Erectile dysfunction drugs, known as PDE5 inhibitors, are prescribed for treatingerectile dysfunction (ED).
Despite the widespread popularity of PDE5 inhibitors, there are limitations and risks associated with their use.
They can help males achieve and sustain an erection, especially if the underlying cause is physiological.
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They may even help if the cause is psychological by providing a placebo effect.
Some PDE5 inhibitors have other approved uses.
Before Taking
PDE5 inhibitors do not work for everyone.
As a general rule, your healthcare provider will pinpoint the cause of ED before prescribing any drug.
Doing so can better frame expectations.
Precautions and Contraindications
PDE5 inhibitors work by increasing the availability of nitric oxide in the bloodstream.
The combination can lead to a potentially life-threatening drop in blood pressure known as a hypotensive crisis.
Dosage
The dosage of ED drugs varies by the bang out selected.
Each of the drugs has different strengths, as well as different onsets and durations of action.
Because they can cause side effects, the lowest effective dose is usually used.
As a general rule, the lowest effective dose should always be used.
Modifications
The dosages of certain PDE5 inhibitors may need to be adjusted for some people.
Others PDE5 inhibitors are taken by mouth, with or without food.
Food does not impede the effectiveness of the drug or the onset or duration of action.
For men who dislike or are unable to swallow pills, Staxyn tablets offer an alternative.
The pills have a sweet, peppermint flavor and dissolve quickly when placed on the tongue.
PDE5 inhibitors are stored safely at or around 77F (25C).
It is best to store the drugs in their original containers or blister-packs until use.
Never use expired drugs.
This will increase the risk and/or severity of side effects.
Side Effects
All PDE5 inhibitors are generally well tolerated.
Because they have similar mechanisms of action, they have many of the same side effects.
Most of the side effects are mild to manageable, although some require terminating treatment and immediate medical attention.
If taken in excess, PDE5 inhibitors can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure andsyncope(fainting).
Severe
There are several uncommon side effects that are especially severe and may require emergency intervention.
Guanylate cyclase stimulators (nitric oxide receptors) pose similar risks.
Even alcohol can cause a transient drop in blood pressure if taken with a PDE5 inhibitor.
Drugs classified as cytochrome 450 (CYP450) inhibitors pose different concerns.
CYP450 is an enzyme the body uses to metabolize many drugs.
ManyantibioticsandHIV drugsare strong CYP inhibitors.
Often, a practitioner will prescribe Viagra to first-time users, in part because of name recognition and cost.
You often won’t know until you try several out.
2014;2014:878670. doi:10.1155/2014/878670
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Viagra (sildenafil citrate) tablets, for oral use.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Cialis (tadalafil) tablets, for oral use.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Levitra (vardenafil hydrochloride), for oral use.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Staxyn (vardenafil hydrochloride) orally disintegrating tablets.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Stendra (avanafil) tablets, for oral use.
