title: Sildenafil: efficacy and safety in daily clinical experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is a potent selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 proposed for the oral treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of this study was to evaluate its efficacy and safety when used in daily practice in patients with ED of various aetiology.
  
  
  METHODS
  From September 1998 to April 1999, 380 patients chose sildenafil as treatment for their ED. One hundred and forty-five (38%) of them suffered from psychogenic ED, 125 (33%) organic and 110 (29%) of mixed aetiology. The grade of erection achieved and the occurrence of satisfactory sexual intercourse assessed the efficacy. Safety and tolerance were evaluated recording any side effect or adverse event.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The overall efficacy of Viagra was 77%, with a response of 100% among the group of hormonal patients, 88% for psychogenic, 72% for mixed, 69% for diabetes, 65% for vascular and 60% for neurological symptoms. A few and mild to moderate side effects were recorded.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results indicate that the use of sildenafil citrate is an effective and well-tolerated therapy for men with ED of various aetiology with an overall success rate of 77%.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of Bari, Italy. fabpalumbo@netscape.net
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Palumbo
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bettocchi
authors.forename: F P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Selvaggi
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Pryor
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Ralph
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011687:Purines; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones
chemical_list: D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate