Acute effects of sildenafil citrate (Viagra®) on intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma

- PURPOSE: To assess the acute effects of sildenafil citrate (VIAGRA) on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of patients with chronic open angle glaucoma. - DESIGN: This was a double-blind, randomized, place. bo-controlled, crossover study, in which 15 patients received a single oral dose of sildenafil 100 mg or matching placebo on two separate occasions. - METHODS: Fifteen subjects aged 63 +/- 14 years (mean +/- SD) with bilateral chronic open-angle glaucoma were administered a single oral dose of sildenafil 100 mg or matching placebo on two separate occasions at least 3 days apart. IOP was measured in both eyes by Goldmann applanation tonometry at baseline and then at 1-5 hours after dosing. Brachial artery systolic and diastolic blood pressures were determined by sphygmomanometry, and heart rate was also monitored at baseline and 1-5 hours after dosing. - RESULTS: Compared with placebo, no statistically or clinically significant change in IOP was detected after a single dose of sildenafil 100 mg (P = .20). Moreover, no significant change in mean systemic blood pressure (P = .12) or heart rate (P = .72) was detected after treatment with sildenafil. - CONCLUSION: At the maximum therapeutic dose of 100 mg, sildenafil did not produce any significant acute change in IOP in men with chronic open,angle glaucoma. This information is of importance for patients with glaucoma receiving sildenafil for treatment of erectile dysfunction. (C) 2001 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.