Influence of Alcohol on Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors Use in Middle- to Old-Aged Men: A Comparative Study of Adverse Events

INTRODUCTION: Some previous studies reported recreational use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors by ingesting the medicine with alcohol in patients with erectile dysfunction, but the rate of misuse in general population has never been researched. AIM: To investigate the frequency of concomitant alcohol consumption with PDE-5 inhibitors in the general male population. We secondarily analyzed the influence of alcohol on PDE-5 inhibitor. METHODS: 325 men with erectile dysfunction (age 34–78) who received PDE-5 inhibitors at a single medical institution from January 2016–February 2018 were included in the study. All patients fulfilled a survey questionnaire assessing (i) average alcohol consumption amount, (ii) previous use of PDE-5 inhibitors with alcohol and purpose of concomitant alcohol use, (iii) and background knowledge about PDE-5 inhibitors' side effects. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The main outcome measure was frequency of concomitant alcohol consumption with PDE-5 inhibitors in the general male population. RESULTS: Overall 148 patients committed concomitant alcohol use (group 1), and 177 patients did not (group 2). No significant differences were observed between 2 groups regarding types of PDE-5 inhibitors used and underlying disease. Group 2 had significantly more patients with the correct knowledge concerning concomitant alcohol use than group 1 (24.9% vs 13.5%). Group 1 had more patients with average alcohol consumption >15 drinks/week (64.8% vs 14.1%). The reasons for concomitant alcohol use were curiosity (35.1%), enhancing sexual desire (27%) and recommendation from friends (16.9%). Group 1 showed significantly greater complications, including headache (23.6% vs 7.3%) and facial flushing (69.6% vs 12.4%), than group 2. 1 patient in group 1 experienced severe chest discomfort and underwent coronary artery angiography, but no severe obstructive lesion was observed. CONCLUSION: 45.5% of middle- to old-age men committed concomitant use of PDE-5 inhibitor with alcohol because of recreational purpose, and this alcohol abuse might lead to severe complications, including chest discomfort and dizziness. Kim JN, Oh JJ, Park DS, et al. Influence of Alcohol on Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors Use in Middle- to Old-Aged Men: A Comparative Study of Adverse Events. Sex Med 2019;7:425–432.