Cialis - New Generation PDE5 Inhibitors

Researchers are investigating a newer version of drugs that inhibit the enzyme targeted by Viagra, phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5).

Cialis. Cialis (IC351) is a potent and highly-selective PDE5 inhibitor and may not affect other parts of the body, including the brain, heart, kidney and eyes. Clinical trials are reporting significant success rates in up to 88% of patients. It appears to take effect in 15 minutes and the effects last up to 24 hours. Improved results were reported in men suffering from erectile dysfunction of varying severity and causes. Common side effects include headache, muscle pain, stomach upset following meals, and back pain.

Vardenafil (Levitra). Levitra is another PDE5 inhibitor currently being investigated. A small study concluded that it increased penile rigidity and tumescence. Further evaluation is warranted.

Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers for Men with Hypertension

Recent drugs known as angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), also known as angiotensin II receptor antagonists are being used to lower blood pressure in men with hypertension. In one study after 12 weeks of treatment with an ARB called losartan (Cozaar), 88% of hypertensive males with sexual dysfunction reported improvement in at least one area of sexuality. The number of men reporting impotence declined from 75.3% to 11.8%. Other ARBs include candesartan (Atacand), telmisartan (Micardis), and valsartan (Diovan).

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Replacement Therapy for Hypogonadism. Testosterone replacement therapy may be effective in inducing puberty in adolescent boys with hypogonadism and may also be helpful for some adult patients with the condition. Some experts believe testosterone replacement therapy also may be helpful for older men whose testosterone levels are deficient. It may improve bone density, improve energy and mood, increase muscle mass and weight, and heighten sexual interest.

Forms of therapy included the following:

• Muscle injections using testosterone enanthate (Andryl, Delatestryl) or cypionate (Andro-Cyp, Depo-Testosterone, Virion) has been the standard administration.
• Testosterone is now available as a skin patch (Testoderm, Testoderm TTS, Androderm). Depending on the brand, patches may be applied to the skin of the scrotum every 24 hours or to the abdomen, back, thighs, or upper arm. In the latter case, two patches are required every 24 hours. Testoderm and Testoderm TTS may cause less skin irritation than Androderm. The skin patch achieves normal testosterone levels in between 67% and 90% of men.
• A skin gel (Androgel) is also now available, which in one study achieved normal testosterone levels in 87% of men. A gel applied to the penile skin is being investigated for men with hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction. At this time, however, the gel is applied only to the same parts of the body as the patch.