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Erectile Dysfunction
Future Treatments for ED
Future
treatments for erectile dysfunction focus on providing medications
that are more effective, work rapidly, and have fewer, if
any, side effects than currently available treatments. Currently
there are three oral medications available to treat ED - Cialis,
Levitra and Viagra . A number of pharmaceutical companies
are researching new treatments for ED, and many new options
may be just around the corner. These include:
Cialis
(tadalafil):Cialis works like Viagra, but stays in the
bloodstream longer, between 24-36 hours. As a result, a man
is able to have sex again during that time without taking
more medication.
Uprima:
Still undergoing clinical trials, Uprima comes in a tablet
form that dissolves under the tongue. Uprima works by stimulating
the brain chemical dopamine, which heightens sexual interest
and sensations. A small number of people passed out after
taking Uprima, so its release in the U.S. is on hold; however,
it is currently available in Europe. Clinical trials are also
currently being conducted on a nasal spray form of this drug.
Topiglan:
Still under investigation, if Topiglan were to be approved
by the FDA, it would be the first topical medication applied
to the penis to treat ED. Topliglan uses the same drug that
is used in injection therapy and suppository therapy, alprostadil.
If Topligan proves safe and effective, injection and suppository
therapy would no longer be required. The man could get the
same benefit by applying the medication topically. Initial
clinical trial results yield few side effects.
Alibra:
Still under review by the FDA, Alibra is similar to alprostadil,
but it lasts longer and has a built-in painkiller.
Reviewed
by the doctors at the Glickman Urological Institute at The
Cleveland Clinic.
Edited
by Charlotte Grayson, MD, WebMD, May 2004
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
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