How do "phosphodiesterase" or "PDE" inhibitors work?

How do "phosphodiesterase" or "PDE" inhibitors work?

Peter Loisides (Board Certified Urologist, Saint John's Health Center) gives expert video advice on: How is a psychologically based erectile dysfunction treated?; What surgeries are available for erectile dysfunction?; Are there any effective alternative methods of treating erectile dysfunction? and more...

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors are medications which are used in order to improve erectile quality, and they include Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. The mechanism of action is such that it affects blood flow to the penis by increasing it, thereby inducing a more firm and reliable erection. Side effects of phosphodiesterase inhibitors may include headache, flushing, upset stomach, and rarely, visual changes where something the individual sees normally as being white can appear slightly blue tinted or tinged. That quickly dissipates and does not leave any long-lasting or adverse affects on the eye. Contraindications for the use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors are when people are concurrently taking nitroglycerin derivatives, for example people with cardiac conditions involving chest pain that require nitroglycerin.