For common outcomes there was similar efficacy between PDE-5 inhibitors
Background There are no r and omised and properly blinded trials directly comparing one PDE-5 inhibitor with another in a normal home setting .
Valid indirect comparisons with a common comparator must examine equivalent doses , similar duration , similar population s , with the same outcomes reported in the same way .
Sildenafil for treatment of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. Sildenafil Diabetes Study Group.
CONTEXT  Erectile dysfunction  is common in men with diabetes . OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil citrate in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes . DESIGN A multicenter , r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled , flexible dose-escalation study conducted May through November 1996 . SETTING Patients ' homes and 19 clinical practice centers in the United States . PATIENTS A total of 268 men ( mean age , 57 years ) with erectile dysfunction ( mean duration , 5.6 years ) and diabetes ( mean duration , 12 years ) . INTERVENTIONS Patients were r and omized to receive sildenafil ( n = 136 ) or placebo ( n = 132 ) as needed , but not more than once daily , for 12 weeks . Patients took the study drug or placebo 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity . The starting dose of sildenafil citrate was 50 mg , with the option to adjust the dose to 100 mg or 25 mg based on efficacy and tolerability , to be taken as needed . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-reported ability to achieve and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse according to the International Index of Erectile Function and adverse events . RESULTS Two hundred fifty-two patients ( 94 % ) completed the study ( 131/136 in the sildenafil group , 121/132 in the placebo group ) . By intention-to-treat analysis , at 12 weeks , 74 ( 56 % ) of 131 patients in the sildenafil group reported improved erections compared with 13 ( 10 % ) of 127 patients in the placebo group ( P<.001 ) . The proportion of men with at least 1 successful attempt at sexual intercourse was 61 % ( 71/ 117 ) for the sildenafil group vs 22 % ( 25/114 ) for the placebo group ( P<.001 ) . Adverse events related to treatment were reported for 22 ( 16 % ) of 136 patients taking sildenafil and 1 ( 1 % ) of 132 patients receiving placebo . The most common adverse events were headache ( 11 % sildenafil , 2 % placebo ) , dyspepsia ( 9 % sildenafil , 0 % placebo ) , and respiratory tract disorder ( 6 % sildenafil , 2 % placebo ) , predominantly sinus congestion or drainage . The incidence of cardiovascular adverse events was comparable for both groups ( 3 % sildenafil , 5 % placebo ) . CONCLUSION Oral sildenafil is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes
For common outcomes there was similar efficacy between PDE-5 inhibitors
Background There are no r and omised and properly blinded trials directly comparing one PDE-5 inhibitor with another in a normal home setting .
Valid indirect comparisons with a common comparator must examine equivalent doses , similar duration , similar population s , with the same outcomes reported in the same way .