Sildenafil citrate (Viagra^®) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in Nigerian men

Abstract

Fifty-eight Nigerian outpatients with documented erectile dysfunction (ED) received open-label sildenafil citrate (Viagra^®) for 8 weeks. The 50-mg starting dose could be adjusted to 100 or 25 mg based on response and tolerability. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Questionnaire, a global efficacy question, and intercourse data recorded in a patient event log were used to assess efficacy. Frequency of penetration and maintained erection were both significantly enhanced (P<0.0001); 95% of patients reported improved erections and 81% of all attempts at intercourse were successful. Orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction also improved significantly (P<0.0001). The most frequent adverse events (all-cause) were headache (17%) and myalgia (3%); only one patient discontinued treatment because of headache, which was considered unrelated to sildenafil. Oral sildenafil significantly improved erectile function and was well tolerated in this trial of Nigerian men suffering from ED. Our results are consistent with reports from other countries.