Efficiency and side effects of prostaglandin E1 in the treatment of erectile dysfunction

The efficiency and side effects of a single dose of intracorporeally applied prostaglandin E1 (20 mcg.) in inducing penile erection were examined. In addition, the effect of this dose of prostaglandin E1 was compared to the effect of 7.5 mg. papaverine plus 0.25 mg. phentolamine in a double-blind, crossover designed study. We tested twice 12 men 52.9 +/- 7.6 years old (mean +/- standard deviation) with erectile dysfunction. On 1 occasion the subjects received 20 mcg. prostaglandin E1 and on the other they received 7.5 mg. papaverine and 0.25 mg. phentolamine. At this dosage prostaglandin E1 was most effective in inducing artificial penile erection (11 of 12 patients). However, 75 per cent of the subjects reported burning sensations during the entire period of erection and in 1 prostaglandin E1 treatment resulted in a sustained erection. At the doses used, prostaglandin E1 was more effective in inducing penile erection than papaverine plus phentolamine (11 versus 6 patients). Intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1 is a potent tool for artificial penile erection and warrants precise examination for its potential clinical use.