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Hearing Loss From Viagra? Study Says It Can Happen

17th October, 2010 - Posted by health news - No Comments

According to a new study, the the drug Viagra, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction, and possibly several related medications, may be a risk factor for long-term ear health problems, including reduced hearing.

The study was conducted by medical researchers at the University of Alabama Birmingham.

Viagra is one of the so-called class of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE-5i). Other drugs in this class include Cialis and Levitra.

The results of the study came in response to a decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2007. The FDA’s intent was to promote improved labeling for medications like Viagra. The move was in response to reports that year regarding sudden hearing problems.

The author of the study, Gerald McGwin, who is a professor of epidemiology in the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, released a statement saying “It appears from these findings that the current government warning regarding hearing loss and the use of PDE-5i medications are warranted,”

While admitting there are some limitations to the scope of the UAB study, McGwin said men still need to educate themselves about ED drugs and talk to their doctor if they start noticing ear problems – especially hearing difficulties. In doing so, they might prevent any future hearing impairment.

Almost twelve thousand men over the age of forty took part in the research. The information in the study had been collected by the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in the years between 2003 and 2006. The UAB team’s analysis of the data revealed that men who didn’t use PDE-5i drugs were only half as likely to experience hearing loss as users.

One possible explanation for the connection between ED drugs and ear problems might be found in the original purpose of PDE-5i medications. While Viagra is now mainly used for men with erectile challenges, it were initially intended for treating a form of hypertension.

ED drugs were originally expected to increase blood flow in certain areas of the body. But while better blood flow may benefit some areas, it could possibly harm others – particularly the ears – accounting for hearing loss.

Viagra, or “The Little Blue Pill” (so named because of its color) was the first treatment developed for men with erectile dysfunction to gain widespread acceptance and success. It is manufactured Pfizer Corporation..

Researchers at Pfizer’s research facility in Kent, England, were trying to find a medication for high blood pressure and ischaemic heart disease. They formulated a drug which they called Sildenafil. . It was originally called Sildenafil.|Viagra was originally formulated at a Pfizer’s research facility in England as a treatment for high blood pressure related to heart disease. Chemists working on the project called the drug Sildenafil.} Pfizer researchers hoped that Sildenafil would increase the flow of blood around the heart, thereby relieving chest pains. As clinical trials progressed in the early 90’s, researchers discovered that Sildenafil was relatively ineffective for those with angina, but helped men with erectile dysfunction a great deal.

After more clinical trials involving men with erectile dysfunction, Pfizer got a patent in March 1996. Approval from the US Food and Drug Administration followed in 1998, and Pfizer began marketing the product under the brand name Viagra.

Viagra immediately became a huge success. It is still the best known oral drug treatment of its kind, although several other companies have developed competing brands. In the first three years Viagra was on the market, more than one billion “little blue pills” were sold. Although sales growth has slowed in recent years, Pfizer still sells between 400 and 450 million dollars worth of Viagra annually.

To learn more on related issues, click on tinnitus and ear noises and ear infections. Neal Kennedy is a former radio and TV talk show host. To read more of his articles, visit Keeping Your Ears Healthy at http://www.ear-health.info.