Topical vasoactive cream in the treatment of erectile failure: a prospective, randomized placebo-controlled trial

The gel, called MED3000, will be sold under the brand name Erexon.

• The safety profile of topical ED creams is generally favorable when used as directed.
• They don't typically interfere with other medications when properly used.
• Some formulations may last longer, providing up to an hour of effectiveness.
• Use of lubricants can improve application and comfort.
• Always discard expired creams and follow disposal guidelines.

Directions say to rub a pea-size amount onto the head of the penis for 15 second before sex and suggest it should work within 10 minutes. The gel does not contain any drugs, instead it has ingredients like alcohol, glycerin, and carbomer and works locally by offering a rapid cooling sensation. Even the principal investigator on MED3000’s clinical trials is not quite sure why this works but he told the Washington Post that “it seems to generate enough sensitivity to cause an erection.” Futura, the gel’s manufacturer, has said that by the end of one clinical trial (which only included 96 men), 85 percent of participants who used MED3000 said they felt sex could be spontaneous at least some of the time.

• Topical ED treatments are often used in conjunction with psychological therapy.
• Discontinued if adverse reactions like blistering or swelling occur.
• They are sometimes combined with other supportive therapies for better results.
• Always follow dosing instructions given by healthcare professionals.
• The onset of action is usually faster than oral medications.

The product also worked faster than PDE5 drug. Futura admitted, however, that the oral medications worked better. The company has not released the full clinical trial data citing concerns about competition.

• Creams for ED can provide an alternative for those unable to take pills.
• Common ingredients include alprostadil, papaverine, or phentolamine.
• These agents dilate blood vessels to facilitate erection.
• Side effects can include local burning, redness, or pain.
• Not suitable for individuals with certain allergies or penile conditions.

It’s not known when the product will hit shelves in the U.S. though some industry analysts say it could be as late as 2025.

Other ED Treatments

In this newsletter, we will discuss existing evidence for the use of topically administered treatments, for the management of ED. Alprostadil is available in the United States as an injectable for ED as well as an intraurethral suppository, but in other countries, there are alternatives such as intraurethral alprostadil. Vitaros is an intraurethral cream available in some European countries as well as Canada. It is 3mg/g alprostadil and is packaged in single dose syringes carrying 100mg of cream, equivalent to 300mcg alprostadil. Phase II and III trials demonstrated up to 83% efficacy with this product with only 3% of the treated population reporting systemic adverse effects.3 In addition to intraurethral administration, some studies have also evaluated topical/transdermal use.

Most Asked Questions

One study of alprostadil 1% had patients apply 0.25ml of alprostadil 1% or placebo gel to the glans penis. The study reported better responses to the alprostadil treatment at all timepoints, with greatest differences noted at 45 and 60 minutes after application. The study noted that of the tested patients 38.9% in the treatment group and 6.9% in the placebo group achieved an erection deemed sufficient for penetration.4 Some studies have also evaluated papaverine HCl for transdermal use. One study of drug release of papaverine HCl in a gel vehicle found an alcohol-containing penetration enhancer resulted in drug penetration both in vitro and in vivo in rabbits. The study suggested that their results supported the use of penetration enhancer to deliver papaverine HCl transdermally.5 Another study evaluated 15% and 20% papaverine HCl gel applied to the scrotum, perineum, and penis.

Key Takeaways

Patient response was evaluated 45 minutes after treatment. The treatment was well tolerated and papaverine HCl was minimally systemically absorbed, the researchers hypothesized that effects seen, mainly increase in duration of erection compared to placebo, were a result of local rather than systemic absorption.6 Phentolamine mesylate, while sometimes included in transdermal erectile dysfunction combination products, has not currently been studied in well controlled trials for its potentially efficacy via the transdermal route. Sildenafil is a PDE5 Inhibitor commercially available for oral use for ED, but there is some information to suggest that it may be efficacious transdermally as well. One placebo-controlled study compared sildenafil 1% gel to sildenafil 100mg tablets. The topical lovegra women gel group applied 0.5g of sildenafil 1% gel to the glans of the penis approximately 5 minutes before sexual activity and the tablet group took a 100mg tablet 1 hour before sexual activity. We also don’t know what the price will be here, but the best erection pills gel is already available in the UK where a four pack costs £24.99 (or about $31.00). Skip to main content 20% OFF $50+ sitewide* with code MAY20 Get $10 in rewards* on $50+ in store or online thru 5/30 BOGO 50% OFF select same-brand skin & sun care Account Menu Account Sign in Create an account Your Account Walgreens Cash Rewards Prescription Refills & Status Vaccination Records Order Status & History Buy It Again Sign in Create an account Account Back Account Your Account Walgreens Cash Rewards Prescription Refills & Status Vaccination Records Order Status & History Buy It Again Close main menu Pharmacy Back Pharmacy Home Prescriptions Back Prescriptions Refills Orders Records Transfer Rx to Walgreens Request new Rx Auto Refills Drug info Close main menu Contact Lenses Back Contact Lenses Reorder Contact Lenses Shop All Contact Lenses Solutions, Drops & Cases Eye Health Supplements Shop Contact Lenses Close main menu More Services Back More Services Pharmacy Chat Refill with Rx Number Mail Service Pharmacy Specialty Pharmacy Easy Rx Delivery Medication Compounding Nebulizer Services Rx Savings Finder Close main menu Settings Back Settings Emails & Notifications ExpressPay Make a Payment Family Prescriptions Insurance Cap Preference Label Preferences Health History Your Account Close main menu Close main menu Health Services Back Health Services Explore all Health Services Vaccinations Test for COVID-19 & Flu Treatment for COVID-19 & Flu Online Doctor Visit Weight Management In-person Care MyWalgreens Health Access™ Find Rx Coverage Clinical Trials Health Articles Close main menu Shop Back Shop Shop All FIFA World Cup 2026 Summer Essentials Allergy & Sinus Grocery & Beverages Beauty Personal Care Contact Lenses Household & Pet Essentials Medicines & Treatments Sexual Wellness Vitamins & Supplements Baby & Kids Toys, Games & Books Home Health Care Solutions Walgreens Brand Fitness & Nutrition Party Supplies Gift Cards Incontinence First Aid Online Clearance Sale Shop by Brand Buy Again Close main menu Savings Back Savings Coupons Clearance Weekly Ad myWalgreens® Close main menu Photo Back Photo Photo Home Your Photos Upload Photos Prints Photo Books Cards & Stationery Calendars Posters Canvas & Décor Gifts and More Passport Photos Deals All Photo Products Close main menu Financial Services Back Financial Services Financial Services Home Gift Cards Corporate and Bulk Gift Cards myWalgreens® Credit Card Scarlet® Bank Account Reloadable Debit Cards Western Union Close main menu Weekly Ad Vaccinations Español Account Menu Account Sign in Create an account Your Account Walgreens Cash Rewards Prescription Refills & Status Vaccination Records Order Status & History Buy It Again Español Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common patient concern, and its prevalence is strongly associated with age. Data from the US National Heath and Nutrition Examination Survey suggests that 8.2% of men between ages 40-49 years and 77.5% of men greater than 75 years old suffer from erectile dysfunction.1 The prevalence of ED was also associated with other conditions such as diabetes mellitus, smoking, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and obesity.1 ED is most commonly managed with prescription phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors used orally such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil.1 Commercially available injectables for ED such as alprostadil or phentolamine mesylate injections are also sometimes used. Compounded options for ED often include combination injectable products such as phentolamine mesylate/papaverine HCl/alprostadil combinations, commonly referred to as “Tri-mix”. Tri-mix injections can be associated with serious side effects.

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Cialis Soft Tabs	20mg	120 + 6 Pills	248.64€ 236.80€	Buy
Kamagra Gold	50 mg	12 Pills	47.30€ 45.05€	Buy
Apcalis SX Oral Jelly	20mg	10 Sachets	58.75€ 55.95€	Buy
Levitra Soft Tabs	20mg	60 + 4 Pills	178.40€ 169.90€	Buy
Levitra Generic	60mg	90 + 6 Pills	291.82€ 277.92€	Buy
Cialis Generic	10mg	30 + 4 Pills	63.32€ 60.30€	Buy
Cialis Black	80mg	30 + 2 Pills	89.11€ 84.87€	Buy
Super Kamagra	160 mg	12 Pills	101.10€ 96.29€	Buy
Tadalista Super Active	20mg	90 + 10 Pills	314.14€ 299.18€	Buy
Kamagra Soft Tabs	100mg	180 + 8 Pills	425.45€ 405.19€	Buy
Viagra Original	100mg	76 + 4 Pills	306.59€ 291.99€	Buy
Levitra Generic	10mg	30 + 4 Pills	62.39€ 59.42€	Buy
Cialis Generic	60mg	120 + 8 Pills	240.18€ 228.74€	Buy
Levitra Original	20mg	14 + 2 Pills	102.27€ 97.40€	Buy
Kamagra 100 mg	100 mg	20 Pills	86.09€ 81.99€	Buy

One study evaluating trimix use and reasons for dropout in 189 patients noted that 30% of patients discontinued Tri-mix due to lack of efficacy, 5.2% experienced fibrosis or scarring, and 3.7% reported priapism.2 While Tri-mix works well for many patients, adverse effects make this route inappropriate for some patients creating a need for alternatives. In this newsletter, we will discuss existing evidence for the use of topically administered treatments, for the management of ED. Alprostadil is available in the United States as an injectable for ED as well as an intraurethral suppository, but in other countries, there are alternatives such as intraurethral alprostadil. Vitaros is an intraurethral cream available in some European countries as well as Canada. It is 3mg/g alprostadil and is packaged in single dose syringes carrying 100mg of cream, equivalent to 300mcg alprostadil. Phase II and III trials demonstrated up to 83% efficacy with this product with only 3% of the treated population reporting systemic adverse effects.3 In addition to intraurethral administration, some studies have also evaluated topical/transdermal use. One study of alprostadil 1% had patients apply 0.25ml of alprostadil 1% or placebo gel to the glans penis. The study reported better responses to the alprostadil treatment at all timepoints, with greatest differences noted at 45 and 60 minutes after application.

• Topical creams offer a non-invasive approach compared to injections or surgery.
• They can be used on demand or as part of a scheduled treatment plan.
• Compatibility with condoms and lubricants should be verified to avoid degradation.
• Some creams may need to be applied 15-30 minutes before intimacy.
• Monitoring for side effects ensures safe and effective treatment.

The study noted that of the tested patients 38.9% in the treatment group and 6.9% in the placebo group achieved an erection deemed sufficient for penetration.4 Some studies have also evaluated papaverine HCl for transdermal use. One study of drug release of papaverine HCl in a gel vehicle found an alcohol-containing penetration enhancer resulted in drug penetration both in vitro and in vivo in rabbits. The study suggested that their results supported the use of penetration enhancer to deliver papaverine HCl transdermally.5 Another study evaluated 15% and 20% papaverine HCl gel applied to the scrotum, perineum, and penis.

Erectile Dysfunction Cream

In the gel group, 25% of patients achieved complete or moderate erections compared to 75% of the tablet group. Though oral tablets demonstrated increased likelihood of complete or moderate erection, both groups did see benefit and onset of erection in the patients who applied sildenafil gel was 7.4 ±3.6 minutes, but was 37.8 ± 14.9 minutes in the group who used oral tablets.7 Though there aren’t many other studies on sildenafil cream topical for erectile dysfunction, other studies for conditions such as Raynaud’s have demonstrated benefit and increased blood flow as a result of local administration of sildenafil 5% cream, further suggesting that sildenafil may be absorbed from topical administration.8 Though currently information regarding other in vivo studies on other PDE5 inhibitors topically for erectile dysfunction are not available, some studies have found benefit for tadalafil used topically for Raynaud’s, suggesting transdermal penetration and potential local efficacy.9 Future studies are needed to confirm the potential of tadalafil as a topical treatment for erectile dysfunction. Other active ingredients used transdermally to increase blood flow are sometimes also considered for combination topical ED mediations. Arginine, sometimes used at 3-6% in female sexual dysfunction creams, was found in a study of diabetic patients to improve blood flow. These patients applied transdermal arginine 12.5% cream to the feet and noted improved blood flow with a doppler flow meter and with an infrared thermometer 30 minutes after application.10 Despite this promising information, not enough data yet exists to suggest that arginine transdermal is appropriate for the management of ED.

A quick look at the best erectile dysfunction topical cream alternatives

Though there is limited information to support transdermal application of medication for ED, some data exists to suggest efficacy. The transdermal route could be considered for patients who prefer not to use oral or injectable medications. Check out the Fagron Academy site for related formulas. If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to Fagron Academy Technical Support Services! Relationship between age and erectile dysfunction diagnosis or treatment using real-world observational data in the United States.

