Prostaglandin E1 with phentolamine for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

AIM OF THE STUDY: to evaluate the feasibility of a self-injection programme for impotence with a combination of 10 micrograms prostaglandine E1 (PGE1) and 0.5 mg phentolamine.

METHOD: follow-up at outpatients department with history taking, physical examination and questionnaires of 58 patients using this combination. Many patients could compare this drug combination with previously used drugs for intracavernous use.

RESULTS

42 patients started regular use. After a follow-up of 14 months, 26 are still on the programme. Drug related problems encountered: 10 patients reported insufficient erectile response, five patients have had priapism, four patients experienced severe pain, one patient developed fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

the combination of PGE1 and phentolamine is very effective. The complication rate is comparable with those reported from PGE1 alone and from papaverine with phentolamine.