Aildenafil

Aildenafil is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is a synthetic compound that was first synthesized in 1998 by a group of pharmaceutical chemists working at Pfizer's Sandwich, Kent, research facility in England. It was initially studied for use in hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina pectoris (a symptom of ischemic heart disease).

History

Aildenafil was originally developed by British scientists Albert Wood and Peter Dunn as a treatment for hypertension and angina. However, the drug showed little efficacy for angina but was noted to induce marked penile erections. Pfizer therefore decided to market it for erectile dysfunction, rather than for angina. The drug was patented in 1996 and approved for use in erectile dysfunction by the FDA on March 27, 1998. It was the first oral treatment approved to treat erectile dysfunction in the United States.

Medical Uses

Aildenafil's primary indication is the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It works by inhibiting cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that promotes degradation of cGMP, which regulates blood flow in the penis. It also has been used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Side Effects

Common side effects include headaches and heartburn, as well as flushed skin. Caution is advised in those with cardiovascular disease. Rare but serious side effects include a prolonged erection that can lead to damage to the penis, vision problems, and hearing loss.

See Also

• Sildenafil
• Tadalafil
• Vardenafil

Aildenafil Resources
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