Effect of periodic sildenafil dosage on intraocular pressure in patients with erectile dysfunction

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction but it has association with some side effects. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of duration of taking sildenafil on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with erectile dysfunction. METHODS: The study population of this cross-sectional study were all males with erectile dysfunction referring to the urology clinic affiliated to Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (Kerman, Iran) over a one-year period (2015–2016) among whom 110 patients were included in the study. After medical examinations and required investigations, a weekly dose of 25–100mg sildenafil (50 mg per week on average) was prescribed for patients. IOP in these patients was measured by an ophthalmologist before, one month after and three months after taking medication respectively. Finally, data were analyzed by SPSS version 16 using repeated measures test. RESULTS: Mean IOP before taking medication as well as one month and three months after taking sildenafil was 14.88±1.3, 15±1.28 and 15±1.34 mmHg respectively. Analysis of results showed that the difference in IOP in various periods of measurement was significant (p<0.001). Mean IOP before taking sildenafil was significantly different from three months after taking it (p<0.001) and mean IOP one month after taking sildenafil was significantly different from three months after taking it (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicated that taking sildenafil for three months increased IOP. Although these changes may not be clinically significant.