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Sildenafil for Shortness of Breath in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Dyspnea | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | COPD | Lung Disease | Lung Function | Exercise Capacity | Sildenafil

COPD is a condition characterized by airway obstruction. Patients with COPD experience shortness of breath on exertion and an exaggerated breathing response to exercise. Recently, we have shown that inhaled nitric oxide, a potent dilator of pulmonary blood vessels, reduces shortness of breath and improves exercise capacity in mild COPD. This preliminary finding suggests that pulmonary vascular dysfunction is an important contributor to exercise intolerance in mild COPD. Here, we aim to test whether sildenafil, an oral pulmonary vasodilator, can improve exercise tolerance and shortness of breath in mild COPD. 

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    Any

  • Eligible Ages:

    40 to 80

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:
Individuals with mild to severe COPD and COPD free controls.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. An orthopedic condition that may limit exercise testing, or a condition that may make exercise testing unsafe.
2. Pre-existing cardiac conditions that may limit exercise testing.
3. A diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension preceding COPD.
4. Drug use that may interfere with or interact with sildenafil (phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors, nitrates, opioids, azole antifungals, macrolide antibiotics, protease inhibitors, alpha blockers, riociguat, mifepristone or rifamycin)

Study Location

University of Alberta
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Contact Study Team

Primary Contact

Rhys Beaudry

[email protected]
7804928027
Study Sponsored By
University of Alberta
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: Pro00108944