Efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate for treatment of erectile dysfunction in a population with associated organic risk factors

J Androl. 2001 Sep-Oct;22(5):793-7.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of sildenafil in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) and associated organic risk factors in a multispecialty clinic. Patients (n = 521) were diagnosed with ED based on self-assessment. Associated risk factors were managed by medication or life-style modifications, or both, before treatment with sildenafil for ED. Patients received a 50-mg dose of sildenafil that could be adjusted to 100 mg or 25 mg based on tolerability and efficacy. Patients recorded the number of successful intercourse encounters for 6 to 8 weeks, and the number of adverse events. Overall, there was an 82% successful intercourse rate with sildenafil treatment. The predominant associated risk factors for ED were hypertension (39%), hypogonadism (37%), and multiple medications (34%). Common adverse events due to sildenafil treatment were mild to moderate in nature and resulted in <2% patient discontinuation. Clinicians should be particularly careful to evaluate patients presenting with ED because the condition can be accompanied by a wide spectrum of risk factors requiring monitoring and treatment. However, with adequate treatment and control of these risk factors, the use of sildenafil in a representative population of men with ED in a multispecialty clinic can achieve a higher efficacy rate than previous studies have indicated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Erectile Dysfunction / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism / drug therapy
  • Hypogonadism / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Piperazines / adverse effects
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use*
  • Purines
  • Risk Factors
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Sulfones
  • Testosterone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Piperazines
  • Purines
  • Sulfones
  • Testosterone
  • Sildenafil Citrate