Sildenafil is the well-known drug used to treat the erectile dysfunction in the men, but now as per the latest research, it can also be used to treat the altitude sickness. Sildenafil is basically a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor that induces the blood supply in the penile region and treats the male impotence. Sildenafil was basically invented by the Pfizer to treat the angina pectoris but instead of showing any effect on the heart functioning it showed the persistent erections for 4 hours in the men. Sildenafil was prescribed to man who was having a problem of erectile dysfunction and was also suffering with the altitude sickness. The man got the relief from the erectile dysfunction but also noted that he was not facing the altitude sickness. This man brought this capability of the Sildenafil into the notice of the doctor and certainly the new use of the Sildenafil was established.



Altitude sickness in the disease that is caused by the scarcity of the oxygen felt at the high altitudes. The symptoms of the altitude sickness are sudden acute headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. The scarcity of the oxygen causes contracts the arteries and veins in the brain that lead to sudden headaches. Even the blockage of nose is observed in some individuals. Temporary sleep Apnea is also found in some cases. The circulation of the blood in the body is considerably affected in the altitude sickness. Altitude sickness can affect your lungs and brain. When this happens, symptoms include being confused, not being able to walk straight (ataxia), feeling faint, and having blue or gray lips or fingernails. When you breathe, you may hear a sound like a paper bag being crumpled. These symptoms mean the condition is severe. It may be deadly.

To know how much helpful Sildenafil could be in the altitude sickness, a study was conducted. In this study, 132 individuals suffering with the altitude sickness were given the Sildenafil dosage in the low concentration (15 mg) for about a week. It was noted after a week that 15% of the individuals were showing the improvement. The same dosage was then continued for one more week. After the second week 27% of the individuals were feeling better and didn't face the problem of altitude sickness. Then the dosage of Sildenafil was slightly improved by 5 mg and then again these individuals were given a dosage for about 1 week. About 31% of the individuals found a relief from the symptoms of the altitude sickness. Headache was completely treated and these individuals were having no problems on traveling in the high altitudes. The study made it clear that small doses of Sildenafil can be used to treat the altitude sickness.

Sildenafil helps to overcome the altitude sickness by increasing the blood supply to the brain and also improving the oxygen content in the blood. The circulation of the blood is also improved by the single dosage of the Sildenafil. Sildenafil improves the nitric oxide content in the body that helps the arteries and veins to relax and improve the blood supply. Sildenafil improves the amount of cGMP enzyme in the body that improves the blood supply to all parts of the body. Even the nasal blockage is cleared by improved oxygen content.

Sildenafil improves the functioning of the nervous system considerably and allows the men to avoid the dizziness caused during the altitude sickness. Please note that Sildenafil is approved by FDA only for treating the male impotence and is not approved for treating the altitude sickness. The patent is being filed by Pfizer to use Sildenafil as the altitude sickness drug. The clinical trials are arranged by the FDA to check the Sildenafil efficacy to treat the altitude sickness. Thus, we need to wait for about the 6 months or a year to use Sildenafil for treating altitude sickness, unless it is approved by the FDA.