Efficacy of Adjusted Dose Tadalafil for Treating Erectile Dysfunction in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis

Although erectile dysfunction is frequently seen in hemodialysis patients, little information is documented about the efficacy of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors and almost all the articles evaluate sildenafil. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of chronic low dose tadalafil in this group of patients.

The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionairre was administered to patients under hemodialysis program. A total of 58 patients with ED (International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score < 26), each having a stable partner, between 18-60 years, receiving routine outpatient HD matched the inclusion criteria and divided into two equal groups; placebo and tadalafil 5 mg/3 days. Changes of the IIEF score was recorded after one month of treatment.

The mean age of the patients was 50.0±9.93 years. Duration of dialysis was 57.5(12-108) months. Hemoglobin (g/dl) and creatinin clearence (ml/Min) values of placebo and tadalafil groups were not significantly different; 10.9(8.8-14) vs 10.7(8.9-13) and 5.7±1.3 vs 6.0±1.4 respectively. There was a statistically significant increase for all subgroups related erectile dysfunction 9.28±4.17 vs 21.07±5.99 (p=0.037), intercourse satisfaction 8(3-9) vs 10(5-15) (p<0.001), orgasmic function 4(1-10) vs 8(4-10) (p<0.001), sexual desire 4(2-10) vs 7(3-9) (p<0.001) and general satisfaction 5(2-9) vs 6(2-9) (p<0.001) with low dose of tadalafil at the end of four weeks without any major side effects. There was only a significant increase in sexual desire 4(3-9) vs 6(4-10) (p<0.001),in placebo group with an insignificant change in all other IIEF domains. Total IIEF score of the placebo group was insignificantly increased from 21.13±7.73 to 21.99±7.04 (p=0.771) while there was a statistically significant increase in tadalafil group; from 20.87±8.84 to 30.75±7.04 (p<0.001).

Tadalafil 5 mg once in three days is appear to be efficacious and well tolerated for the treatment of ED in hemodialysis patients.