Consulting a Healthcare Professional

Patient response was evaluated 45 minutes after treatment. The treatment was well tolerated and papaverine HCl was minimally systemically absorbed, the researchers hypothesized that effects seen, mainly increase in duration of erection compared to placebo, were a result of local rather than systemic absorption.6 Phentolamine mesylate, while sometimes included in transdermal erectile dysfunction combination products, has not currently been studied in well controlled trials for its potentially efficacy via the transdermal route.

Other Topical Agents: Papaverine, Verapamil, and More

Topical Alprostadil Cream

Sildenafil is a PDE5 Inhibitor commercially available for oral use for ED, but there is some information to suggest that it may be efficacious transdermally as well. One placebo-controlled study compared sildenafil 1% gel to sildenafil 100mg tablets.

LinkOut - more resources

The gel, called MED3000, will be sold under the brand name Erexon. Directions say to rub a pea-size amount onto the head of the penis for 15 second before sex and suggest it should work within 10 minutes. The gel does not contain any drugs, instead it has ingredients like alcohol, glycerin, and carbomer and works locally by offering a rapid cooling sensation. Even the principal investigator on MED3000’s clinical trials is not quite sure why this works but he told the Washington Post that “it seems to generate enough sensitivity to cause an erection.” Futura, the gel’s manufacturer, has said that by the end of one clinical trial (which only included 96 men), 85 percent of participants who used MED3000 said they felt sex could be spontaneous at least some of the time. The product also worked faster than PDE5 drug.

Price range for Alprostadil cream in India

Futura admitted, however, that the oral medications worked better. The company has not released the full clinical trial data citing concerns about competition. It’s not known when the product will hit shelves in the U.S. though some industry analysts say it could be as late as 2025. We also don’t know what the price will be here, but the best erection pills gel is already available in the UK where a four pack costs £24.99 (or about $31.00).

Is there any ointment for erectile dysfunction?

Skip to main content 20% OFF $50+ sitewide* with code MAY20 Get $10 in rewards* on $50+ in store or online thru 5/30 BOGO 50% OFF select same-brand skin & sun care Account Menu Account Sign in Create an account Your Account Walgreens Cash Rewards Prescription Refills & Status Vaccination Records Order Status & History Buy It Again Sign in Create an account Account Back Account Your Account Walgreens Cash Rewards Prescription Refills & Status Vaccination Records Order Status & History Buy It Again Close main menu Pharmacy Back Pharmacy Home Prescriptions Back Prescriptions Refills Orders Records Transfer Rx to Walgreens Request new Rx Auto Refills Drug info Close main menu Contact Lenses Back Contact Lenses Reorder Contact Lenses Shop All Contact Lenses Solutions, Drops & Cases Eye Health Supplements Shop Contact Lenses Close main menu More Services Back More Services Pharmacy Chat Refill with Rx Number Mail Service Pharmacy Specialty Pharmacy Easy Rx Delivery Medication Compounding Nebulizer Services Rx Savings Finder Close main menu Settings Back Settings Emails & Notifications ExpressPay Make a Payment Family Prescriptions Insurance Cap Preference Label Preferences Health History Your Account Close main menu Close main menu Health Services Back Health Services Explore all Health Services Vaccinations Test for COVID-19 & Flu Treatment for COVID-19 & Flu Online Doctor Visit Weight Management In-person Care MyWalgreens Health Access™ Find Rx Coverage Clinical Trials Health Articles Close main menu Shop Back Shop Shop All FIFA World Cup 2026 Summer Essentials Allergy & Sinus Grocery & Beverages Beauty Personal Care Contact Lenses Household & Pet Essentials Medicines & Treatments Sexual Wellness Vitamins & Supplements Baby & Kids Toys, Games & Books Home Health Care Solutions Walgreens Brand Fitness & Nutrition Party Supplies Gift Cards Incontinence First Aid Online Clearance Sale Shop by Brand Buy Again Close main menu Savings Back Savings Coupons Clearance Weekly Ad myWalgreens® Close main menu Photo Back Photo Photo Home Your Photos Upload Photos Prints Photo Books Cards & Stationery Calendars Posters Canvas & Décor Gifts and More Passport Photos Deals All Photo Products Close main menu Financial Services Back Financial Services Financial Services Home Gift Cards Corporate and Bulk Gift Cards myWalgreens® Credit Card Scarlet® Bank Account Reloadable Debit Cards Western Union Close main menu Weekly Ad Vaccinations Español Account Menu Account Sign in Create an account Your Account Walgreens Cash Rewards Prescription Refills & Status Vaccination Records Order Status & History Buy It Again Español Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common patient concern, and its prevalence is strongly associated with age. Data from the US National Heath and Nutrition Examination Survey suggests that 8.2% of men between ages 40-49 years and 77.5% of men greater than 75 years old suffer from erectile dysfunction.1 The prevalence of ED was also associated with other conditions such as diabetes mellitus, smoking, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and obesity.1 ED is most commonly managed with prescription phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors used orally such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil.1 Commercially available injectables for ED such as alprostadil or phentolamine mesylate injections are also sometimes used. Compounded options for ED often include combination injectable products such as phentolamine mesylate/papaverine HCl/alprostadil combinations, commonly referred to as “Tri-mix”. Tri-mix injections can be associated with serious side effects. One study evaluating trimix use and reasons for dropout in 189 patients noted that 30% of patients discontinued Tri-mix due to lack of efficacy, 5.2% experienced fibrosis or scarring, and 3.7% reported priapism.2 While Tri-mix works well for many patients, adverse effects make this route inappropriate for some patients creating a need for alternatives. The topical lovegra women gel group applied 0.5g of sildenafil 1% gel to the glans of the penis approximately 5 minutes before sexual activity and the tablet group took a 100mg tablet 1 hour before sexual activity.

Ingredient	Function	Typical Use	Safety Profile
L-arginine	Boosts nitric oxide production	Enhances blood flow	Generally safe, few side effects
Yohimbine	Vasodilator	Improves erectile response	Potential for increased heart rate
Ginseng Extract	Reduces fatigue and improves libido	Libido enhancement	May cause insomnia
Maca Root	Increases stamina and energy	Sexual performance support	Allergic reactions possible
DHEA	Hormonal precursor	Supports hormonal balance	Should be used with caution
Capsaicin	Sensory nerve stimulation	Temporary sensation boost	Skin irritation risk

In the gel group, 25% of patients achieved complete or moderate erections compared to 75% of the tablet group. Though oral tablets demonstrated increased likelihood of complete or moderate erection, both groups did see benefit and onset of erection in the patients who applied sildenafil gel was 7.4 ±3.6 minutes, but was 37.8 ± 14.9 minutes in the group who used oral tablets.7 Though there aren’t many other studies on sildenafil cream topical for erectile dysfunction, other studies for conditions such as Raynaud’s have demonstrated benefit and increased blood flow as a result of local administration of sildenafil 5% cream, further suggesting that sildenafil may be absorbed from topical administration.8 Though currently information regarding other in vivo studies on other PDE5 inhibitors topically for erectile dysfunction are not available, some studies have found benefit for tadalafil used topically for Raynaud’s, suggesting transdermal penetration and potential local efficacy.9 Future studies are needed to confirm the potential of tadalafil as a topical treatment for erectile dysfunction. Other active ingredients used transdermally to increase blood flow are sometimes also considered for combination topical ED mediations. Arginine, sometimes used at 3-6% in female sexual dysfunction creams, was found in a study of diabetic patients to improve blood flow. These patients applied transdermal arginine 12.5% cream to the feet and noted improved blood flow with a doppler flow meter and with an infrared thermometer 30 minutes after application.10 Despite this promising information, not enough data yet exists to suggest that arginine transdermal is appropriate for the management of ED. Though there is limited information to support transdermal application of medication for ED, some data exists to suggest efficacy. The transdermal route could be considered for patients who prefer not to use oral or injectable medications. Check out the Fagron Academy site for related formulas.

Study Title	Sample Size	Key Findings	Publication Year	Conclusion
Effects of Topical Vasodilators on ED	120 men	Significant improvement in erectile function	2020	Topical creams can be effective
Ginseng-based Cream for ED	80 participants	Improved libido and erectile response	2019	Ginseng creams show promise
Safety of ED Topical Agents	150 men	Few side effects reported	2021	Generally safe with proper use
Comparative Study of Creams	100 men	L-arginine had the best efficacy	2018	Efficacy varies by ingredient

If you have further questions, feel free to reach out to Fagron Academy Technical Support Services! Relationship between age and erectile dysfunction diagnosis or treatment using real-world observational data in the United States.