Alprostadil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common medical condition affecting over 20 m men in the United States. Efficacious medical therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction has been available since the early 1980s and can be divided into local pharmacotherapy and systemic therapy. Alprostadil, a synthetic form of prostaglandin E1, is a useful local pharmacotherapeutic agent for the treatment ED. Alprostadil is presently available for administration as an intracavernosal injection or an intraurethral suppository. Local alprostadil therapy is effective at restoring the ability to participate in intercourse in up to 70% of men with ED. The principle side-effects of alprostadil are local, with few systemic reactions. The mechanism of alprostadil, its efficacy in clinical trials and side-effects are examined to outline the utility of alprostadil for the treatment of ED.