Objective: To evaluate the treatment of patients with erectile dysfunction and who were unresponsive to intracavernosal injections of prostaglandin E-1 (PGE-1) alone with a combination of PGE-1 and ketanserin, a peripheral vasodilator antagonizing 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors and with mild alpha-blocking effects.
Patients and methods: The study comprised 98 men with erectile dysfunction all of whom received an intracavernosal injection of 5-40 micrograms of PGE-1. The 45 patients unresponsive to the maximum dose of 40 micrograms were selected for further treatment using a combined dose of 40 micrograms PGE-1 and 2-7 mg of ketanserin. Their erectile response was assessed both subjectively, by interviewing the patient and their partner, and objectively using the 'Rigiscan' monitor.
Results: The combined therapy was effective in producing an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse in 34 (76%) of the patients. The combined dose was tolerated well and there were no adverse effects.
Conclusions: The results of this preliminary study suggest that the combination of PGE-1 and ketanserin may be a therapeutic alternative to the implantation of a prosthesis in patients unresponsive to PGE-1.