The Poison Review

The FDA announced this week that Atlas Operations has initiated a recall of their dietary supplements marketed for “male enhancement”. Analysis revealed that some of the products contained sulfoaildenafil, a sildenafil analogue.  This drug has the potential to cause dangerous decreases in blood pressure, especially for patients taking certain other medications such as nitroglycerin.  According to a press release from the company, some of the products recalled include Staminil, Love Fuel, Erexxx, Finally on Demand, and Whatzup.  The take-home lesson for clinicians is that in addition to asking that middle-aged gentleman with chest pain if he takes Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra before giving nitroglycerine, it is important also to ask if he takes any natural or herbal or over-the-counter aphrodisiacs or male enhancement drugs.  These preparations often contain sulfoaildenafil or other analogues.