Revision as of 15:07, 21 June 2008 by imported>David E. Volk
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| sildenafil
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| IUPAC name:
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| Synonyms:
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Viagra®
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| Formula:
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| Uses:
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Erectile Dysfunction
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| Properties:
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PDE-5 inhibitor
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| Hazards:
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cardiovascular risks
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Sildenafil, widely known as Viagra®, is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. It was the first commercialized selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor and was immediately popular both for treating erectile dysfunction and for recreational use. Sildenafil works by binding to phosphodiesterase type-5 enzymes, competing with the natural ligand cyclic guanine monophosphate (cGMP), which is structurally similar to sildenafil. Vardenafil, a newer and more potent PDE-5 inhibitor, is nearly identical to sildenafil, while tadalafil is considerably different in structure.
