PDE5 inhibitor: Class Overview and Comparison
Quick answer: PDE5 inhibitor are a class of medicines used for specific therapeutic indications. iMedic covers 3 pde5 inhibitor substances. Below is a comparison table linking to detailed pages for each.
PDE5 inhibitor on iMedic (3 substances)
| Substance | Primary indications | Mechanism | Common dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levitra | Erectile dysfunction | Selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (vardenafil) enhancing cGMP-mediate | 10 mg as needed (5-20 mg) |
| Sildenafil | Erectile dysfunction, Pulmonary arterial hypertension | Selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor that increases cGMP, causing smooth | 25-100 mg as needed for ED; 20 mg three times daily for PAH |
| Tadalafil | Erectile dysfunction, Benign prostatic hyperplasia | Selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor enhancing nitric oxide-mediated vas | 5-20 mg orally as needed or 2.5-5 mg daily |
About PDE5 inhibitor
PDE5 inhibitor share a common mechanism of action and clinical use. Specific dosing, side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions vary between individual substances within the class. Click any substance above for full prescribing information and patient guidance.
Common considerations across the class
- Indication-specific selection: Different members may be preferred for different conditions or patient populations
- Dose equivalence: Members of the same class are not always interchangeable on a 1:1 dose basis
- Drug interactions: Class members often share interaction profiles (e.g., CYP enzyme effects) but individual variation matters
- Side effects: Some side effects are class-wide; others are substance-specific
- Contraindications: Individual contraindications may not generalize across the class
Always consult the prescribing information for the specific medicine prescribed and discuss with your clinician.
Frequently asked questions
What are PDE5 inhibitor?
PDE5 inhibitor are medicines that share a common mechanism of action used for specific therapeutic indications. iMedic currently covers 3 substances in this class with detailed pages for each.
Are all PDE5 inhibitor interchangeable?
No. While medicines in the same class share a mechanism, they differ in potency, dosing, drug interactions, and tolerability. Switching between them is a clinical decision based on individual response, side effects, and treatment goals.
How do I choose between different PDE5 inhibitor?
Selection depends on the specific clinical indication, patient factors (age, comorbidities, kidney/liver function, other medications), tolerability of side effects, cost, and clinician preference. This is a prescribing decision.
Are PDE5 inhibitor available as generics?
Most well-established class members are available as generic alternatives, often substantially less expensive than brand-name versions while clinically equivalent. Newer members may still be brand-only.
Last reviewed: by iMedic Medical Editorial Team. Our editorial process.