Medicinal Chemistry

Sildenafil (Viagra^TM): Synthesis Step by Step and its Pharmaceutical Importance in Diabetic Patients with Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract

Mohammed Abdalla Hussein, Yasser Omar Mosaad and Naglaa Abd El Khalik Gobba

Objective: Sildenafil is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) and is the first agent with this mode of action for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction. There has recently been an explosion of interest in sexual dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the persistent inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. This article aims to discuss in details the commercial synthesis of Sildenafil as published by the Pfizer research group and describe critically the role of Sildenafil in diabetic neuropathic patients with erectile dysfunction.
Method: A computer as well as manual search was made to collect the relevant data published in various peer-reviewed journals on ViagraTM.
Results: The synthesis of Sildenafil serves as an excellent example of the demands of commercial chemistry. Also, the serendipitous discovery of this drug's positive effect on sexual performance has revolutionized the management of erectile dysfunction. Although the literature is spare, Tadalafil has a longer half-life than Sildenafil and therefore may be recommended as the choice of preference. Contraindications for their use include the use of nitrates, unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction or complicated congestive heart failure (CHF). Other oral agents including apomorphine, Phentolamine and trazodone have also been proposed to treat ED with some adverse effects.
Conclusion: Our data in this review portrays accurately using Sildenafil for restoring sexual functions in diabetic neuropathic population. Other limitations include a great potential for misuse and costly.