Viagra Credited For Saving Children's Lives

Millions of American men credit "the little blue pill" for saving their love lives. But nearly 20 years after it first hit the market, doctors say Viagra is also saving the lives of some children.

Doctors actually say a handful of children are alive today thanks in part to Viagra.

Victoria Dooley is one of those children. She was born with a rare condition causing one side of her heart to fail. So far, she's had three surgeries and her pediatric cardiologist says another is likely.

But by taking a low dose of Viagra now, Victoria is able to function with greater capacity as well as increase her life expectancy.

Twenty years ago doctors first tested Viagra to lower blood pressure.

While it's still prescribed to adults with certain heart problems, when giving it to children it’s considered "off label use." But several children's hospitals across the country report similar life-saving results in children with serious lung and heart problems.

Doctors say the low doses can help relax the blood vessels so blood can flow normally.

Small doses of Viagra are also given to premature babies to help them overcome potentially deadly lung problems.