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Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and nitrates: Is concomitant use safe? Are there alternatives?

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Abstract

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are a mainstay of treatments in patients with organic or psychogenic erectile dysfunction. Many of the patients who have atherosclerotic disease of the penis also have disease of the cardiovascular system. In cardiovascular patients, nitrates are a cornerstone in the relief of the morbidity, though not necessarily mortality, of angina. What can be done when patients who use nitrates are found to need phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors? What are the risks and the options to ameliorate those risks? This review article summarizes these issues and gives recommendations as to how to deal with such situations.

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  1. 242 Mason Avenue, Suite VI, Staten Island, NY, 10305, USA

    Nachum M. Katlowitz MD

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  1. Nachum M. Katlowitz MD
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  2. Angelo DeRosalio MD
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Correspondence to Nachum M. Katlowitz MD.

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Katlowitz, N.M., DeRosalio, A. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and nitrates: Is concomitant use safe? Are there alternatives?. Curr sex health rep 4, 59–63 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-007-0003-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-007-0003-4

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