Viagra Could Treat Childhood Muscular Dystrophy Heart Problems

A new study suggests that Viagra, a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction primarily among older men, may be a potential treatment for heart failure associated with a form of muscular dystrophy that is usually seen in 2 to 6 year old boys.

The current issue of Proceedings of the National Acadamy of Sciences contains a study involving mice with muscular dystrophy. Researchers found that the mice who were given Viagra showed improved heart performance. Although further research will be necessary, this may mean that one day Viagra could be used to treat heart muscle problems associated with muscular dystrophy.

Viagra (sildenafil citrate) was approved in 1998 and is manufactured by Pfizer. Some of the more serious side effects of Viagra include reports of sudden hearing loss or a vision problems that could develop within 48 hours of taking the drug. Pfizer currently faces a number of Viagra lawsuits which are being pursued by users of the drug who experienced vision or hearing problems.