Efficacy of Daily Low-dose Sildenafil for Treating Interstitial Cystitis: Results of a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial—Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome With Low-dose Sildenafil

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of daily low-dose sildenafil for the treatment of nonulcer interstitial cystitis (IC) in women. Patients and Methods Forty-eight women with a clinical diagnosis of IC from 3 medical centers were randomly assigned to treatment with daily low-dose sildenafil (25 mg, n = 24) or placebo (n = 24) for 3 months. The O'Leary-Sant IC symptom and problem indices, visual analog scale scores, and a micturition diary with the interval of micturition, the frequency of nocturia, and urgency episodes were recorded before treatment, every 2 weeks after the treatment until 3 months. Patient Overall Rating of Improvement in Symptoms was assessed and regarded as effective when the value was above 50%. Results The IC symptom and problem indices scores and urodynamic index were significantly improved in sildenafil treatment group as compared with placebo group and baselines at week 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12, as well as 3 months after treatment ( P