Cardiovascular Research

Vardenafil: a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-5 for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Authors: Thorsten Reffelmann|||Robert A Kloner

Affiliations: + Expand

Abstract

Vardenafil is a selective phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It was found to be effective in a high percentage of patients and a broad spectrum of underlying conditions. It potentiates the increase in intracellular cGMP in the corpora cavernosa in response to sexual stimuli, resulting in enhanced and prolonged erections. The overall tolerability and safety profile is acceptable, with headache, flushing, rhinitis and dyspepsia being the major reported side effects. Importantly, tolerability and safety in cardiovascular patients seems to be good with no significant increase in cardiovascular events that could be directly attributed to the pharmacologic agent. Only mild blood-pressure lowering effects were observed in healthy individuals, as well as hypertensive patients on multiple antihypertensive agents. However, special caution is mandatory if vardenafil is administered in combination with alpha-blockers, as significant hypotension might occur. Importantly, any drug serving as a nitric oxide donor is contraindicated in combination with vardenafil.

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Chemical List

Imidazoles|||Piperazines|||Sulfones|||Triazines|||Vasodilator Agents|||Vardenafil Dihydrochloride|||3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases|||Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5|||PDE5A protein, human