Sildenafil relaxes the muscles of the blood vessels and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body.
Sildenafil under the name Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men.
Before taking Sildenafil you must know some facts:
Do not take Sildenafil if you are taking Nitrates and antihypertensive drugs, chest pain or heart problems, including nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, and some recreational drugs such as “poppers”. Taking sildenafil with a nitrate medicine can cause a sudden and serious decrease in blood pressure.
- high or low blood pressure
- blood circulation problems
- blindness in one or both eyes
- bleeding problems
- a stomach ulcer
- liver or kidney disease
- a blood cell disorder such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
- a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie’s disease)
This medicine is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Women with pulmonary arterial hypertension should not stop taking sildenafil without talking to their doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.
Dosage:
Take sildenafil exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Sildenafil is usually taken only when needed, 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity. You may take it up to 4 hours before sexual activity. Do not take Viagra more than once per day.
Side Effects:
- heart attack symptoms – chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating
- vision changes or sudden vision loss; erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (prolonged erection can damage the penis)
- ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss
- irregular heartbeat
- swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
- shortness of breath
- seizure (convulsions) or a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.
Common Side Effects
- flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
- headache, dizziness
- heartburn, nausea, or upset stomach
- abnormal vision (blurred vision, changes in color vision)
- runny or stuffy nose, nosebleeds
- sleep problems (insomnia) or muscle pain, back pain.