Available Dosage Strengths
2%
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Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, has a half-life of 4 hours. Clinically, the drug is used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Because of the half-life the drug is used “on-demand” prior to sexual activity. [1,2]
Phosphodiesterase (PDE) has many isoforms and is an enzyme that has many functions in the body including degrading the effect of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). PDE5 is an enzyme that is found in many parts of the body including in the smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum, prostate, bladder, the vascular and visceral smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, urethra, platelets, kidney, lung, cerebellum, heart, liver, testis, seminal vesicle, and pancreas. Sildenafil is structurally similar to cGMP and prevents degradation of cGMP by competitively binding and inhibiting activity of PDE5. When PDE5 is inhibited, cGMP accumulates and leads to smooth muscle relaxation. In the corpus cavernosum, this leads to penile erection. In the pulmonary system, it leads to vasodilation in the pulmonary arteries. [1,2,3]
Common [1,2]
Contraindications: [1,2]
Precautions: [1,2]
Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Protect from excessive heat, light, and moisture.
This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible drug information about this product. Call your doctor for medical advice and/or about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. A Wells Pharmacy Network pharmacist will be happy to answer any questions. For consultation, please call 1-800-622-4510.
