Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and alprostadil are examples of which category?

Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and alprostadil are examples of which category?

• A. Erectile dysfunction medications
• B. Antihistamines
• C. Antidepressants
• D. Blood thinners

Answer: (D)

These drugs are all used to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis. Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) are PDE5 inhibitors. They work by blocking the enzyme that breaks down cGMP, so with sexual stimulation, smooth muscle relaxes and penile blood flow increases, producing an erection. Alprostadil is a bit different but serves the same purpose—it's prostaglandin E1 that directly dilates penile vessels when given locally (injected or as a small pellet), facilitating an erection. They are not antihistamines, antidepressants, or blood thinners, which is why the best category here is erectile dysfunction medications.

These drugs are all used to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis. Sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) are PDE5 inhibitors. They work by blocking the enzyme that breaks down cGMP, so with sexual stimulation, smooth muscle relaxes and penile blood flow increases, producing an erection. Alprostadil is a bit different but serves the same purpose—it's prostaglandin E1 that directly dilates penile vessels when given locally (injected or as a small pellet), facilitating an erection. They are not antihistamines, antidepressants, or blood thinners, which is why the best category here is erectile dysfunction medications.