Sildenafil and nasal obstruction.
OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
Pilot study.


METHODS
Teaching hospital.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
Visual analogue score and PNIF.


RESULTS
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).


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom.
Medhi
M
Motamed
Davinder
D
Sandhu
George E
GE
Murty
D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000187:drug effects; D015508:Nasal Obstruction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010879:Piperazines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011687:Purines; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects*; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate