Vardenafil: a new oral treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Vardenafil is a new phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor for the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction (ED). It was licensed in Europe in spring 2003 and in the USA in late 2003. It is a potent and selective inhibitor of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5, and in the presence of an erectile stimulus potentiates the intracellular actions of cyclic guanylate monophosphate. Several large, placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated efficacy both in the broad population of men with ED and in men with more difficult to treat ED. It is well tolerated with a side effect profile typical of this class of drugs. It has a rapid onset of action and has demonstrable efficacy for men using the medication for up to 2 years.
Eardley
I
I
St James University Hospital, Leeds, UK. ian.eardley@btinternet.com
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004347:Drug Interactions; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013450:Sulfones / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014227:Triazines / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069058:Vardenafil Dihydrochloride
D007093:Imidazoles; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D013450:Sulfones; D014227:Triazines; D000069058:Vardenafil Dihydrochloride