A large retrospective study has found that men who used the PDE5 inhibitor tadalafil, sold under the brand name Cialis, for lower urinary tract symptoms faced an increased likelihood of glaucoma-related clinical events. The findings raise a fresh consideration for men prescribed the drug for urinary symptoms, pointing to the importance of regular eye monitoring.
Researchers found glaucoma-related events occurred at higher rates among tadalafil users compared with non-users, even after adjusting for age, medical history and other medications that could have influenced the results. Because glaucoma remains a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, the study’s authors say the association, while not yet fully explained, is significant enough to warrant closer attention.
The exact biological mechanism linking PDE5 inhibitors to glaucoma risk is still unclear and will require further study, the researchers noted. In the meantime, they recommend that clinicians weigh the potential risks alongside the benefits of tadalafil therapy and encourage patients taking the drug to keep up with regular eye exams and glaucoma screening.
Source: medpagetoday.com