Effect of Long-Term Administration of Tadalafil on Arteriosclerosis

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to prospectively investigate whether the long-term administration of tadalafil, which is commonly used for erectile dysfunction, could reduce arteriosclerosis. Materials and Methods: This study included 85 patients who presented to one of the three hospitals with lower urinary tract symptoms. Tadalafil was administered daily (5 mg/d), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured before administration and at weeks 12, 24, 36, and 48. The International Prostate Symptom Score, Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, and Erection Hardness Score were simultaneously assessed at the same time points. Further subanalyses were performed in patients with a high risk of cardiovascular events, those aged 75 years or older, and those younger than 75 years. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Compared with pretreatment values, the PWV did not show any statistically significant decrease at any time point. The group at high risk of cardiovascular events showed significant improvement at weeks 24 and 36, whereas the 75 years or older group showed significant improvement at only week 24. However, the three aforementioned scores significantly improved in all patients during treatment. Conclusions: The long-term administration of tadalafil (5 mg/d) might inhibit the progression of arteriosclerosis or prevent its future development.