An overview and expert opinion on the use of alprostadil in the treatment of sexual dysfunction.

Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2008 Jun;9(8):1421-9.
Costabile RA, Mammen T, Hwang K.

University of Virginia, Department of Urology, UVA Medical Center, Box 800422, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. rac2b@virginia.edu

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction is a disease affecting millions of men over the age of 40. Alprostadil, a synthetic form of prostaglandin E(1), was introduced almost three decades ago, and is today considered an alternative treatment for erectile dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to educate the reader on the mechanism of action of alprostadil and outline its indications, side effects, and compare it with other pharmacologic therapies for erectile dysfunction. Future horizons for its use are also discussed and an expert opinion on the use of alprostadil is offered. METHODS: The historical and recent literature was reviewed to provide a concise description. CONCLUSION: Alprostadil is safe and effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, mainly as second-line therapy for patients in which oral treatment is contraindicated or ineffective.

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