Viagra for Pulmonary Hypertension

Viagra, the trademark erectile dysfunction drug of Pfizer Inc has been making headlines with its new reincarnation as an effective drug for the treatment of people with pulmonary hypertension, a deadly lung disorder. Other than being used by more than thirty million people to fight erectile dysfunction, Viagra has now been recognized as a drug that can treat this rare and fatal lung problem, caused by constrictions in the vessel that supply blood to the lungs.

Studies have shown that chronic lung or diseases of the heart are some of the most probable reasons behind the cause of pulmonary hypertension. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), nearly 300 cases of pilmonary hypertension, mostly women in their 30s, are diagnosed every year. The symptoms of the disorder may include difficulty breathing, dizziness, and fatigue, and patients genarally live not more than three years from the time of diagnosis, if proper treatment is not provided.

The FDA has given approval for the use of Viagra in the treament of pulmonary hypertension after a clinical study consisting of 277 patients, with the disease, from 25 countries. The patients were randomly given a choice between 20, 40 or 80 mg of Viagra and another placebo, three times daily. After six weeks, the patients with Viagra made significant improvements in many aspects. They were able to walk at least 148 feet farther in six minutes than those on placebo. And an amazing 95 % of the patients, who took Viagra survived for more than 18 months.

Viagra can effectively lower the level of blood pressure in the body. This feature is an important asset in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension as Norman Edelman, medical director of the American Lung Association said, "Anything that lowers blood pressure in the lungs and can do it over time will probably prolong life."

Viagra also has an advantage over other known methods used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Most of the other drugs are either given intravenously or in an injection, while Viagra can be given orally. Bosentan, the other oral drug can damage the liver, hence avoided. Pfizer plans to market the drug under a new name Revatio.