PS 03. PDE5i's are they too important a drug class to be used only for erectile dysfunction?

Phosphodiesterase Type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) have gained widespread use and acceptance since their approval for erectile dysfunction (ED) in the late 1990's. While few would argue that their impact on men and couples suffering from sexual dysfunction has been transformatory, their potential use in other therapeutic areas may yet define them best as true vasoactive agents, not just erectogenic. Initially studied as agents to treat angina, PDE5i's are currently approved in many parts of the world for a diverse group of targets, including BPH/LUTS, Primary pulmonary hypertension and of course ED. Over the next few years other therapeutic targets such as hypertension, Raynauld's and endothelial dysfunction may also achieve approval.

In this brief talk, a review of the pathophysiology and mechanism of action of PDE5i's for these evolving areas of medicine will be presented.