NCIt definition : An orally bioavailable pyrazolopyrimidinone derivative structurally related to zaprinast,
with vasodilating and potential anti-inflammatory activities. Upon oral administration,
sildenafil selectively targets and inhibits cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific
phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), thereby inhibiting the PDE5-mediated degradation
of cGMP found in smooth muscle and increasing cGMP availability. This results in prolonged
smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum of the penis, thereby causing vasodilation,
blood engorgement and a prolonged penile erection. In the smooth muscle of the pulmonary
vasculature, the increase in cGMP results in smooth muscle relaxation, vasodilation
of the pulmonary vascular bed, relieving pulmonary hypertension and increasing blood
flow in the lungs. In addition, sildenafil may reduce airway inflammation and mucus
production.;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: A drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil relaxes the smooth
muscle of the penis to allow increased blood flow and erection. It is a type of phosphodiesterase
inhibitor.;