Topical prostaglandin E1 SEPA gel for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
OBJECTIVE
We compare the systemic effects, local tolerance and effectiveness of topical gel formulations on the penis containing alprostadil (prostaglandin E1) plus 5% SEPA versus SEPA alone (placebo) in men with erectile dysfunction.


METHODS
Erectile response, skin discomfort and erythema were measured in 48 men with erectile dysfunction secondary to vascular, neurogenic, psychogenic or mixed etiologies in this single-blind, placebo controlled trial.


RESULTS
Application of prostaglandin E1 gel correlated positively with erectile response as 67 to 75% of patients had an erection compared to 17% of controls (p<0.001). Blood pressure and heart rate varied minimally. No serious adverse effects were observed in the 48 patients, although the majority had skin discomfort.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical prostaglandin E1 gel applied to the penis appears to be safe, and facilitates audiovisual and tactile stimulation resulting in an erection when given in a clinic setting. Consequences to the female partner remain unknown.
McVary
K T
KT
Department of Urology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Polepalle
S
S
Riggi
S
S
Pelham
R W
RW
D000277:Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000527:Alprostadil / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004148:Dioxolanes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004338:Drug Combinations; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010410:Penile Erection; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000277:Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic; D004148:Dioxolanes; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005782:Gels; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; C111109:2-n-nonyl-1,3-dioxolane; D000527:Alprostadil