Move Over, Viagra

Uprima is on the way, researchers say.

Uprima is the brand name for the drug apomorphine, a new type of anti-impotence drug, reports CBS News Health Correspondent Dr. Emily Senay. The medication targets the center of the nervous system -- the brain -- instead of the localized nerves in the groin, like Viagra does.

The drug has shown promising results in early trials on elderly men and men with high blood pressure who suffer from erectile dysfunction.

Uprima helps send electrical impulses that trigger sexual arousal. The impulses travel from the brain, through the spinal cord and finally to the groin, which in turn increases blood flow to the penis. The drug is taken as a tablet that dissolves when placed under the tongue. It takes effect in 15 to 20 minutes.

Reports from men and their partners who've used the drug have been encouraging so far. It looks promising as a viable alternative to Viagra for the estimated 30 million men in this country who suffer from erectile dysfunction.

While no major side effects have been reported, some of the men who took part in the initial studies said they had mild to moderate nausea when they took the drug.

The drug has been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for review. More studies need to be ongoing before it is approved.

The company hopes it will be on the market by mid-2000.

Reported By Dr. Emily Senay