Erectile Dysfunction Medications
- What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
- What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
- How Is Erectile Dysfunction Treated?
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What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), also referred to as impotence, is the inability to attain or maintain an erection sufficient for successful sexual activity. Normally, an erection occurs when the arteries carrying blood to the penis widen, allowing more blood to flow in, and the veins carrying blood away from the penis are compressed, restricting blood from flowing out. In other words, more blood flows in and less flows out, making the penis larger and causing an erection. Certain nerves and hormones in the body also play a role in initiating and maintaining an erection. Any abnormality involving these systems, whether due to medication or disease, has a significant effect on the ability to develop and sustain an erection, to ejaculate, and to experience orgasm.
Next: What Causes Erectile Dysfunction? »
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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.
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Erectile Dysfunction Medications
Nonsurgical Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction »
Exploring Your Treatment Options
Virtually any man who wishes to have an erection can obtain it, regardless of the underlying cause of his problem.
Many reasonable nonsurgical treatment options exist for erectile dysfunction (also called male impotence), including external vacuum devices, medications (oral and topical), hormonal therapy, penile injection therapy, and intraurethral pellet therapy. Sex counseling is another option and is discussed in Living With Erectile Dysfunction.
In selected cases and under the supervision of an experienced urologist who treats erectile dysfunction, therapy combining several of these methods can be used. If none of these therapies is satisfactory, surgical treatment, such as a penile prosthesis, can be considered.
External Vacuum Devices
Specially designed vacuum devices to produce erections have been used successfully for many years. Vacuum devices are safe, relatively inexpensive, and reliable....
Read the Nonsurgical Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction article »
Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine
Erectile Dysfuncton »
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