Comparison of the effects of papaverine versus prostaglandin E1 on penile blood flow by color duplex sonography.

To compare the effects of papaverine (60 mg) and prostaglandin E1 (20 microgram: PGE1) on penile blood flow, the vascular response detected with color duplex ultrasound scanning and the clinical response in 34 impotent men were observed and recorded after they had received an intracorporeal injection of the respective drugs on separate days. The results demonstrate that PGE1 has the advantage of a slower onset, longer maintenance, less chance of priapism and is at least as effective as papaverine in inducing an increment of penile blood flow. In conclusion, PGE1 may be a better alternative to papaverine in the diagnosis and treatment of impotence.