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Combination therapy for erectile dysfunction involving a PDE5 inhibitor and alprostadil

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 30, pages 203–208 (2018)Cite this article

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Abstract

The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) are the first-line treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction (ED), with alprostadil considered a second-line choice. Consideration has to be given to patients who fail these treatments and what their options are. This review evaluates the data on the combination of a PDE5I with alprostadil in patients who have previously failed therapy with either drug. A PubMed search was conducted and identified nine publications relating to combination treatment with alprostadil as intracavernosal, intraurethral or topical application. The results indicate that with all three formulations the combination therapy resulted in an improved outcome compared with either of the drugs as monotherapy. This was demonstrated by the increased total International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores as well as IIEF erectile function domain scores. This finding was also valid for patients with post-prostatectomy ED. The associated side effects of the combined treatment did not result in treatment discontinuation. These findings suggest that combination therapy with a PDE5I and alprostadil might be considered a treatment option in patients who have previously had a poor response to either drug.

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Acknowledgements

Editorial support provided by Medscimedia Ltd and funded by Casen Recordati.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Urology Department, Hospital La Zarzuela c/Pléyades, Madrid, Spain

    I. Moncada

  2. Urology Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain

    J. Martinez-Salamanca

  3. Urology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Barcelona, Spain

    E. Ruiz-Castañe

  4. Urology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain

    J. Romero

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  1. I. Moncada
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  2. J. Martinez-Salamanca
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  3. E. Ruiz-Castañe
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  4. J. Romero
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Correspondence to I. Moncada.

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Conflict of interest

IM has taken part in Advisory Board meetings and also acted as a speaker for Casen Recordati and Ferring. The remaining authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Moncada, I., Martinez-Salamanca, J., Ruiz-Castañe, E. et al. Combination therapy for erectile dysfunction involving a PDE5 inhibitor and alprostadil. Int J Impot Res 30, 203–208 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-018-0046-2

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