title: An overview and expert opinion on the use of alprostadil in the treatment of sexual dysfunction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Erectile dysfunction is a disease affecting millions of men over the age of 40. Alprostadil, a synthetic form of prostaglandin E(1), was introduced almost three decades ago, and is today considered an alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is to educate the reader on the mechanism of action of alprostadil and outline its indications, side effects, and compare it with other pharmacologic therapies for erectile dysfunction. Future horizons for its use are also discussed and an expert opinion on the use of alprostadil is offered.
  
  
  METHODS
  The historical and recent literature was reviewed to provide a concise description.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Alprostadil is safe and effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, mainly as second-line therapy for patients in which oral treatment is contraindicated or ineffective.
authors.affiliation: University of Virginia, Department of Urology, UVA Medical Center, Box 800422, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. rac2b@virginia.edu
authors.forename: Raymond A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Costabile
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mammen
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hwang
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000527:Alprostadil / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D000527:Alprostadil