Viagra is now being used to treat not only erectile
dysfunction (ED) but also pulmonary hypertension. And
the drug may have potential for treating several other
conditions, reports the August 2007 issue of Harvard
Men’s Health Watch.
The three ED medications currently on the market—Viagra,
Levitra, and Cialis—all work by the same means, and
they have similar side effects. The most common are
headaches and facial flushing, which occur in 15% of
men. Other reactions include nasal congestion, indigestion,
and back pain. These side effects are mild and temporary.
The most important worry about ED pills is their ability
to widen arteries enough to lower blood pressure. And
men who are taking nitrates should never use any of
the ED pills.
Although some of the drugs’ side effects may be troublesome,
others may be helpful, and scientists are studying
whether ED pills might help treat a variety of nonsexual
problems. Viagra (sildenafil) has been on the market
longest and is most studied. It’s yet not clear if
the other ED pills offer similar benefits, but Viagra,
at least, may prove useful for some other conditions,
including these:
Pulmonary hypertension: Viagra is now marketed under
the name Revatio for this uncommon but serious disorder
of high pressure in the blood vessels leading to the
lungs.
Mountain sickness: Viagra can reduce pulmonary artery
pressure at high altitude and improve the ability to
exercise in low oxygen conditions.
Raynaud’s phenomenon: In affected individuals, exposure
to the cold triggers spasm of the small arteries that
supply blood to the fingers, toes, or both, which become
pale, cold, and painful. Both Viagra and Levitra have
been helpful in clinical trials.
Heart disease: Studies suggest Viagra might help patients
with congestive heart failure or diastolic dysfunction.
Related
Information
Printed
Version:
