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PDE5 Inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors, Tadalafil, Sildenafil, Vardenafil, Avanafil

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Meta Information

ID:pde5-inhibitors
Name:PDE5 Inhibitors
Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

  • Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors
  • Tadalafil
  • Sildenafil
  • Vardenafil
  • Avanafil

Active Compound

null

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Delivery

Route:
multiple
Scope:
  • systemic

Regulatory Status

  • us:rx_drug
  • eu:rx_drug

Indication

Focus:
healthspan
Description:
Targeting endothelial health, cardiovascular protection, and cognitive function by improving blood flow and nitric oxide signaling.

Typical Protocol

  • Daily low-dose tadalafil (2.5-5 mg) is a common protocol for endothelial health.
  • Sildenafil (25-50 mg) is often used as needed, but daily use is being explored.

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:
10
High Cost:
60
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Cost for generic versions; often not covered by insurance for healthspan purposes.

Summary

PDE5 inhibitors work by blocking the phosphodiesterase-5 enzyme, which increases cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels. This leads to smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation, improving blood flow. This mechanism is being explored for its potential benefits in cardiovascular health, endothelial function, and even neuroprotection, all key aspects of healthspan.

Purpose

Improves blood flow, endothelial function, and cardiovascular health.

Card Summary

A class of vasodilators (e.g., tadalafil, sildenafil) used to improve blood flow, endothelial function, and cardiovascular health, with emerging evidence for cognitive benefits.

Drug Class

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:
5.5
Justification:
Moderately improves endothelial function and blood flow, key drivers of cardiovascular health.

Evidence

Grade:
B
Score:
6.5
Justification:
Human trials confirm vascular benefits; healthspan-specific data is largely observational or mechanistic.

Safety

Score:
4.5
Justification:
Generally well-tolerated but has significant contraindications, especially with nitrate medications.

Flags

  • Must not be used with nitrate medications due to risk of severe hypotension.
  • Common side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion, and nasal congestion.
  • Rare but serious side effects include vision changes (NAION) and priapism.
  • Requires a prescription and medical supervision.

Verdict

A promising tool for vascular health, but requires medical supervision.

Qualifier

A class of vasodilators (tadalafil, sildenafil) used for endothelial health, cardiovascular protection, and cognitive healthspan.

Created

2026-04-29T21:05:00.102608Z

Ai Model

Gemini 2.5 Pro (High)