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Erectile Dysfunction (PDE5 Inhibitor)

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Adult

Erectile Dysfunction (PDE5 Inhibitor) - What is it for

What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?

    ED is the consistent or recurrent difficulty to achieve or sustain a firm erection or duration for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Many men have dealt with or are dealing with erectile dysfunction.

    Causes of ED include physical trauma, chronic diseases (such as high blood pressure and diabetes), side effects of some medications, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, and psychological factors.

    Various treatment options are available for ED, depending on its causes. This leaflet covers only oral medications named Sildenafil and Tadalafil.

What are Sildenafil and Tadalafil?

    Sildenafil and Tadalafil belong to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors or PDE5 inhibitors. They treat ED by relaxing muscles found in the walls of blood vessels and increasing arterial blood flow at the penis, leading to penile erection.

    An erection will not occur just by taking Sildenafil or Tadalafil. They can help you achieve an erection only if you are sexually stimulated.

  • Updated on 12/18/2016 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by Pharmacy Singapore General Hospital
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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