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Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards. Alprostadil (Injectable and Transurethral) ( Updated 8/3/2021. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. At Cleveland Clinic, we offer specialty care that’s focused on you.

Storage Condition	Temperature Range	Shelf Life	Precautions	Disposal Method
Cool, dry place	15°C to 25°C	2-3 years	Keep out of reach of children, avoid heat	Dispose of unused gel in approved containers
Avoid exposure to sunlight	Room temperature		Store in original container	Do not flush down toilets or drains
Keep sealed after opening			Do not freeze	Follow local disposal regulations

Be ready for sex whenever you're in the mood You may know it as the “little blue pill,” but have you heard of “Viagra gel” or “topical Viagra?” Scrolling through online forums for erectile dysfunction (ED), you may have seen discussions about a so-called sildenafil medicine for erectile dysfunction gel or sildenafil cream referring to the active ingredient in Viagra®, one of the most popular medications for ED. You massage these products onto the head of your penis and boom — you’re meant to get an erection soon after.

• Ed gels are favored for their quick action and ease of use.
• They are sometimes used in cosmetic procedures to numb skin before injections.
• Ed gels can be part of trauma kits for instant pain management.
• They are not a substitute for professional dental or medical care.
• Proper disposal of unused ed gel is important to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Ed gels should be stored away from heat to maintain effectiveness.
• Using too much ed gel can lead to systemic absorption and toxicity.
• Always consult a healthcare provider before using ed gels on infants or vulnerable groups.

Sildenafil isn’t available as a topical gel.

Type	Main Ingredients	Duration of Effect	Suitable For
Analgesic Gel	Lidocaine, Prilocaine	1-2 hours	Pain relief
Anti-inflammatory Gel	Diclofenac, Ibuprofen	4-6 hours	Muscle soreness, inflammation
Antiseptic Gel	Chlorhexidine, Hydrogen Peroxide	2-3 hours	Infection prevention
Cooling Gel	Menthol, Aloe Vera	30 minutes - 1 hour	Soothing after exercise

One such product available over the counter (OTC) is Eroxon® StimGel, an ED gel inaccurately dubbed “topical Viagra.” Despite the moniker, Eroxon doesn’t contain sildenafil citrate — neither do any of the other erection gels and topicals commonly mislabeled as “Viagra gel.” While there are a few studies on OTC erectile dysfunction gels as potential treatments for ED, there’s currently not enough research to confirm they work as well as FDA-approved prescription ED drugs. If you’re one of the millions of men who experience erectile dysfunction, it’s good to know your options. Let’s talk about sildenafil gel for ED and other potential treatments. Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is in a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

What do Sildenafil 50mg Tablets contain?

Alprostadil is a type of vasodilator that healthcare providers most commonly prescribe to treat erectile dysfunction (ED or impotence). Vasodilators help increase blood flow through the blood vessels (arteries) by relaxing their walls and making them wider. Alprostadil is identical to a naturally occurring substance in your body that helps keep the blood vessels open. You shouldn’t use alprostadil if you don’t have ED. It’s also unsafe to take more than your healthcare provider recommends.

Authors and Affiliations

Improper use of alprostadil could cause permanent damage to your penis that prevents you from getting erections. Healthcare providers usually prescribe alprostadil to help treat ED by increasing blood flow inside your penis, which helps you maintain an erection. You might take alprostadil if pills to treat ED don’t work or cause side effects. This medication is considered the next step up in therapy. Before taking alprostadil, tell your doctor if you: Have had an allergic reaction to alprostadil.

Where to Buy

Have allergies to foods, preservatives or dyes. Are taking any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including herbal or dietary supplements. Have a history of painful, long-lasting erections (priapism). Have any medical conditions, including congenital conditions (abnormalities since birth) that affect your penis, severe curvature when you have an erection (Peyronie’s disease), a penile infection or a condition that slows down your blood flow (such as leukemia, multiple myeloma, polycythemia vera, sickle cell disease or essential thrombocythemia). You may inject alprostadil by itself or as a mix with other medications to increase its effectiveness. These medications block the enzyme PDE5, which helps widen blood vessels to improve blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and maintain an erection. When it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998, sildenafil was the first oral medication available specifically for treating erectile dysfunction. You need a prescription to buy and use sildenafil.

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Viagra Generic	25mg	10 Pills	25.19€ 23.99€	Buy
Kamagra Soft Tabs	100mg	60 + 4 Pills	180.59€ 171.99€	Buy
Kamagra Polo	100mg	32 Pills	125.88€ 119.89€	Buy
Cialis Generic	2.5mg	10 Pills	28.51€ 27.15€	Buy
Viagra Generic	50mg	10 Pills	26.87€ 25.59€	Buy
Cialis Original	20mg	8 Pills	61.70€ 58.76€	Buy
Viagra Original	100mg	4 Pills	40.94€ 38.99€	Buy
Levitra Generic	10mg	10 Pills	28.93€ 27.55€	Buy
Levitra Professional	20mg	90 + 2 Pills	304.49€ 289.99€	Buy
Kamagra Oral Jelly	100 mg	63 + 7 Sachets	224.18€ 213.50€	Buy
Levitra Generic	40mg	180 + 10 Pills	405.06€ 385.77€	Buy

Sildenafil is pretty effective and safe when used correctly. But contrary to internet rumors, it’s only available as a pill — not as a gel. Some studies have looked at the possibility of using a sildenafil gel for erectile dysfunction.

A New Approach to ED Treatment: Eroxon Stimgel

However, topical alprostadil doesn’t have United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. It isn’t available in the U.S. as of yet. It’s important that you follow your alprostadil directions carefully. You shouldn’t use injectable alprostadil more than two to three times per week.

2. Vitaros (Alprostadil Cream)

You should wait at least 24 hours between each time you use it. Avoid using transurethral alprostadil more than twice every 24 hours. You should be able to get an erection within five to 20 minutes of taking injectable alprostadil. Transurethral alprostadil should start to work within 10 minutes. Alprostadil isn’t a cure for erectile dysfunction.

What are the differences between Eroxon gel and PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction?

But when you use it correctly, it’s a safe, effective, long-term treatment for erectile dysfunction. Many people choose to use alprostadil for a long time. The primary benefit of alprostadil is that it helps you to get and maintain an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It causes an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse in about 80% of men. Very rarely, injectable alprostadil may also cause a penile infection. However, no manufacturers have actually pushed for it to be FDA-approved.

• Ed gels are topical anesthetics used to numb tissues before dental procedures.
• They often contain lidocaine or benzocaine as active ingredients.
• Ed gels are designed for quick application and fast numbness onset.
• They are available over-the-counter for pain relief in minor injuries.
• Ed gels can help reduce discomfort during injections for sensitive patients.
• Proper application involves applying a small amount onto the affected area.
• Overuse of ed gels may cause side effects like irritation or allergic reactions.
• Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging or prescribed by a professional.

Because of this, it’s currently not possible to buy a sildenafil-based ED gel in the U.S. Many people seem to confuse sildenafil gel with sildenafil jelly, which is taken orally and isn’t available in the United States. (Well, not unless you get it from a dodgy online shop — which we don’t suggest.) It may also be confused with AndroGel® and alprostadil cream — more on these below.

Benefit	Description	Evidence Level	Suitable For
Rapid Relief	Capsaicin, menthol provide quick cooling effect	Moderate	Muscle pain, inflammation
Localized Treatment	Direct application reduces systemic side effects	High	Local skin issues
Ease of Use	Gel format allows easy, non-messy application	High	All age groups
Versatility	Can be used for multiple conditions	Moderate	Arthritis, sports injuries

If you’re looking for a topical treatment for ED, Eroxon StimGel is a newer FDA-approved option. Made by the UK-based pharmaceutical company Futura Medical, it’s the first topical ED treatment legally available over the counter in the United States.

• Ed gels have a shelf life typically between 1-3 years depending on ingredients.
• They can be used before dental cleaning, cavity filling, or extractions.
• Ed gels are often used by athletes for quick pain relief on the field.
• They are available in various concentrations, stronger versions for dental clinics.
• Ed gels can sometimes be combined with medications for specific medical needs.
• They are generally well-tolerated but should be tested first if allergy-prone.
• Always perform a patch test if using a new ed gel to check for reactions.
• Certain formulations may contain preservatives that extend shelf life.

