Question 10: What is the relevance of taking sildenafil in this case?

You have another patient with a similar history. This second patient reveals that he is taking sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor.

Question 10: What is the relevance of taking sildenafil in this case?

Answer

Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra), are commonly used for erectile dysfunction and have been associated with the development of spontaneous NAION in men with predisposed crowded discs. This association is somewhat controversial. It is believed that the therapeutic dose of these drugs may lower systemic blood pressure and potentially reduce perfusion to the optic nerve head, thereby increasing the risk of NAION.(Miller and Arnold 2015)

Other medications, including interferon-alpha and amiodarone, have also been associated with the development of spontaneous NAION.

Answer ends