sildenafil-citrate and Nasal-Obstruction

Sildenafil citrate is an effective oral drug for erectile dysfunction. The main action of sildenafil is the enhancement of the effect of nitric oxide (NO) by inhibiting the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5), an enzyme responsible for degradation of cGMP. NO is also present in the nasal mucosa and is responsible for vasodilation causing congestion and nasal obstruction. The aim of this study was to detect the effect of sildenafil on nasal mucosa in terms of nasal obstruction. A total of 16 patients presented to urology clinic suffering from impotence and medicated with sildenafil were included in the study. Before and after oral administration of 50 mg sildenafil, in all of the patients the nasal patency was examined by active anterior rhinomanometry (a method of assessing nasal resistance) using air pressure of 150 Pascal. In addition, all patients were asked about their sensation of nasal patency to detect the symptomatic nasal obstruction. There was a significant decrease in nasal air flow values (cm(3)/s) (p < 0.05). Except for three cases, all patients indicated that they had the sensation of nasal obstruction after the use of sildenafil (p < 0.05). Nasal obstruction is a common complaint for the patients using Sildenafil.

Topics: Aged; Erectile Dysfunction; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nasal Mucosa; Nasal Obstruction; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Piperazines; Purines; Rhinomanometry; Sildenafil Citrate; Sulfones; Treatment Outcome; Vasodilator Agents

Sildenafil (Viagra; Pfizer), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, promotes penile erection through increased intracellular cyclic guanine monophosphate (a second messenger) in response to nitric oxide (a first messenger) release following sexual stimulation. Nitric oxide is involved in nasal vasodilation, secretion, and mucociliary clearance. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of sildenafil on nasal patency.. Pilot study.. Teaching hospital.. Nasal patency was assessed by a visual analogue score and by measurement of the peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) in five subjects before and after administration of sildenafil.. Visual analogue score and PNIF.. There was a significant increase in the subjective sensation of nasal obstruction (p = .003; -9.6 +/- 2.7, -15.4 to -3.7 [mean +/- SEM, 95% CI) and a significant reduction of PNIF (p < .001; 70.7 +/- 13.2, 43.1 to 98.3).. This pilot study suggests that nasal patency may be reduced following the administration of sildenafil. The role of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in nasal physiology merits further investigation.

Topics: Aged; Humans; Middle Aged; Nasal Mucosa; Nasal Obstruction; Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; Pilot Projects; Piperazines; Purines; Sildenafil Citrate; Sulfones; Treatment Outcome; Vasodilation; Vasodilator Agents