title: Nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy developing soon after use of sildenafil (viagra): a report of seven new cases.
abstract: Seven patients, aged between 50 and 69 years, had typical features of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) within 36 hours after ingestion of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction. Six patients had vision loss within 24 hours after use of the agent. Final visual acuity in the affected eye ranged from 20/20 to light perception. Both eyes were affected in one individual. All affected individuals had pre-existing hypertension, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, or hyperlipidemia. Seven similar cases have been previously reported. Sildenafil may provoke NAION in individuals with an arteriosclerotic risk profile.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. pomer010@umn.edu
authors.forename: Howard D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Pomeranz
authors.forename: Abdhish R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Bhavsar
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018917:Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011687:Purines; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014794:Visual Fields
chemical_list: D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate