Sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction affects more than 150 million men worldwide and is increasingly prevalent. Elderly men are at increased risk for erectile dysfunction, which is, in part, owing to medical comorbidities associated with erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil, the first US FDA-approved, oral phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor, has revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction since its approval in 1998. High treatment success rates and low number of adverse events, in addition to significant improvements in psychosocial parameters, have resulted in increased patient and physician satisfaction with sildenafil, and increased usage. Safety has been demonstrated in patients with stable cardiovascular disease, and rates of discontinuation owing to adverse effects remains low.