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SELF-INJECTION OF VASOACTIVE DRUGS TO TREAT IMPOTENCE.

Williams and colleagues report the outcome of self- injection of papaverine or papaverine and phentolamine in 125 men with impotence of differing origins. A total of 3860 injections were administered.

Satisfactory erections occurred with 91 percent of the injections. Thirty-four erections lasted more than four hours. During two years of follow-up, none of the patients had infections, fibrosis of the corpora cavernosa, or changes in liver-function tests. Twenty-seven patients had minor bruising at the site of injection. Tolerance to the drugs did not develop. Most patients found self-injection acceptable.

The authors conclude that self-injection of vasoactive drugs is an effective and safe treatment for impotence of various causes. More follow-up studies are needed to establish long-term safety.

— HGA

Published in Journal Watch General Medicine October 13, 1987

Citation(s):

Williams G; Mulcahy M J; Kiely E A. Impotence: treatment by autoinjection of vasoactive drugs. BMJ 1987 Sep 295 595-596.