PDE5 inhibitors
- Preserve cGMP → smooth-muscle relaxation
- Erectile dysfunction; some also treat PAH
- Sildenafil shorter; tadalafil lasts ~36 h
- Headache, flushing, dyspepsia
- Tadalafil can cause back pain
- Nitrates are absolutely contraindicated
- Alpha blockers can add hypotension
Class at a glance
- Preserve cGMP → smooth-muscle relaxation
Practical pearls
- Sildenafil shorter; tadalafil lasts ~36 h
Safety / monitoring
- Tadalafil can cause back pain
- Nitrates are absolutely contraindicated
Safety distinctions
- Erectile dysfunction; some also treat PAH
- Headache, flushing, dyspepsia
- Alpha blockers can add hypotension
Self-check
- What important adverse effect is associated with Tadalafil?
Back pain. - Which partners are absolutely contraindicated with PDE5 inhibitors?
Nitrates.
Drugs in this class (4)
All drug classes · Open PDE5 inhibitors in the interactive console ↗