title: Sildenafil: efficacy, safety, tolerability and mechanism of action in treating erectile dysfunction.
abstract: Sildenafil citrate is marketed under the trademark name Viagra and is widely used to treat male erectile dysfunction; therapeutic uses of this medication for other diseases related to vascular dysfunction are emerging. When used as recommended, the drug has a strong clinical efficacy and safety profile in a broad spectrum of the male population. Its widespread use and effects of long-term exposure to the drug due to particular treatment regimens or inappropriate use mandate an ongoing update of its molecular mechanism, pharmacological profile and associated safety issues. This review focuses on biochemical and pharmacological features of sildenafil, the active component in Viagra, interaction of sildenafil with phosphodiesterase 5, pharmacokinetic parameters, action in smooth muscle, side effects, safety profile and prospects for other uses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Light Hall Room 702, Nashville, TN 37232-0615, USA. Sharron.francis@vanderbilt.edu
authors.forename: Sharron H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Francis
authors.forename: Jackie D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Corbin
mesh_terms: D019540:Area Under Curve; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011687:Purines; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate