Vasomax (Phentolamine mesylate) is an oral Alpha adrenergic receptor blocker, indicated to treat erectile dysfunction.
Vasomax can help to alleviate sexual dysfunction symptoms such as impotence, and ejaculatory failures. Vasomax works by directly or indirectly addressing the blood flow to the genitalia via several different biologic pathways. Two physiological systems, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic, play a role in sexual response. Vasomax controls the erection process through the body's sympathetic system allowing blood to flow into the penis to form an erection.
Currently, there are existing drugs, as well as new products in development, that can take advantage of either system. However, the ability to control erectile performance via the body's sympathetic system can speed up the erection process. Alpha adrenergic blockers, such as Vasomax (phentolamine mesylate), can produce an effect in as little as 15 to 20 minutes.
Drugs that inhibit the enzyme phosphodiesterase, such as Viagra, generally require about one hour or more to take effect. In both cases, sexual stimulation is necessary for a normal response.
Clinical Trials in the US have been put on hold awaiting the results of a mechanistic study
of brown fat proliferation in rats. Schering-Plough has been given regulatory approval to market
the drug in Mexico and Brazil under the trade name Z-Max. Vasomax has been cleared for the go
ahead of clinical trials in the UK.