Letter to the Editor

Tadalafil and Palpebral Edema

Authors: Marie-Lorraine Chandeclerc, MD, Samuel Martin, MD, Nadine Petitpain, MD, Annick Barbaud, MD, Jean-Luc Schmutz, MD

Abstract

Tadalafil is a selective and reversible type 5 phosphodiesterase (5PDE) inhibitor. Therefore, its effect is greater on 5PDE than on other phosphodiesterases. It is indicated in the treatment of erectile dysfunction but still requires sexual stimulation to be effective. Tadalafil has a longer elimination half-life than sildenafil (17.5 versus 3.7 hours, respectively) and provides an efficient erection up to 36 hours after ingestion of the drug. To our knowledge, only rare and short-lasting side effects have been reported, most frequently headaches, dyspepsia, dizzy spells, hot flushes, blocked nose, back and muscle pain, and, more rarely, eye pain, conjunctival hyperemia, and eyelid edema.1 To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of palpebral edema probably related to the ingestion of tadalafil.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Padma-Nathan H, Mc Murray JG, Pullman WE, et al. On-demand IC351 (Cialis) enhances erectile function in patients with erectile dysfunction. Int J Impot Res 2001;13:2–9.
 
2. Slim RM, Robertson DG, Albassam M, et al. Effect of dexamethasone on the metabonomics profile associated with phosphodiesterase inhibitor–induced vascular lesions in rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol2002;183:108–116.
 
3. Esmaeli B, Prieto VG, Buttler CE, et al. Severe periorbital edema secondary to STI571 (Gleevec).Cancer 2002;95:881–887.