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Men who take Viagra (sildenafil) for erectile dysfunction (ED) could have a
higher risk for long-term hearing loss.
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE-5i)
like sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil were originally used to treat pulmonary
hypertension but are now used extensively in the treatment of erectile
dysfunction. To compare use of PDE-5i between participants with and without
self-reported hearing impairment, researchers followed 11,525 American men aged
over 40 years.
Those who took Viagra or other drugs that act in a similar manner, called
phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE-5i), were found to be twice as likely
to report hearing loss as were men who had not used the drugs. The relationship
was strongest for men reporting use of sildenafil (sold as Viagra ) and this was
not seen in men who used tadalafil (Cialis ) or vardenafil (Levitra ).
Though the findings link the use of Viagra with hearing loss in American
adults, further research is required to confirm these findings. Currently,
sildeanfil use requires prescription from a specialist to minimise the side
effects, and this study adds to that list.
Read more at:
http://doctor.ndtv.com/
Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck
Surgery,
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