5, p < 0.05). Pain was reported by 41% of the patients receiving prostaglandin E1 and 12.5% administered the 3-drug mixture.


CONCLUSIONS
The 3-drug mixture may be regarded as more effective than prostaglandin E1 alone in inducing an erectile response with a decreased incidence of pain.
Bechara
A
A
Division Urologia, Hospital Durand, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Casabé
A
A
Chéliz
G
G
Romano
S
S
Fredotovich
N
N
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000527:Alprostadil / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010208:Papaverine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010646:Phentolamine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D010208:Papaverine; D000527:Alprostadil; D010646:Phentolamine