Abstract
Purpose :
In previous studies, effects of Sildenafil as a 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitor in sheeps have been determined, in which 50 and 100 mg produced a substantial increase of intraocular pressure (IOP). The porpuse of this work was to repeat a study in human volunteers with normal IOPs in the City of Corrientes, Argentina, to determine the effects of Sildenafil regarding IOP.
Methods :
IOP was measured with Goldman's flattening tonometer in mm Hg in 15 (fifteen) healthy subjects aged 19 to 55 years who were randomly administered a dose of Sildenafil 100 mg (Vorst, Bernabó Laboratories, Argentina ) V.O. and placebo. Baseline IOP measures were taken, and then at 1.5 and 4 hours.
Results :
The baseline IOP in the 30 eyes was 16.2 ± 1.1, and increased to 17.7 ± 0.8 mm Hg (p <0.01) at 90 minutes and 17.4 ± 0.6 (p <0.003) at 4 hours after the intake of the drug. Both eyes behaved in the same way. The probability of obtaining these results by chance was 1/32 or 3%. No significant changes in IOP were recorded after ingestion of the placebo
Conclusions :
An increase of IOP was observed in all the cases studied, even 4 hours after the intake of the drug (half-life). Although high, the IOP did not exceed the normal IOP values. No difference was observed in the elevation of the IOP according to age. This pharmacological action can be explained by vasodilation at the level of the fenestrated capillaries of the ciliary body as the responsible mechanism. Sildenafil 100 mg could be used in cases of ocular hypotension or post-surgical atalamia.
This is a 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.