A multicenter, randomized, open-labeled, parallel group trial of sildenafil in alcohol-associated erectile dysfunction: the impact on psychosocial outcomes.
To examine the effect of sildenafil on erectile dysfunction (ED) and psychosocial outcomes in alcohol-dependent (AD) men, 108 men with these diagnoses were randomly assigned to either take sildenafil (50 mg) as add-on to standard treatment for AD, or the same treatment without sildenafil, for 12 weeks. Only 50 patients in sildenafil group and 51 in control group twice completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and a battery of self-report questionnaires. IIEF scores and psychosocial functioning, self-esteem and support from friends improved only for sildenafil-treated patients (P < 0.001). The high effect sizes suggest that the observed benefits are unlikely to be a placebo effect, although their unspecific nature could not be ruled out. In men with ED associated with AD, sildenafil improves both ED and psychosocial outcomes. Further placebo-controlled clinical trial is warranted.
Ponizovsky
Alexander M
AM
Mental Health Services, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem 93591, Israel. alexander.ponizovsky@moh.health.gov.il
Averbuch
Lev
L
Radomislensky
Ira
I
Grinshpoon
Alexander
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011687:Purines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000431:Ethanol; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate