Potential Side Effects of Sildenafil Citrate
Viagra is not a cure for ED, as the medication wears off within a few hours.
How it works
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an upsetting and distressing condition and impact relationships. However, your doctor can treat and manage the issue. Several highly effective treatments can help you regain erectile function. One of these is a medication called Viagra. We make it easy for you to participate in a clinical trial for Erectile dysfunction, and get access to the latest treatments not yet widely available - and be a part of finding a cure.
Does Viagra treat ED that’s related to diabetes?
Viagra is an oral prescription drug for ED. Other brand names of sildenafil include Aronix, Liberize, Nipatra, Revatio, and Granpidam. The role of Viagra is to increase blood flow to the penis, a critical component of having an erection. Viagra falls under a category of medications called phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors).¹ PDE5 is a naturally-occurring enzyme that blocks cGMP, the protein responsible for causing erections. Viagra prevents PDE5 from having a negative effect on erections and allows viagra connect form cGMP to work on relaxing the smooth muscle in the penis.
Serious side effects
ED is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Viagra for the treatment of ED in people with a penis over the age of 18. Research² has shown that Viagra improves the firmness, frequency, and maintenance of erections. It also indirectly enhances other aspects of relationships, which ED can damage, including: The frequency and level of desire in relationships The frequency and level of desire in relationships Numerous studies have backed up the effectiveness of Viagra, such as: One study³ on men with ED found that more than 94% of the participants were satisfied with the effect that Viagra had on their erections and sexual activity. One study³ on men with ED found that more than 94% of the participants were satisfied with the effect that Viagra had on their erections and sexual activity. Your body rapidly absorbs Viagra into the blood, and it usually works within an hour. However, it can take between 30 minutes and 4 hours to have an effect. You should take Viagra before sexual activity as needed. Doctors do not recommend taking Viagra more than once a day. Viagra may work faster when you take it on an empty stomach. If you eat before taking Viagra, avoid a high-fat meal if you want the drug to work faster. Fat can slow down the absorption of Viagra into your bloodstream by an hour. After taking a 100mg dose, Viagra stays in the bloodstream for up to 18 hours after taking the medication. After 4–5 hours, only very small amounts are detectable. After taking Viagra, your erection should not last more than four hours. While Viagra is still in your system, the effect on erections wears off due to the low amounts left in your body. Most side effects of Viagra are mild and temporary. The most common side effects may include, but are not limited to: As the dose increases, the risk of experiencing side effects becomes more likely.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 205.31€ 195.53€ | |
| Viagra Professional | 100mg | 60 + 2 Pills | 146.74€ 139.75€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 481.98€ 459.03€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 180 + 8 Pills | 158.82€ 151.26€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 54.26€ 51.68€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 111.25€ 105.95€ | |
| Viagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 419.95€ 399.95€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 170.79€ 162.66€ | |
| Viagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 63 + 7 Sachets | 190.54€ 181.47€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 30 + 2 Pills | 72.32€ 68.88€ | |
| Viagra Original | 100mg | 92 + 4 Pills | 362.88€ 345.60€ | |
| Viagra Original | 100mg | 14 + 2 Pills | 89.03€ 84.79€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 107.37€ 102.26€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 180 + 10 Pills | 277.56€ 264.34€ |
If you experience any side effects, speak with your doctor to see whether you should reduce your dosage. One study⁴ of men who took the active ingredient of Viagra, sildenafil, concluded that almost half of the participants experienced at least one adverse effect.
- Research continues into new formulations of ED medications inspired by Viagra.
- Viagra's effects can differ based on individual blood chemistry.
- Combining Viagra with recreational drugs is highly dangerous.
- Men with neural or psychological ED might benefit from therapy alongside medication.
- The drug was a result of research into vascular health and nitric oxide.
- Viagra can be used as a diagnostic tool in certain medical tests.
- It is crucial to follow prescribed doses to avoid adverse reactions.
- Lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet, can improve ED alongside medication.
Most adverse effects, however, were mild or moderate.
More about Viagra (sildenafil)
Additive hypotensive effects with concomitant α-blockers (eg, doxazosin), antihypertensives (eg, amlodipine). Concomitant other erectile dysfunction treatments: not recommended. Headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, back pain, myalgia, nausea, dizziness, rash, visual disturbances (eg, color tinge to vision, increased light sensitivity, blurred vision), sudden vision or hearing loss; rare: cardiovascular events, prolonged erection, priapism. Sildenafil is a medication that is taken before sexual activity and allows men with erectile dysfunction (ED) to achieve and maintain an erection. ED or impotence happens when a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection long enough for sexual intercourse.
Know the potential side effects of Viagra
ED can be caused by medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, prostate problems, and heart disease. It can also be a side effect of the medications taken for these conditions. Personal lifestyle factors such as stress, alcohol, and/or tobacco use can also play a role. During surgery or radiation to the pelvic area (including prostate, bladder, and rectal procedures), there can be damage to the nerves that supply the penis. This can lead to either temporary or permanent impotence.
