title: Ketanserin plus prostaglandin E1 (PGE-1) as intracavernosal therapy for patients with erectile dysfunction unresponsive to PGE-1 alone.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the treatment of patients with erectile dysfunction and who were unresponsive to intracavernosal injections of prostaglandin E-1 (PGE-1) alone with a combination of PGE-1 and ketanserin, a peripheral vasodilator antagonizing 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors and with mild alpha-blocking effects.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study comprised 98 men with erectile dysfunction all of whom received an intracavernosal injection of 5-40 micrograms of PGE-1. The 45 patients unresponsive to the maximum dose of 40 micrograms were selected for further treatment using a combined dose of 40 micrograms PGE-1 and 2-7 mg of ketanserin. Their erectile response was assessed both subjectively, by interviewing the patient and their partner, and objectively using the 'Rigiscan' monitor.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The combined therapy was effective in producing an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse in 34 (76%) of the patients. The combined dose was tolerated well and there were no adverse effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this preliminary study suggest that the combination of PGE-1 and ketanserin may be a therapeutic alternative to the implantation of a prosthesis in patients unresponsive to PGE-1.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of Federico II, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mirone
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Imbimbo
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fabrizio
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Longo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Palmieri
mesh_terms: D000527:Alprostadil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D018783:Impotence, Vasculogenic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007267:Injections; D007650:Ketanserin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D007650:Ketanserin; D000527:Alprostadil