The present invention describes novel nitrosated and / or nitrosylated
phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and novel compositions containing at least one nitrosated and / or nitrosylated
phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and, optionally, one or more compounds that donate, transfer or release
nitric oxide, elevate endogenous levels of
endothelium-derived relaxing factor, stimulate endogenous synthesis of
nitric oxide or is a substrate for
nitric oxide synthase and / or one or more
vasoactive agents. The present invention also provides novel compositions containing at least one
phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and one or more compounds that donate, transfer or release nitric
oxide, elevate endogenous levels of
endothelium-derived relaxing factor, stimulate endogenous synthesis of nitric
oxide or is a substrate for
nitric oxide synthase and / or one or more
vasoactive agents. The present invention also provides methods for treating or preventing sexual dysfunctions in males and females, for enhancing sexual responses in males and females, and for treating or preventing diseases induced by the increased
metabolism of cyclic
guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP), such as hypertension,
pulmonary hypertension, congestive
heart failure, renal failure, myocardial infraction, stable, unstable and variant (Prinzmetal)
angina, atherosclerosis, cardiac
edema, renal insufficiency, nephrotic
edema, hepatic
edema,
stroke,
asthma,
bronchitis, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (
COPD),
cystic fibrosis,
dementia,
immunodeficiency, premature labor, dysmenorrhoea, benign prostatic hyperplasis (BPH), bladder outlet obstruction, incontinence, conditions of reduced
blood vessel patency, e.g., postpercutaneous transluminal coronary
angioplasty (post-PTCA),
peripheral vascular disease, allergic rhinitis, glucoma, and diseases characterized by disorders of gut
motility, e.g.,
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).