Tri-Mix is a prescription, compounded injectable medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), particularly in men who do not respond adequately to oral medications such as Viagra or Cialis. It is prepared by specialized compounding pharmacies and contains three active ingredients: alprostadil, papaverine, and phentolamine. These medications work together to relax penile smooth muscle and dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the penis and producing an erection that typically begins within 5 minutes of injection and lasts through climax.
How Does Tri-Mix Work?
Alprostadil: A prostaglandin vasodilator that relaxes smooth muscle and promotes increased arterial blood flow.
Papaverine: A smooth muscle relaxant that enhances blood circulation within the erectile tissue.
Phentolamine: An alpha-blocker that prevents blood vessel constriction, allowing greater blood inflow and improved erection quality.
Because Tri-Mix is custom-compounded, your healthcare provider will prescribe a formulation and dosage specifically tailored to your response and medical needs.
How to Use Tri-Mix Properly
Preparation:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and ensure the penis is clean before injection.
- Gather all supplies: Tri-Mix vial, syringe, alcohol wipes, and a sharps container.
- Store Tri-Mix in the refrigerator and protect it from light when not in use.
Drawing the Dose:
- Clean the vial’s rubber stopper with an alcohol pad.
- Draw air into the syringe equal to your prescribed dose, inject this air into the vial, then withdraw the correct amount of medication.
- Tap the syringe gently to remove any air bubbles.
Injection Technique:
- Sit or lie in a comfortable position.
- Grasp the head of the penis and gently pull it straight out toward your leg.
- Recommended injection sites are at the 10–2 o’clock or 3–9 o’clock positions along the shaft, avoiding the top (12 o’clock), bottom (6 o’clock), and any visible veins.
- Clean the injection site with an alcohol pad.
- Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle into the erectile tissue and inject slowly over about 4 seconds.
- Withdraw the needle and apply firm pressure for 1–3 minutes to prevent bleeding or bruising.
Dosage Guidelines:
- Typical starting doses are 10–20 units (0.1–0.2 mL), as directed by your provider.
- Increase gradually only as instructed, usually by 2–5 units per attempt, until the desired effect is achieved.
- Do not exceed your prescribed maximum dose (commonly 40–50 units).
- Do not use Tri-Mix more than three times per week, and allow at least 24 hours between injections.
Important Safety Tips:
- Never inject into the top, bottom, or visible veins of the penis.
- Alternate injection sides with each use to reduce tissue irritation.
- Return Tri-Mix to the refrigerator immediately after each use.
- Dispose of needles safely in a sharps container.
- Seek immediate medical attention if an erection lasts longer than 4 hours.
Potential Side Effects:
- Injection site pain or burning
- Bleeding or bruising
- Fibrosis or scarring with repeated use
- Priapism (prolonged erection)
Consultation and Training:
Your first Tri-Mix injection should be supervised by a healthcare professional to ensure proper technique and accurate dosing. Never self-inject without formal training and medical guidance.
Tri-Mix provides a highly effective treatment option for erectile dysfunction when oral therapies are ineffective. When used correctly and under medical supervision, it offers reliable results while maintaining a strong safety profile.