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Experts: Pills Best for Erectile Dysfunction
May 24, 2005 - Erectile dysfunction? Try a pill first, experts say.
Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis are the mainstays of comedy monologues. And they should be the mainstay of serious treatment for erectile dysfunction, according to new treatment guidelines released today by the American Urological Association.
Doctors call the erection drugs "PDE5 inhibitors" because they target an enzyme called PDE5. The less PDE5, the more blood flow to the penis -- and the better the chance for an erection. They should work for most men with erection problems, says expert panel co-chairman Drogo K. Montague, MD, director of The Cleveland Clinic's center for sexual function.
"As many as 80% of men will benefit from oral PDE5 inhibitors," Montague says in a news release. "For those men who are not helped by these agents, one or more of the remaining treatment options are almost always successful."
So which erection drug is best? The expert panel doesn't say. There simply isn't yet enough data to make a meaningful comparison.
Patients who don't get help from an erection drug shouldn't give up right away. The problem might be as simple as learning to use the drug the right way.
But should erection drugs fail to work, several alternatives remain. These are:
- Urethral suppositories
- Penile drug injections
- Vacuum constriction devices
- Penile prostheses
The panel recommended against using:
- Trazodone
- Testosterone, in men with normal testosterone levels
- Yohimbine
- Herbal therapies
- Penile venous reconstructive surgery
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Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
