Question 1

What is the Meaning of Sildenafil?

Accepted Answer

Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, primarily prescribed for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. This pharmaceutical agent enhances physiological responses to nitric oxide, a crucial signaling molecule. It promotes smooth muscle relaxation and subsequent vasodilation through its targeted action.

Question 2

What is the Context of Sildenafil?

Accepted Answer

Within human physiology, Sildenafil primarily influences smooth muscle cells in the penile corpus cavernosum and pulmonary arteries. It modulates the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signaling cascade, central to vascular tone regulation. This targeted mechanism allows for localized effects on specific vascular beds.

Question 3

What is the Significance of Sildenafil?

Accepted Answer

The clinical importance of Sildenafil is substantial, addressing conditions impacting patient well-being. For erectile dysfunction, it offers a reliable pharmacological intervention to restore sexual function, improving psychosocial health. In pulmonary arterial hypertension, it reduces pulmonary vascular resistance, enhancing exercise capacity and functional status.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of Sildenafil?

Accepted Answer

Sildenafil inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzyme, which degrades cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in smooth muscle cells. Blocking cGMP breakdown leads to its accumulation, activating protein kinase G. This promotes smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation in penile and pulmonary circulations, facilitating increased blood flow.

Question 5

What is the Application of Sildenafil?

Accepted Answer

Clinically, Sildenafil is administered orally for erectile dysfunction, typically one hour before anticipated sexual activity. For pulmonary arterial hypertension, it is prescribed in a different dosing regimen, often multiple times daily, to maintain sustained therapeutic levels. Its efficacy for erectile dysfunction requires concurrent sexual stimulation to initiate the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway.

Question 6

What is the Metric of Sildenafil?

Accepted Answer

Sildenafil's effectiveness for erectile dysfunction is assessed via patient-reported outcomes, using validated questionnaires like the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). For pulmonary arterial hypertension, therapeutic response is monitored by measuring reductions in pulmonary artery pressures, improvements in exercise tolerance via the 6-minute walk test, and functional classification enhancements.

Question 7

What is the Risk of Sildenafil?

Accepted Answer

Sildenafil, while generally well-tolerated, carries potential adverse effects and contraindications. Common side effects include headache, facial flushing, dyspepsia, and nasal congestion. More serious, rare risks involve priapism, sudden hearing loss, and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. It is strictly contraindicated with concurrent nitrate use due to severe hypotension and requires caution in patients with significant cardiovascular disease.

Sildenafil

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

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