Synonym(s)
PDE-5 inhibitors
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Highly selective inhibitors of phosphodiesterase-5.
General definitionThis section has been translated automatically.
- In a flaccid state, the erectile tissue of the penis contains very little blood. This is due to the smooth vascular muscles around the penile blood vessels, which are permanently contracted in the non-erect state and restrict the blood supply. If the brain sends a corresponding signal during sexual stimulation, cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) is released and causes the muscle cells to relax and blood to flow into the corpora cavernosa. If enough blood flows in, the penis erects.
- PDE-5 antagonists inhibit phosphodiesterase-5, the natural antagonist of cGMP, and increase the concentration of the messenger and chemical "stiffener" cGMP that is effective in the penile vessels. This makes the erection more permanent and harder.
- PDE-5 inhibitors do not automatically or inevitably cause an erection, but allow the body to respond to an erotic stimulus.
- So far, sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil have been approved as PDE-5 antagonists in the Federal Republic of Germany, see there.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer