Abstract: Methods and compositions for inducing penile erections, sufficient for vaginal penetration, in a human male suffering from impotence are provided. Kits containing the compositions in containers for single dosage administration are provided.Compositions for treating impotence that is of psychogenic or neurogenic origin contain a neuropeptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide and/or peptide N-terminal histidine C-terminal methioneamide and are formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier that has a pH of about 2 to about 4.5, preferably between about 2 and about 3.5, and most preferably about 3. Compositions for treating impotence of almost origin, including severe atherosclerosis, contain a neuropeptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide and/or peptide N-terminal histidine C-terminal methioneamide, and an .alpha.-adrenergic blocker, such as phentolamine or prazosin.In practicing the methods, the composition is administered by intracavernosal injection accompanied by or followed by sexual stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for inducing penile erections, sufficient for vaginal penetration, in a human male suffering from impotence. When the impotence is substantially only neurogenic, psycogenic or neurogenic and psychogenic, a method of the invention comprises (A) administering to the male by intracavernosal injection peptide N-terminal histidine C-terminal methionineamide and (B) sexually stimulating the male. When the impotence is caused by severe atherosclerosis, a method of the invention comprises (A) administering to the male by intracavernosal injection an amount of a physiologically acceptable composition comprising (1) a neuropeptide selected from the group consisting of human vasoactive intestinal peptide and peptide N-terminal histidine C-terminal methionineamide and (2) an alpha-adrenergic blocker, such as phentolamine or prazosin, and (B) sexually stimulating the male.