ABSTRACT
Sildenafil citrate is a new drug for the treatment of patients with erectile dysfunction. This article aims to describe critically the clinical psychopharmacology of sildenafil in order to use it judiciously in clinical practice. Method: A computer as well as manual search was made to collect the relevant data published in various peer-reviewed journals on sildenafil citrate. The serendipitous discovery of this drug's positive effect on sexual performance has revolutionized the management of erectile dysfunction. Although the literature is sparse, this drug is well tolerated and associated with promising results in patients with erectile dysfunction. It is contraindicated in patients who are on nitrate therapy because of serious interactions. Additionally, it is relatively contraindicated in certain patients who have a variety of medical diseases and are receiving complicated polytherapy. Other limitations include a great potential for misuse and being costly. Besides detailed medical and sexual histories, each prospective patient must have a thorough physical and systemic examinations in order to make both the correct diagnoses and underlying etiologies. There is a need for future researches for elucidating its long-term usefulness in diverse populations with erectile dysfunction. Although some alternative drugs are developed and approved for use in patients with erectile dysfunction, overall there is a continuing need for developing more such drugs with safe and better clinical profiles for the management of erectile dysfunction