Mechanism of Action: Sildenafil is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). The physiologic mechanism of erection of the penis involves release of nitric oxide (NO) in the corpus cavernosum during sexual stimulation. Nitric oxide then activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase, which results in increased levels of cGMP. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate causes smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum thereby allowing inflow of blood; the exact mechanism by which cGMP stimulates relaxation of smooth muscles has not been determined. Phosphodiesterase type 5 is responsible for degradation of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum. Sildenafil enhances the effect of NO by inhibiting PDE5 thereby raising concentrations of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum. Sildenafil has no direct relaxant effect on isolated human corpus cavernosum and, at recommended doses, has no effect in the absence of sexual stimulation. In vitro studies show that sildenafil is selective for PDE5 and its effect is more potent on PDE5 than on other known phosphodiesterases (>80-fold for PDE1, >1,000-fold for PDE2, PDE3, and PDE4). The approximately 4,000-fold selectivity for PDE5 versus PDE3 is important because PDE3 is involved in control of cardiac contractility. Sildenafil is one-tenth as potent for PDE6, an enzyme found in the retina, as it is for PDE5; this lower selectivity is thought to be the basis for abnormalities related to color vision observed with higher doses or plasma concentrations of the drug.

As reported by the manufacturer, the pharmacodynamic response to sildenafil was assessed in eight double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover studies of patients with either organic or psychogenic erectile dysfunction. In these studies sexual stimulation resulted in improved erections, as assessed by penile plethysmography, after sildenafil administration compared with placebo. Most studies evaluated the efficacy of sildenafil approximately 60 minutes post dose. The erectile response, as determined by penile plethysmography, generally increased with increasing sildenafil dose and plasma concentration. The time course of effect was examined in one study. The effects of sildenafil were evident for up to 4 hours but the response was diminished compared to 2 hours.

Sildenafil can inhibit PDE5 present in esophageal smooth muscle, lung tissue, and brain tissue. Inhibition of PDE5 in lung tissue results in relaxation of pulmonary vascular smooth muscle and subsequently pulmonary vasodilation, thereby making sildenafil an effective agent in treating pulmonary hypertension. Inhibition of PDE5 present in esophageal smooth muscle can cause a marked inhibition of esophageal motility as well as a reduction in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) tone. These effects may be beneficial in certain motor disorders involving the esophagus such as diffuse spasm, nutcracker esophagus, and hypertensive LES. However, the reduction in LES tone can worsen the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).  Sildenafil has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and inhibit PDE5 in cerebral blood vessels. The areas of the brain that have the highest activity of PDE5 are the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and basal ganglia. Although clinical studies have not proven this effect, inhibition of PDE5 by sildenafil in the brain may result in emotional, neurological, and psychological effects.