Which of the following is true regarding priapism?
Priapism of the clitoris can occur in females.
It is successfully treated with trazodone6%It is associated with chlorpromazine use43%It is a common side effect of antipsychotic drugs9%It does not occur in females14%It is treated with oral alpha adrenergic antagonists29%
Priapism of the clitoris can occur in females.
Priapism
Priapism is the term given to a persistent and painful erection. This is usually in males but can also occur in the clitoris.
A number of drugs are known to causes this (albeit rarely). The main groups are the antipsychotics and antidepressants.
Alpha blockade is generally considered to be the main mechanism that causes priapism but other mechanisms such as one mediated by serotonin have been suggested. This is to account for drugs such as citalopram which have also been associated with priapism.
Those drugs most associated with priapism (and which therefore tend to be exam favourites) include:
- Trazodone
- Chlorpromazine
- Thioridazine
Treatment is via the use of alpha-adrenergic agonists, either as tablets or by injecting them into the penis! This is a serious condition and there is a case report in the literature of it leading to a man having his penis amputated! Thankfully it's very rare
