ABSTRACT
We report the results of an open multicenter clinical trial with 115 patients. The results of a pharmacological test using intracavernously applied mixture of papaverine and phentolamine were compared with the results of a multidisciplinary evaluation of erectile dysfunction. Sensitivity and specificity of our test were determined. The injection of our drug solution caused an increase in tumescence and/or rigidity in all patients. The evaluation of the dose dependent erectile response makes it possible to distinguish between the three main pathogenetic principles: non-vascular, arterial and venous etiology of erectile dysfunction. The pharmacological test requires one to four intracavernous injections of 0.5-3.0 ml of the drug solution (7.5-45 mg papaverine hydrochloride, 0.25-1.5 mg phentolamine mesylate).
Subject(s)
Erectile Dysfunction/etiology , Papaverine , Phentolamine , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Clinical Trials as Topic , Diagnosis, Differential , Drug Combinations , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Penile Erection/drug effects , Penis/blood supply , Regional Blood Flow/drug effects , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
The introduction in 1982 of vasoactive agents for intracavernous injection represents a milestone in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction. Two preparations, the single drug papaverine hydrochloride and the combination of phentolamine mesylate and papaverine hydrochloride, hold great promise. In the last few years, the use of vasoactive drugs for evaluation and treatment of erectile dysfunction has become accepted worldwide. This paper explores the diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities and hazards implied in the method, assessing the advantages and drawbacks of papaverine and the combination product.