Trimix (drug)

Medical use

Available forms

Trimix is available in several different formulations, including a gel that can be used topically, a gel that can be administered into the urethra, and an injectable form that is administered via intracavernosal injection (an injection at either side, not the base, of the penis).

Adverse effects

Adverse effects from injecting Trimix may include pain, fibrosis, hematoma, and priapism (a prolonged erection of the penis).

Pharmacology

Trimix is a combination of three drugs: alprostadil, papaverine, and phentolamine. These medications work in combination to increase blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection. Alprostadil is a prostaglandin vasodilator that allows more blood to flow into the area by relaxing the smooth muscle in the blood vessels of the penis. Papaverine is a smooth muscle relaxant that acts by increasing blood flow to the penis. Phentolamine is an alpha blocker that relaxes blood vessel muscles, allowing more blood to flow to the penis.

Society and culture

Availability

While the active drugs in Trimix have all been individually approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Trimix as a combination drug has not been approved by the FDA and is only available from compounding pharmacies. Trimix is typically prepared by the compounding pharmacy in a sterile environment and then frozen. The compound is stable for up to six months while stored frozen and for one month if stored refrigerated beginning at the time of manufacture.

References

References

1. (June 2023). "Current status of intracavernosal injection therapy in erectile dysfunction". Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy.
2. (May 2008). "Studies with Trimix gel in men who failed phosphodiesterase inhibitors". [[Journal of Urology]].
3. (June 2019). "Erectile dysfunction: a global review of intracavernosal injectables". World Journal of Urology.
4. (2005). "A prospective randomized study to optimize the dosage of trimix ingredients and compare its efficacy and safety with prostaglandin E1". International Journal of Impotence Research.
5. (August 2003). "Preference for oral sildenafil or intracavernosal injection in patients with erectile dysfunction already using intracavernosal injection for > 1 year". BJU International.
6. (March 2004). "Treatment program for erectile dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular diseases". The American Journal of Cardiology.
7. (18 July 2022). "StatPearls". StatPearls Publishing.
8. (February 1995). "Papaverine topical gel for treatment of erectile dysfunction". The Journal of Urology.
9. (2004). "Intracavernous pharmacotherapy for erectile dysfunction". Endocrine.
10. (28 January 2022). "What to Know About Trimix Injections for Erectile Dysfunction".
11. "Alprostadil / Papaverine / Phentolamine 20mcg-30mg-1mg/ml Injection Solution (Tri-Mix) {{!}} Formulas {{!}} My Dashboard". Bayview Pharmacy.
12. (2004). "Long-term stability of trimix: a three-drug injection used to treat erectile dysfunction". International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding.