Sildenafil
Sildenafil, commonly known by its brand name Viagra, is a medication indicated to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Erectile dysfunction is when you have trouble getting or maintaining an erection (1).
Sildenafil belongs to a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It supports an erection by elevating the blood flow going to the penis in response to sexual stimulation. This elevation in blood flow causes an erection (1).
Sildenafil tablets come in 25, 50, and 100 milligram (mg) strengths. The typical dose of sildenafil is 50 mg for most individuals. However, you can decrease the dose to 25 mg or increase the dose to a maximum of 100 mg (2).
You should take your dose of sildenafil around one hour prior to sexual activity. Although, you are able to take sildenafil anywhere between 30 minutes to four hours prior to engaging in sexual activity. You can take sildenafil with or without food (2).
The most frequently experienced side effects with sildenafil in clinical trials included:
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Vision problems
- Flushing
- Back pain
- Nausea
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Nasal congestion
- Muscle pain
Additionally, certain precautions should be taken when thinking about starting sildenafil. These risks include:
- Cardiac risk with sexual activity in individuals with preexisting cardiovascular disease
- A prolonged erection lasting more than four hours or priapism, defined as painful erections lasting longer than six hours
- Vision and hearing loss
- Low blood pressure when takin sildenafil with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives (2)
Talk to your identID provider if you experience these or any other new or worsening side effects.
Certain individuals should not take sildenafil. These contraindications include:
- Those taking nitric oxide donors. Sildenafil can enhance the effects of these medications, such as organic nitrates or nitrites.
- Those allergic to sildenafil or its components (2).