Brand Viagra (Sildenafil)

Objective: This study evaluates the use of sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitorwith greater selectivity for t he pulmonary vascular bed, in the management ofpulmonary hypertension of newborn infants.

Data source: A MEDLINE reference search was made in relation to the use ofphosphodiesterase inhibitors alone or in combination with inhaled nitric oxide inprimary hypertension and pulmonary hypertension following heart surgery in adultsand older children, as well studies of neonatal pulmonary hypertension in animalmodels.

Data synthesis: There is no published clinical study recommending the use ofsildenafil in the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn infant. Studies of pulmonary hypertension in animals newborn showed that isolated use ofsildenafil is better than its use associated with inhaled nitric oxide with parenchymallung disease. In this case, the redirection of the blood flow from ventilated regions andselectively dilated by the inhaled nitric oxide to non ventilated regions increased theintrapulmonary shunt, aggravating the arterial hipoxemia. The side effects, particularly in the ocular circulation, with potential risks of retinal lesion, must betaken into consideration.