Central nervous system agents and erectile dysfunction.

The Urologic clinics of North America2011PMID: 21621083

View on PubMed DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2011.03.006

Plain Language Summary

Reviews centrally acting agents for erectile dysfunction, including apomorphine and bremelanotide. Discusses how both nasal bremelanotide formulations were promising for men failing PDE5 inhibitors. Notes that while centrally acting agents had potential, none reached widespread clinical adoption for ED at the time of writing—providing historical context for bremelanotide's eventual approval in women.

Abstract

Several centrally acting agents have shown potential to improve erectile function in men with ED. They still lack adequate data in efficacy and tolerability. Nasal formulations of apomorphine and bremelanotide seem to be the most likely candidates for future approval. They may play a role, specifically in men who fail phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) therapy, are unable to take PDE5 inhibitors because of side effects, or are on nitrate therapy. This article reviews the centrally acting agents and the data on their efficacy.

Authors

Kumar, Rajeev; Nehra, Ajay