Priapism is a prolonged and painful erection.
- A major but rare side effects of Caverject therapy
- Priapism lasting more than 12 hours can be associated with irreversible damage to the penis
- Risk minimised by using low doses for those with neurogenic or psychogenic impotence
Management steps:
- At 2 hours, the patient should take 120mg of sudafed ( 2 x 60mg tablets; not sustained release sudafed ).
- Advise the patient to:
- walk around ( up & down stairs is good )
- avoid further sexual stimulation ( ejaculation doesn't help )
- empty the bladder
- take a hot shower
- If priapism persists at 4 hours, the patient should take another 120mg of sudafed & continue above measures.
- If priapism persists at 6 hours, the patient should be referred to the A&E.
- the penis will be aspirated & he may receive alpha - agonists
