According to JAMA Opthalmology, a man in his mid-50s suffered permanent retinal damage after consuming a large overdose of sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra1. Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor, one of a group of drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction.
The man consumed an entire 30-mL bottle of generic liquid sildenafil citrate. The total dose was 750 mg, more than 7 times the maximum recommended dose.
Shortly after he began experiencing vision difficulties, including night blindness, photophobia, and donut-shaped field defects in both eyes. After two months, the vision defects persisted. There is no known treatment.
This case is similar to a case that occurred in October, 2018, in which a man suffered a permanent red tint to his vision after taking an overdose of liquid sildenafil citrate. In both cases the patient obtained the liquid online without a prescription.
In addition to permanent eye damage, overdoses of PDE5 inhibitors can produce priapism, a painful and dangerous persistent erection.
Patients who use sildenafil citrate, or any other erectile dysfunction medication, should:
- Follow their doctor’s instructions regarding its use
- Not exceed the recommended dosage
- Report side-effects to their doctor immediately.
Patients who purchase medications online often do not get proper instructions or advice on their use.
Related Reading
Patient Experiences Red Vision After Sildenafil Citrate Overdose
References
- Brader, H S; Athappilly, Geetha K; Loewenstein, John. “Retinal Toxicity Associated With Excessive Sildenafil Ingestion.” Jan 10, 2019. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2018.3652.
<https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/article-abstract/2720488>