Efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil in men with erectile dysfunction and spinal cord injury

Objective: To assess the efficacy of sildenafil in men with spinal cord injury (SCI) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods: Seventeen men with SCI were selected from February to September 1998 for sildenafil treatment of ED. The initial dose of 25 mg was increased by 25-mg increments as needed. Patients underwent baseline physical examination and answered questions from the abridged International Index of Erectile Function before and during therapy. Results: Sixteen patients tolerated therapy; 1 developed hypotension and discontinued therapy. There was significant improvement in erectile function (P < .05) after 5.3 ± 2.2 months when compared with baseline or previous therapies (P < .05). Of the 17 patients, 94% recommended sildenafil to others. Six of these 16 patients were available for long-term follow-up. There was further significant improvement in quality of erection (P < .05), but no change in satisfaction. Conclusion: Sildenafil is effective and well tolerated in men with SCI and ED.