Medications for Erectile Dysfunction

Few Drugs Used for Erectile Dysfunction Treatment are Listed Below:

Generic Name and Action
Brand Name(s)
Common Dosages
Side Effects
Special Considerations
Comments

Sildenafil -- increases blood flow
Viagra® (Pfizer) 800-533-4535
Starting dose is 50 mg orally approx. 1 hour before
sexual intercourse. Depending on side effects or response, a physician may
decrease dose to 25 mg or may gradually increase the dose to a maximum dose
of 100 mg.
Headache, flushing, heartburn, changes in vision,
dizziness, and diarrhea
The use of Viagra is contraindicated in pts. currently
taking any form of nitroglycerin such as: patches, tablets, sublingual. Pts.
with cardiac risk factors such as hypertension, obesity or cigarette smoking
should use with extreme caution.
Currently approved for impotence in males only.
Do not take more than the prescribed dose by a physician. Contact a
physician immediately if an erection lasts longer than 4 hours.

Alprostadil (penile suppository) ---- increases blood flow
Muse® (Vivus) 800-615-2416
Starting dose is 125-250 mcg. Insert suppository into the urethra
approx. 15 min before sexual intercourse. Depending on side effects and
response, a physician may slowly increase dose to a maximum of 1000 mcg.
Do not use more than 2 doses within a 24 hour period.
Flushing, nausea, abdominal cramps, increase heart rate, decrease in
blood pressure, dizziness, not feeling well and/or fluid retention
Store under refrigeration. Take out of the refrigerator, 30 minutes
prior to use.
Sit, stand, or walk for about 10 minutes after insertion of the
suppository. Contact a physician immediately if an erection lasts longer
than 4 hours.

Alprostadil (penile injection) --increases blood flow
Caverject® (Pharmacia & Upjohn) 800-253-8600
Starting dose is 2.5 mcg given by injection in the shaft of the penis.
Depending on side effects and response, a physician may decrease or increase
the dose. The recommended frequency of injection is 3 times a week, with at
least 24 hours between injections.
Flushing, nausea, abdominal cramps, increase heart rate, decrease in
blood pressure, dizziness, not feeling well, and/or fluid retention
Store at room temperature, use the solution immediately upon
reconstitution.
First time dose must take place while a physician is present, to
ensure proper dose and technique. Contact a physician immediately if an
erection lasts longer than 4 hours. Do not use in rectum.

Yohimbine -- increases blood flow
Yocon® (Glenwood) 201-569-0050
5 mg three times daily by mouth.
Increase in blood pressure and heart rate, irritability, tremor,
headache, flushing, and dizziness
Discontinue after 10 weeks if therapy produces no positive response.
Usual response time is 3 days to 3 weeks.
Studies have shown that it may be effective in treating patients
who have psychological rather than neurological symptoms. Contact a
physician immediately if an erection lasts longer than 4 hours.

Papaverine -- increases blood flow
(Schein Pharmaceuticals) 973-593-5500
Starting dose is 20-30 mg injected in the shaft of the penis. Depending
on side effects and response, a physician may decrease or increase the dose.

Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, weight loss,
diarrhea, liver disease, and skin rash
This medication has the potential for more serious adverse effects than
other male impotence medications. Side effects need to be closely monitored
by physician
First time dose must take place while a physician is present, to
ensure proper dose and technique. Contact a physician immediately if an
erection lasts longer than 4 hours. Papaverine can also be used in
combination with phentolamine.