PDE5i
Medical abbreviation · Drug Class
| Stands for | Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PDE5i stands for Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, a drug class abbreviation.
Drugs that enhance the effects of nitric oxide on blood vessels: sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio), tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca), vardenafil and avanafil. They treat erectile dysfunction, pulmonary arterial hypertension and, for tadalafil, benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Example: PDE5i contraindicated: patient uses isosorbide mononitrate for angina.
Usage notes
Sildenafil was originally studied for angina before its effect on erections led to approval for erectile dysfunction in 1998. Taking PDE5 inhibitors with nitrates or riociguat can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure. Tadalafil lasts up to 36 hours, earning the nickname "the weekend pill".
Related abbreviations
More drug class abbreviations
- OIT – Oral immunotherapy
- P-CAB – Potassium-competitive acid blocker
- P2Y12i – P2Y12 inhibitor
- PAMORA – Peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist
- PARPi – Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor
- PCSK9i – PCSK9 inhibitor
- PGA – Prostaglandin analog
- PI – Protease inhibitor
- PPI – Proton pump inhibitor
- SABA – Short-acting beta2-agonist
- SAMA – Short-acting muscarinic antagonist
- SARI – Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor
See all 113 drug class abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.