A review of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors

  • Natalie Schellack University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus)
  • Abisola Agoro University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus)
Keywords: phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, erectile dysfunction, cardiac failure, pulmonary hypertension

Abstract

Currently, three phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are available for clinical use in South Africa; sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil. The PDE inhibitors are used in males to treat erectile dysfunction. However, sildenafil is also registered for use in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Newer studies are investigating the use of these drugs for other conditions, including hypertension, ischaemia or reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure and other peripheral circulatory conditions, e.g. Raynaud’s disease. The article provides a broad overview of the mechanism of action, indications, pharmacokinetics and side-effects of these agents.

Author Biographies

Natalie Schellack, University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus)
BCur, BPharm, PhD Senior Lecturer Department of Pharmacy Faculty of Health Sciences University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus)
Abisola Agoro, University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus)
BPharm Academic Intern Department of Pharmacy Faculty of Health Sciences University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus)
Published
2014-04-08
Issue
Vol 56 No 2: March/April 2014
Section
CPD
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