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by Roland

A client that my wife cared for in an ICU environment had Viagra prescribed BID. This was a post-op CABG scenario. Is there an off label use for the drug not in Davis where this would be appropriate?

[nursej22]

Re: Why would an ICU patient be on Viagra BID (off label use?)

Viagra may be used for pulmonary hypertension, especially if coused by pulmonary fibrosis.

[nurse4theplanet]

Re: Why would an ICU patient be on Viagra BID (off label use?)

that makes sense because it was originally designed as a BP med and the most common side effect was an erection.

[suzanne4]

Re: Why would an ICU patient be on Viagra BID (off label use?)

It is actually used on babies also in the ICU and other settings for pulmonary hypertension, what it was originally designed for. Comes is a liquid form.

[ArmyWife,RN]

Re: Why would an ICU patient be on Viagra BID (off label use?)

I had a patient just the other night that was admitted for persistant hypotension that had scheduled Viagra. I had to go looking for information on it - the short of it is it works as a nitrate. (I didn't give it - pt was on a dopamine drip at the time)

A.W.

[veronica butterfly]

Re: Why would an ICU patient be on Viagra BID (off label use?)

stupid question and not meant to be funny.....

do these patients get erections? and if so, isn't it uncomfortable for them if not "relieved"? or does viagra help someone with impotence only by allowing the body to function if the "mind is willing?"

sheesh, thanks.

[TennNurse]

Re: Why would an ICU patient be on Viagra BID (off label use?)

Originally Posted by veronica butterfly

stupid question and not meant to be funny.....

do these patients get erections? and if so, isn't it uncomfortable for them if not "relieved"? or does viagra help someone with impotence only by allowing the body to function if the "mind is willing?"

sheesh, thanks.

Good questions, all. I hope someone here can answer them; I'd like to know as well.
Anyone???

[Agnus]

Re: Why would an ICU patient be on Viagra BID (off label use?)

Originally Posted by veronica butterfly

stupid question and not meant to be funny.....

do these patients get erections? and if so, isn't it uncomfortable for them if not "relieved"? or does viagra help someone with impotence only by allowing the body to function if the "mind is willing?"

sheesh, thanks.

In the beginning when it was first marketed a lot of people (lay) thought that. They would take the pill and waited expecting it to just pop up on its own. There must be sexual excitement. Viagra did not eliminate the need for foreplay. If no sexual excitement no erection.

Viagra allows an erection to happen in those who have physical difficulty in achieving and erection.

[veronica butterfly]

Re: Why would an ICU patient be on Viagra BID (off label use?)

Originally Posted by Agnus

In the beginning when it was first marketed a lot of people (lay) thought that. They would take the pill and waited expecting it to just pop up on its own. There must be sexual excitement. Viagra did not eliminate the need for foreplay. If no sexual excitement no erection.

Viagra allows an erection to happen in those who have physical difficulty in achieving and erection.

Thanks, makes sense!!

[erdiane]

Re: Why would an ICU patient be on Viagra BID (off label use?)

...............so they don't fall off the bed...........