Mild side effects
Some surgeons perform "nerve-sparing" surgeries to try to preserve erectile function. Even in these cases, however, the nerves will suffer some injury, and it can take 18-24 months or longer for erectile function to return. These men should be treated aggressively with oral or injectable medications for ED in order to speed the recovery of the nerves and to prevent muscle wasting in the penis. It should be taken around 60 minutes before sex but can be taken as much as four hours or as few as 30 minutes before sex. It works for up to 4 hours. Another study of 979 men with ED found that 3.8% had adverse effects that required a dosage change or discontinuation of Viagra. If you experience any of the following side effects, stop using Viagra and seek medical attention immediately. Swelling around the face and mouth, tightness in the throat, and difficulty breathing, are signs of an allergic reaction. This can be life-threatening, so you must seek emergency care. A prolonged erection that lasts more than 4–6 hours may be due to a condition called priapism. This damages the penile tissue and can lead to permanent loss of erectile function. Blurred vision or the sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes may suggest a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which damages nerves in the eye. Studies have associated Viagra with hearing loss or reduction and tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears). Chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, or a heart attack may occur when using Viagra. Although rare, they’re more common if you have pre-existing heart disease.
| Aspect | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Approval | Approved for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension | Ensures safety and efficacy |
| Prescription Requirement | Yes, prescription needed in most countries | Legal distribution restrictions |
| Counterfeit Risks | High risk online; authenticity varies | Purchase from reputable sources |
| Patent Duration | Patented until 2020s; generics now available | Price reduction post-patent expiry |
| Advertising Regulations | Strict rules on direct-to-consumer advertising | Limits false or misleading claims |
Some people may experience bleeding in the brain or lungs. Seizures are a rare but serious side effect of taking Viagra.
How to take Viagra for the best results
It can be taken with or without food. Your provider will find the dose that is best for you. Some men need dose changes to find the dose that works best for them. Men who take sildenafil will not have an erection without sexual stimulation. This drug is not an aphrodisiac and does not affect libido or desire.
Drug form and strengths
Having multiple intercourse sessions with one dose has not been studied. You should not adjust your dose without talking to your provider first. Men who take nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, Nitro-Bid, Isordil, or Deponit should not take sildenafil. Men who take Cardura, Flomax, or Hytrin for urinary symptoms should not take sildenafil. This medication can affect how other medications work.
Less common
Be sure your provider and pharmacist know all the medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and supplements you take. Store your medication in the original, labeled container at room temperature and in a dry location (unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist). This medication should not be stored in a pillbox since it should only be taken prior to sexual activity. Keep containers out of reach of children and pets. Ask your care team where to return any unused medication for disposal. When taking Viagra, there are some precautions to be aware of. Your correct dose will depend on your age, underlying medical conditions (such as liver and kidney problems), and any other medications you’re currently taking. Always follow the dosage advice given by your doctor. Studies on Viagra in older adults are less extensive.
2. Timing matters.
Do not flush down the toilet or throw it in the trash. This medication may be covered under your prescription drug plan. Patient assistance may be available to qualifying individuals without prescription drug coverage through the pharmaceutical company that makes the medication. Your care team can help you find these resources if they are available. There are a few side effects you may have while taking sildenafil.
Take it on an empty stomach
Talk to your providers if you have concerns about these side effects. Do not take a higher dose of sildenafil than your provider orders for you. Headache, facial flushing, stuffy or runny nose, and upset stomach can occur. Less frequent side effects include blurry vision, a bluish hue to the field of vision, difficulty telling the difference between the colors blue and green, sensitivity to light, or a sudden loss of vision or hearing. If you experience any of the following while using sildenafil, you should seek immediate medical attention: An erection lasting more than 4 hours.
Drug details
Chest, arm or neck pain, or nausea during sexual activity. Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, loss of hearing, ringing in the ears, or dizziness. Remember, sildenafil does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, nor does it prevent pregnancy. Effective birth control is recommended during cancer treatment. Even if you are not producing sperm, you could still be fertile and conceive. Researchers believe a low dose of 25mg is best suited for people over 65.
- Viagra can improve quality of life for men with ED.
- It has a rapid metabolism, often cleared within 4 hours.
- Erectile dysfunction may indicate underlying health problems needing attention.
- Some people experience back pain or muscle aches as side effects.
- It is recommended to avoid fatty foods close to the time of taking Viagra.
- Using Viagra without medical supervision is unsafe.
- Erectile response to Viagra depends on psychological and physical factors.
- The medication is available at pharmacies with a valid prescription.
This is because it takes them longer to clear Viagra from their system due to a slower metabolism.
4. Effects of Viagra on various organ systems in the Body
Viagra is slightly more effective at higher doses. Viagra is most effective in mild and moderate ED: Severe ED may be less likely to respond to Viagra. Viagra is effective for ED caused by various factors, including diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and prostate surgery. Viagra can only help you achieve an erection if you are sexually aroused. It won’t work if you’re not experiencing sexual arousal. If you have certain underlying medical conditions, it may not be safe for you to take Viagra, or you may need to use caution when taking it.