Scleroderma Types Systemic Symptoms Lungs PH Treatments

PAH/PH Treatments: PDE 5 Inhibitors: Sildenafil, Tadalafil and Vardenafil

Overview

PDE 5 Inhibitors for Pulmonary Hypertension include Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE 5) are used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, often as part of combination treatment. There are three main brands of PDE 5: sildenafil (Revatio^® and Viagra®), tadalafil ADCIRCA^® and Cialis®, and vardenafil (Levitra®). This class of drugs is also used to treat erectile dysfunction, in lower dosages.

Sildenafil citrat (Revatio®, Viagra®), which is also known by the brand names Revatio and Viagra, is a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH sometimes occurs as part of systemic scleroderma, which is a connective tissue disease. ISN.

Tadalafi (ADCIRCA®, Cialis®) causes blood vessels to relax, thus improving circulation and reducing blood pressure in the lungs. It is also used to treat erectile dysfunction, under the brand name Cialis, but in much smaller doses than for PAH. ISN.

Vardenaflil (Levitra®i is FDA-approved for erectile dysfunction. Its "off label" use includes treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). ISN.

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