The effect of sildenafil on ocular blood flow.
Sildenafil is a potent phosphodiesterase (PDE) 5 inhibitor that is used for patients with erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil induces vasodilation in selected smooth muscle via increased levels of guanosine 3', 5' cyclic monophosphate and increase in nitric oxide. The vasodilatory effects of the PDE 5 inhibitors led us to review its effect on the ocular vasculature. Sildenafil appears to increase blood flow velocity significantly in the retrobulbar and choroidal circulation. Most studies suggest an increase in choroidal blood flow, with a lesser effect on the retinal vasculature.
Harris
A
A
Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. alharris@indiana.edu
Kagemann
L
L
Ehrlich
R
R
Ehrlich
Y
Y
López
C R
CR
Purvin
V A
VA
D015106:3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000187:drug effects; D002829:Choroid / Q000098:blood supply; D005123:Eye / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011687:Purines / Q000494:pharmacology; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000187:drug effects
D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D015106:3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases