title: PDEI-5 for erectile dysfunction: a potential role in seizure susceptibility.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men with epilepsy; however, few studies have been conducted concerning the treatment of ED in this neurological group.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The main purpose of this review is to highlight the influence of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDEI-5) for ED on seizure susceptibility.
  
  
  METHODS
  All available online articles with information pertaining to PDEI-5 and seizure susceptibility were included in this review.
  
  
  METHODS
  The main outcome assessed demonstrated the intriguing role of PDEI-5 and its metabolites on seizure susceptibility.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Case reports in men without epilepsy described seizure occurrence and electrophysiological changes following sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil treatment. Consistent with these findings, preclinical studies suggested a proconvulsant effect of PDEI-5 on models of seizure induction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Evidence suggests an influence of PDEI-5 on seizure susceptibility in humans. In addition, preclinical studies have demonstrated the role of nitric oxide metabolites in the facilitation of paroxysmal phenomenon. Although there are many causes of seizures, medical professionals should be aware of the possible influence of PDEI-5 on seizure susceptibility. Further investigation by physicians and scientists is required to improve our understanding of this important topic.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Sao Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Gabriela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Matos
authors.forename: Fulvio A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Scorza
authors.forename: Esper A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Cavalheiro
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tufik
authors.forename: Monica L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Andersen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D002243:Carbolines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015995:Prevalence; D011687:Purines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068581:Tadalafil; D014227:Triazines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069058:Vardenafil Dihydrochloride
chemical_list: D002243:Carbolines; D007093:Imidazoles; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D014227:Triazines; D000069058:Vardenafil Dihydrochloride; D000068581:Tadalafil; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate