Review: PDE-5 inhibitors — a summary

The orally administered PDE-5 inhibitors have become first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction. Although the three currently available PDE-5 inhibitors have shown similar efficacy, tadalafil has a much longer half-life than sildenafil or vardenafil, and the pharmacokinetic profile of tadalafil is not affected by food. However, there is a more immediate response to dosing with sildenafil and vardenafil than tadalafil. As with all drugs, there will be individual variations in response and the physician's skill is in finding the right drug for the right patient.