A randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled comparative clinical trial of arginine aspartate plus adenosine monophosphate for the intermittent treatment of male erectile dysfunction

Andrology. 2013 Mar;1(2):223-8. doi: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2012.00046.x. Epub 2012 Dec 26.

Abstract

Efficacy and safety of l-arginine aspartate 8 g combined with 200 mg of adenosine monophosphate (AA) with placebo (PL) alone for intermittent treatment of mild-to-moderate erectile dysfunction (ED) were compared. The study design was a double-blind, PL-controlled, two-way crossover randomized clinical trial with 26 patients. Efficacy was assessed by International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and two additional validated questionnaires [the Erection Hardness Score (EHS) and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS). During each crossover period, separated by a 2-week wash-out period, drugs were administered orally, 1-2 h before sexual intercourse. Primary endpoint was a change in the IIEF. Secondary endpoints were patient and investigator assessments of treatment success. Investigators' and patients' assessment of efficacy was significantly improved by the combination vs. PL (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04 respectively]. EHS and EDITS questionnaires were both improved by the combination (p = 0.015 and p = 0.017 respectively). There was no significant difference in terms of tolerance between AA and PL or severe adverse events. ED patients demonstrated significant improvements in all IIEF domains with the exception of the Sexual Desire and Orgasmic Domains when treated with AA compared with PL. This pilot phase II study showed that the on-demand oral administration at a high dosage of l-arginine aspartate-adenosine monophosphate combination may be effective in patients with mild-to-moderate ED, is very well tolerated and could be tested as a safe first-line therapy in a larger size phase III study.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Monophosphate / adverse effects
  • Adenosine Monophosphate / therapeutic use*
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arginine / adverse effects
  • Arginine / therapeutic use*
  • Aspartic Acid / adverse effects
  • Aspartic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Coitus
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Erectile Dysfunction / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Libido / drug effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Placebos
  • Sexual Behavior / drug effects
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Placebos
  • Aspartic Acid
  • Adenosine Monophosphate
  • Arginine
  • arginine aspartate