What is a PDE5 inhibitor?

PDE5 inhibitors are a class of drugs that improve blood flow by widening the blood vessels. PDE5 is an enzyme that is found in several regions of the body, like the lungs, penis, blood vessels, and other tissues. Examples of PDE5 inhibitors are Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, Avanafil, etc. The US FDA has approved all of these medications. These drugs are also available in generic forms.
As these medications relax the blood vessels, they are commonly used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Responsibilities of PDE5 inhibitors

PDE5 inhibitors are commonly used for the treatment of the following disorders:

  • Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

ED refers to a condition when a man is unable to develop or maintain an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. This problem becomes more persistent with age. If this problem occurs occasionally, then it may not necessarily mean ED. But if you are consistently unable to maintain arousal, then you should consult a doctor. Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil are commonly prescribed PDE5 inhibitors

  • Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

PAH is classified under a bigger group called pulmonary hypertension. As the name suggests, it means high blood pressure in the lungs. The pulmonary arteries carry blood from the right chambers of the heart to the lung. Due to a variety of reasons, these arteries can become blocked or stiff. As a result, the blood flow to the lungs is interrupted, which causes high blood pressure. Sildenafil and Tadalafil are used for the treatment of this disorder.

  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

This disorder occurs when the prospate gland becomes enlarged. The prostate gland is located below the bladder in males. It is responsible for producing semen. The enlargement of this gland is caused because the tissues around it expand abnormally. An enlarged prostrate can prevent the flow of urine and can also cause kidney and bladder issues. Patients suffering from ED are at a higher risk of developing BPH. Tadalafil is officially approved for the treatment of this condition.

How does the PDE5 inhibitor help with penile erection?

Penile erection requires a complex biochemical process. One of the components involved is a substance called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). When a man is sexually stimulated, a neurotransmitter, nitric oxide (NO), is released into the soft tissue of the penis. This tissue is called the corpora cavernosa. NO promotes the production of cGMP, which causes the corpora cavernosa to relax. As a result, the blood vessels in this region dilate. There is increased blood flow in the penis, which makes it rigid.

PDE5 stands for phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme. This enzyme destroys cyclic GMP, which hampers the process of developing an erection. PDE5 inhibitors have a similar structure to cGMP, which prompts the PDE5 enzyme to bind to them. This leaves cGMP free to resume its normal process.

In this manner, PDE5 inhibitors stimulate the blood flow to the penis. It maintains an erection long enough for sexual intercourse.

You must remember that these medications are not to be taken without consulting a medical practitioner. As long as you follow their instructions carefully, your erectile dysfunction can be easily resolved.