No clinically important effects on intraocular pressure after short-term administration of sildenafil citrate (Viagra)

• Published in: American journal of ophthalmology 2000-05, Vol.129 (5), p.675-676
• Main Authors: Yajima, Tadataka, Yajima, Youichi, Koppiker, Nandan, Grunwald, Juan E, Laties, Alan M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases - antagonists & inhibitors; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; Erectile Dysfunction - complications; Erectile Dysfunction - drug therapy; Glaucoma - complications; Humans; Intraocular Pressure - drug effects; Male; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors - administration & dosage; Piperazines - administration & dosage; Pupil - drug effects; Purines; Sildenafil Citrate; Single-Blind Method; Sulfones; Tonometry, Ocular
• ISSN: 0002-9394; 1879-1891
• DOI: 10.1016/S0002-9394(00)00375-5

PURPOSE: To assess the short-term effects of sildenafil citrate on intraocular pressure in healthy male volunteers and participants in clinical trials. METHODS: Intraocular pressure and pupil diameter were measured in two placebo-controlled studies. Oral doses of sildenafil citrate (VIAGRA; Pfizer Inc, New York, New York) ranged from 10 mg to 150 mg. RESULTS: No major changes in intraocular pressure or pupillometry were detected at any time (1.0–24 hours) after administration of sildenafil. Additionally, of 36 subjects with a medical history of increased intraocular pressure in the sildenafil safety database, none were reported to have a clinically significant increase of their intraocular pressure. During clinical trials, two glaucoma cases were listed as serious adverse events, but were not considered treatment related. CONCLUSION: No clinical abnormalities were observed in intraocular pressure or pupil diameter in subjects receiving sildenafil. Currently, no evidence suggests that long-term treatment with sildenafil has an effect on intraocular pressure or is associated with the development or worsening of glaucoma.