In a nutshell
This study examined the safety and effectiveness of sildenafil (Viagra) across different age groups. Researchers reported improved erectile function in all age groups with a low rate of side effects.
Some background
Drug therapy with phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, such as sildenafil, are often the first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction. PDE5 inhibitors increase blood flow to the penile arteries and thereby help achieve an erection. Sildenafil is a short-acting PDE5 inhibitor and usually administered on demand (as needed). It is the most widely used and prescribed PDE5 inhibitor. Since erectile dysfunction becomes more common with increasing age, the safety and effectiveness of sildenafil needs to be fully established in older men.
Methods & findings
The aim of this study was to examine treatment outcomes with sildenafil across different age groups.
The results of 48 separate trials involving of 11,364 men with erectile dysfunction were included in analysis. All men were randomly assigned to either receive treatment with sildenafil or with placebo (control drug with no active effect). Men were divided into three age groups: younger than 65 years, between 65 and 74 years, and older than 75 years. Before treatment, most men had moderate erectile dysfunction for an average of 4.4 years. Treatment lasted for about 12 weeks.
Sildenafil significantly improved sexual and erectile function compared to placebo regardless of age. Orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction were all significantly improved in the three age groups.
80% of men aged less than 65, 69% of men aged between 65 and 74, and 59% of men aged older than 75 reported improved erections after treatment. This was significantly greater compared to men receiving placebo. Of those receiving placebo, only 30% of men aged less than 65, 21% of men aged between 65 and 74, and 29% of men aged older than 75 reported improved erections.
Headaches, hot flushes, and indigestion were the most common side effects associated with sildenafil. Serious side effects were very rare (reported in less than 0.1% of cases). No significant differences in side effects across age groups were observed.
The bottom line
Researchers concluded that sildenafil is a safe and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction regardless of age.
The fine print
This study was funded by Pfizer, the manufacturer of sildenafil.
Published By :
The journal of sexual medicine
Date :
May 01, 2016
