PDE5-inhibitors are medications that help in treating erectile dysfunction or impotence in men by improving blood flow to the penis.
The article delves into the idea of what PDE5 inhibitors are, how PDE5 inhibitors work, and the effective and safest inhibitors available on the market.
What Are PDE5 Inhibitors?
PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type-5) inhibitor is a class of medications that leads the blood vessels to widen and relax. It helps in improving blood circulation.
What Are The Uses Of PDE5 Inhibitors?
The FDA approved the use of PDE5 inhibitors to treat the following:
Erectile Dysfunction:
Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence is a condition that exists in men. The severity of the condition might differ from person to person. The condition is characterized by the inability or difficulty to achieve or maintain an erection.
Currently, PDE5 inhibitors are used by millions of men in the United States and worldwide as they are powerful, work quickly, last longer, and cause mild side effects.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension:
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension is a condition that causes high blood pressure affecting the arteries in the lungs.
Some of the symptoms that affect this condition include chest pain, shortness of breath, a fast heartbeat, and tiredness. It can also affect the blood flow throughout the body.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia:
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a condition where it causes difficulty in urination because of the enlargement of the prostate glands.
In the United States, 70% of males in their 60s and 80% of men in their 70s or older are affected by this condition.
How Does PDE5 Inhibitors Work?
A steady blood flow is required in the penile area to get an erection. There is an enzyme that helps relax and widen the blood vessel muscle to allow proper blood flow called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
PDE5 is an enzyme that is present in the walls of blood vessels. It obstructs the blood flow and signals within the body,
PDE5 inhibitors block the PDE5 enzyme and prevent it from working, which results in increased blood flow.
- People suffering from Erectile dysfunction are suggested medications that belong to the PDE5-inhibitor drug class, as it helps in increasing blood flow in the penile area and helps in erectile dysfunction.
- For people suffering from Pulmonary Hypertension, the PDE5 inhibitors can help by:
- Increases the blood flow in the lungs.
- Controls the blood flow in the arteries of the lungs.
- Lowers blood pressure.
- For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, PDE5 inhibitors work by relaxing the smooth muscles in the bladder and prostate gland.
However, it is important to note that PDE5 inhibitors do not help you to get erections but rather maintain it once you are sexually aroused.
Which Are The Most Effective PDE5 Inhibitors?
Some of the most common and frequently used PDE5 inhibitors are listed below. These are the products also available at Pharmabridge International:
Sildenafil Citrate:
Sildenafil Citrate is a well-known medication available in the market. The medication is used by millions of men worldwide. The FDA approved the use of the tablet in 1998. Generic Viagra, which contains the active ingredient Sildenafil, was the first medication available to the public to treat Erectile dysfunction. The best time to take the tablet is 30 minutes before sexual activity. The duration of action of Sildenafil Citrate is 4 hours.
Vardenafil:
It is an FDA approved PDE5-inhibitor that is available under various brand names such as Vilitra and Vitara. The medication effects last for about four to eight hours. However, you should always consult a doctor before taking the medication.
Tadalafil:
It is a PDE5-inhibitor that is available both as a generic and brand drug. The FDA approved the use of the medication in 2003. The effects of the medication last for about 36 hours per dose.
Who Are Benefitted From PDE5 Inhibitors?
The following are the people who are benefitted from PDE5 Inhibitors:
- People suffering from Erectile dysfunction: The medications help in achieving and maintaining an erection by increasing the blood flow to the penis.
- People suffering from Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: The PDE5-inhibitors improves the exercise ability and helps in reducing the symptoms by relaxing blood vessels in the lungs.
- Diabetic patients: People suffering from diabetes often suffer from the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. The PDE5 inhibitors can help in managing the condition.
- People suffering from heart disease or disorder can enjoy the benefits of cardiovascular problems.
Natural PDE5 Inhibitors
Some of the natural PDE5 inhibitors are:
L-arginine:
It is a type of amino acid available in many foods. A 2020 study suggests that L-arginine, when combined with Tadalafil, increases the effectiveness of the drug.
Black Ginger:
Black ginger, also known as kaempferia parviflora, has a slight PDE5-inhibiting effect.
A 2018 study denotes that 14 participants’ ethanol extract present in the plant may improve erection function.
Tongkat Ali:
Tongkat ali, also known as Eurycoma Longifolia, is a native plant in Indonesia and Malaysia.
It is evident that Tongkat Ali increases testosterone levels and arousal, which may help improve ED.
Horny goat weed:
Horny goat weed contains icariin, an extract present in the Epimedium plant.
An older study on rats states that horny goat weed extract may benefit Erectile dysfunction. However, no clinical trials have been found on humans.
Yohimbine (Yocon):
It is a compound present in a tree that is native to central and western Africa. There are many traditional medicines available that use the bark to increase sexual arousal and performance. However, the National Center For Complementary And Integrative Health states that there is not enough evidence to state that Yohimbine is effective in treating the symptoms of Erectile dysfunction. It has also been found that yohimbine has an association with heart attacks and seizures. Several countries have banned yohimbine due to safety concerns.
Side Effects of PDE5 Inhibitors
PDE5 can also cause side effects and interact with other drugs. However, they are well-tolerated medicines if used as directed. Some of the side effects are manageable, although some might require immediate medical attention and treatment.
Some of the common side effects of PDE5 inhibitors include:
- Facial flushing.
- Nasal congestion.
- Headaches.
- Cold-like symptoms.
- Dyspepsia.
- Back or muscle pain.
Some serious side effects of the ED pill include:
- Priapism (prolonged and painful erection).
- Hearing issues
- Loss of vision
However, the severity of the side effects can increase depending on the dose. If taken in excessive amounts, PDE5 inhibitors can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure and fainting.
Conclusion
The widely used PDE5 inhibitors for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) are Tadalafil, Sildenafil, and Vardenafil, which work by blocking the enzyme Phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5-inhibitor). These medications are chosen by millions of people as a first-line treatment because of their high rates of satisfaction. There are also certain natural PDE5-inhibitors, such as horny goat weed, tongkat ali, L-arginine, and black ginger, that enhance the effectiveness of the medicines.