But while some news outlets have dubbed Eroxon “topical Viagra,” the medication isn’t a PDE5 inhibitor like Viagra.

Why do you get these symptoms?

You may even experience these feelings when you seek help from a healthcare provider. But ED is common, and providers are available to help you and make you as comfortable as possible with your questions and concerns. Ask a provider if alprostadil is the best treatment for you or if another medication is better. Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process. Instead of blocking the PDE5 enzyme, this erectile dysfunction gel physically cools and warms the penis, according to the manufacturer’s website.

General Education Requirements

Your erection should last between 30 minutes and an hour. You may continue to have an erection after you orgasm, but it should go away within an hour. Contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible if: You develop a painful curve when you have an erection. Your erection lasts longer than two hours. You have swelling or pain in your testicles, perineum or legs.

Eroxon® is easy to apply – by men and their partners

Veins in your legs start to swell. You develop flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills or nausea and vomiting. You develop scarring or hard areas on your penis. The alprostadil solution looks cloudy, is a different color or has debris. Go to the nearest emergency room if your erection lasts longer than four hours.

Eroxon® is appropriate for a wide range of patients

No, you shouldn’t combine alprostadil with other oral medications for ED. Taking alprostadil in combination with Viagra or other similar drugs may increase toxic effects. The most common complication includes a prolonged erection that lasts longer than four hours. Without proper treatment, it can cause permanent damage to your penile tissue. The average cost of alprostadil is over $500 for a 5-milliliter (teaspoon size) vial. This is thought to stimulate nerve endings and release nitric oxide to encourage better blood flow to the area. In a 12-week clinical trial of 250 men published on the manufacturer’s website, more than 60 percent saw improvement in ED symptoms, with some men getting erections within 10 minutes.

Rights and permissions

The cost per dose depends on how much you need to inject, which varies from person to person. The lower the volume that you need to inject, the more doses per vial you’ll get, which makes it cheaper per dose. The cost of alprostadil may also depend on: The pharmacy where you pick up your prescription. Alprostadil can help treat erectile dysfunction and improve your sex life. ED can cause a lot of different feelings — frustration, embarrassment, shame and even humiliation. A fast-acting formula might sound appealing, given that Viagra takes around 30 minutes. However, there are some interesting factors to consider: Eroxon was the “placebo” in its first clinical trial. In the 12-week clinical trial, Eroxon was actually the “placebo.” The active drug consisted of nitroglycerin, a vasodilator.

• The scale of his necrophilia and transvestism was unprecedented.
• Gein's actions were driven by a distorted desire for maternal connection.
• He saw the creation of artifacts from skin as a form of preservation.
• His behavior represents a extreme break from reality and social norms.

During the trial, researchers found that Eroxon (the placebo) performed almost as well as the active drug. Eroxon was the “placebo” in its first clinical trial.

What are Avarante 10mg Tablets

Names for the alprostadil mix may include Bimix, Trimix and Quadmix. As a single ingredient, alprostadil comes in powder form. You must mix it with a liquid before you inject it into the side of the penis with a tiny needle. It’s important to know that there isn’t one set dose for alprostadil. You may need to gradually adjust the dosage according to how your body responds.

Most Asked Questions

It may take some time to find the right dose. If a healthcare provider prescribes injectable alprostadil, they’ll teach you how to use it. You inject alprostadil into the side of your penis. Transurethral alprostadil is a type of suppository. You insert a tiny tablet or pellet into your urethra (the tube in your penis through which pee comes out of your body).

How does Eroxon work?

It gradually breaks down inside your urethra and absorbs into your body. Studies show that transurethral alprostadil is less effective. There’s also a greater association with pain in your penis and burning. Topical alprostadil comes in the vigora spray form of a cream or gel. You apply it to the end of your penis before sexual intercourse. The FDA calls Eroxon a “non-medicated hydro-alcoholic gel.” It contains ethanol, carbomer, propylene, glycerine, and potassium hydroxide.