Doctors are giving Viagra to babies, and while that may sound shocking, the reasoning makes perfect sense. In babies born with pulmonary hypertension, arteries in the lungs constrict, reducing blood flow, and these are the patients being treated with Viagra. Viagra causes arteries to relax, which then results in increased blood flow. The babies undergoing Viagra therapy have more blood flow to their lungs, which reduces their symptoms. The drug has also been used as a treatment for adults with pulmonary hypertension, but this therapy applied to babies is fairly new.
No studies have been completed to determine any long-term side effects Viagra might have on babies. Doctors say, however, that if the levels are too high, it can lower blood pressure.
