Alcohol and Alcoholism Advance Access published online on May 30, 2007
Alcohol and Alcoholism, doi:10.1093/alcalc/agm041
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The Author 2007. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Medical Council on Alcohol.
Sildenafil citrate in the treatment of sexual dysfunction and its effect on quality of life in alcohol dependent men: preliminary findings
1 Mental Health Services, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
2 Tirat Carmel Mental Health Center, Ministry of Health, Tirat Carmel, Israel
3 Department of Substance Dependence Treatment, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel and
4 Geha Mental Health Center and Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petakh Tikva, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed at: Mental Health Services, Ministry of Health, 2 Ben Tabai St., 93591 Jerusalem, Israel. Tel: 972 2 6727794; Fax: 972 2 6719007; E-mail: alexander.ponizovsky{at}moh.health.gov.il
Received 28 December 2006; first review notified 10 April 2007; in revised form 11 April 2007; accepted 12 April 2007
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Abstract |
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Background: Alcohol-dependent men commonly suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) and men with ED are frequently chronic alcohol addicts. Sildenafil is used for treatment of ED caused by diverse factors. The aim of this study was to examine (i) the effect of sildenafil citrate (VIAGRA) on ED in alcohol dependent men, and (ii) whether the effective treatment of ED with sildenafil improves the patient's QoL and related emotional distress. Methods: Fifty-four men with an ICD-10 diagnosis of alcohol dependence (AD) and concomitant ED agreed to enter an open-label trial, in which they were assigned to take 50 mg of sildenafil as add-on to a standard treatment for AD for 12 weeks. Fifty patients (92.3%) completed all baseline and endpoint assessments. Efficacy was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire. Results: At endpoint, total IIEF scores had improved significantly (
= 16.9), reflecting a 42% improvement (P < 0.0001). A significant increase in the mean scores of each sexual function domain was also noted among all subjects. Sildenafil's positive effect was accompanied by a significant improvement (P < 0.001) in satisfaction with overall QoL and specific life-domains, as well as a significant reduction in emotional distress scores (P < 0.001).Conclusion: The sildenafil add-on evaluated in this trial had a marked beneficial effect on ED and QoL, and was associated with a significant reduction in emotional distress among men with AD. The information obtained is valuable for both clinicians and policymakers in developing innovative therapeutic strategies for men with AD.