Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors By Dr. Junior

Many people suffer from the erectile dysfunction (ED), but the treatment is not the same for all of them; it depends on the underlying cause of ED for each of them, so it need to treat the underlying health conditions before trying to treat the ED itself. In some cases the ED problem may be caused by the underlying conditions, which means it will be solved by treating these conditions.

There are different ways to treat the ED problem; one of the most widely used ways is the Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, which temporally increase the blood flow to the penis to make it erect well. There are three known PDE-5 inhibitors used for treating ED: Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), and Vardenafil (Levitra). The effect of these PDE-5 inhibitors can start from 30 to 60 minutes after taking the tablets according to the type of PDE-5 inhibitor and the dose, but it may take longer time to feel the effect when they are taken with food, so, it should be taken in an empty stomach. However, there is no problem in eating after the effect of the tablets takes place but try to take only one tablet within 24 hour period. The choice of which one to use depends on the sexually activation and the previous trials of any of the medications, but before trying any of them, GP should be asked to explain effects, benefits, safety on special cases, and how it will work.

According to studies, two-thirds of men had notable improvements on their erections when they took one of the PDE-5 inhibitors, the reasons that make these medicines ineffective may be that the person did not wait enough time until the dose effect takes place, or the person waited too long time until the effect of the dose finished, also, the dose may be not high enough or the person did not have enough sexual stimulation.

Beside the great job that the PDE-5 inhibitors do, unfortunately, there is some undesirable side effects like headaches and migraines, flushing (redness), indigestion, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), a blocked or runny nose, back pain, vision disturbances and muscle pain.

PDE-5 inhibitors can be prescribed by the GP to any one since it is safe, but, there are some situations where they should be used in caution especially in people with some medical conditions that make some dangers in their life.