Sildenafil: from angina to erectile dysfunction to pulmonary hypertension and beyond.
In less than 20 years, the first selective type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor, sildenafil, has evolved from a potential anti-angina drug to an on-demand oral treatment for erectile dysfunction (Viagra), and more recently to a new orally active treatment for pulmonary hypertension (Revatio). Here we describe the key milestones in the development of sildenafil for these diverse medical conditions, discuss the advances in science and clinical medicine that have accompanied this journey and consider possible future indications for this versatile drug.
Ghofrani
Hossein A
HA
Medical Clinic II/V, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, GmbH, Klinikstrasse 36, 35392 Giessen, Germany. ardeschir.ghofrani@uglc.de
Osterloh
Ian H
IH
Grimminger
Friedrich
F
D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000187:drug effects; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006976:Hypertension, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011687:Purines; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones
D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate