An oral drug for treating erectile function is sildena?l citrate (Viagra®), the ?rst in a new class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, also including tadala?l (Cialis®) and vardena?l (Levitra®). They work by improving blood ?ow to the penis. They can be taken an hour before intercourse (up to 12 hours before, in the case of tadala?l). These drugs are not aphrodisiacs, and side-effects include headache, facial ?ushing and indigestion. There are some suggestions that they may affect retinal function.
Intracavernosal injection or urethral application of alprostadil, a drug which increases local blood supply to the penis, has been used for some years under medical supervision, but success has been variable and oral sildena?l seems to be a more convenient and e?ective treatment for a man with this disorder.... impotence