Pharmacology of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors.

Article Details

Citation

Copy to clipboard

Carrier S

Pharmacology of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors.

Can J Urol. 2003 Feb;10 Suppl 1:12-6.

PubMed ID

12625845 [ View in PubMed

]

Abstract

The phosphodiesterase enzymes, of at least 11 types, are ubiquitous throughout the body, and perform a variety of functions. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) is the predominant enzyme in the corpus cavernosum, and plays a crucial role in penile erection. Inhibitors of PDE5 are the most effective oral agents in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil are all potent inhibitors of PDE5 and show the same mechanism of action, although they have some pharmacological differences that may translate into varying clinical effects.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Vardenafil	cGMP-specific 3',5'-cyclic phosphodiesterase	Protein	Humans	Yes	Inhibitor	Details