Oral Sildenafil in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Generic versions of sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil are available. Check with your health care team before you take any medicine for erectile dysfunction. Oral ED medicines might not work or might be dangerous if you also take any of the following: Often, these are prescribed for chest pain called angina.
| Condition / Situation | Reason | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Use with Nitrates | Risk of severe hypotension | Avoid concomitant use |
| Cardiovascular conditions | Increased heart attack risk | Consult doctor before use |
| Recent stroke or unstable angina | Potential for worsening condition | Avoid until stabilized |
| Liver or kidney impairment | Altered drug metabolism | Dose adjustment necessary |
| Allergies to sildenafil or excipients | Risk of allergic reactions | Check ingredients carefully |
Some examples of nitrates are nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat, others), isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and isosorbide dinitrate (Bidil). These are commonly prescribed for an enlarged prostate or male pattern baldness. They include dutasteride (Avodart, Jalyn) and finasteride (Propecia, Proscar). Medicines that block an enzyme called CYP3A4.
| 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 |
Oral medicine for ED also might not be safe or work well if you have: Very low blood pressure, called hypotension, or uncontrolled high blood pressure, called hypertension.
Further information
Cialis vs Viagra - What's the difference between them? Do you know these 11 amazing facts about Viagra? Is generic Viagra available in the U.S.? Does generic Viagra work just like regular Viagra? Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Viagra only for the indication prescribed.
Serious side effects
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Medicines that you take by mouth are called oral medicines. They're often the first line of treatment for trouble getting or keeping an erection, called erectile dysfunction (ED). Oral medicines for ED usually work well and cause few side effects. The four main medicines taken by mouth for erectile dysfunction are: They enhance the effects of a chemical the body makes that relaxes muscles in the penis, called nitric oxide.
Frequently asked questions
This boosts blood flow and helps you get an erection from sexual activity. Each oral medicine for ED has a slightly different chemical makeup. These small differences affect the way each medication works, such as how quickly it takes effect and wears off, and the possible side effects. Your doctor or other health care professional can recommend one for you based on these factors, other health conditions you have and any other medicines you take. This medicine works best when you take it on an empty stomach an hour before sex. Kidney disease that needs to be treated with dialysis. These include a heart attack, stroke or a serious heart rhythm disorder in the past six months. An inherited eye disease that affects the retina. Side effects of oral ED medicines are often mild. Visual changes, such as blue tinge to vision, sensitivity to light or blurred sight. Rarely, more-serious side effects can happen, including: Some people have suddenly lost some of their hearing or vision after taking one of these medicines.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 54.26€ 51.68€ | |
| Viagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 110 + 9 Sachets | 284.63€ 271.08€ | |
| Viagra Professional | 100mg | 270 + 6 Pills | 456.97€ 435.21€ | |
| Viagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 90 + 8 Sachets | 258.02€ 245.73€ | |
| Viagra Professional | 100mg | 60 + 2 Pills | 146.74€ 139.75€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 10 Pills | 25.19€ 23.99€ | |
| Viagra Professional | 100mg | 360 + 6 Pills | 527.09€ 501.99€ | |
| Viagra Original | 100mg | 120 + 8 Pills | 470.39€ 447.99€ | |
| Viagra Professional | 100mg | 180 + 4 Pills | 337.30€ 321.24€ | |
| Viagra Super Active | 100mg | 270 + 30 Pills | 390.61€ 372.01€ | |
| Viagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 220 + 18 Sachets | 562.28€ 535.50€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 180 + 10 Pills | 277.56€ 264.34€ | |
| Viagra Super Active | 100mg | 180 + 20 Pills | 280.97€ 267.59€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 125.19€ 119.23€ | |
| Viagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 83.06€ 79.10€ | |
| Viagra Original | 100mg | 12 Pills | 72.54€ 69.09€ |
But it isn't clear whether these side effects were caused by the medicine or by health conditions that the people already had.
Vision Problems
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially: drugs to treat high blood pressure or a prostate disorder; drugs to treat high blood pressure or a prostate disorder; medicine to treat HIV/AIDS - atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, or saquinavir; medicine to treat HIV/AIDS - atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, or saquinavir; medications used to treat pulmonary artery hypertension. medications used to treat pulmonary artery hypertension. Other drugs may interact with sildenafil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. You can take Viagra (sildenafil) if you have high blood pressure that is controlled by blood pressure medications.
Study of Flexible Dose Escalation, Efficacy, and Safety with a Long-Term, Open-Label Extension
You should tell your doctor if you have high or low blood pressure before starting Viagra. Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) are both prescription drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), but taking them together is generally not recommended. Mixing these medications can lead to dangerously low blood pressure and a higher risk of side effects. It takes from 30 minutes to 1 hour for Viagra (sildenafil) to start working, and the effects will last for about 4 hours. Viagra (sildenafil) is approved to treat sexual dysfunction in men by the U.S.
Patient resources
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but it is sometimes prescribed to women off-label, which means without approval by the FDA. Viagra is an effective drug for treating male erectile dysfunction, but it targets sexual performance, not sexual arousal. There is limited evidence that Viagra may be beneficial for women with sexual dysfunction, but the trials have been small and the results inconsistent. In the U.S., you can legally buy generic Viagra (sildenafil) online, but only with a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional. Sildenafil for erectile dysfunction is not an over‑the‑counter (OTC) medicine in the U.S., so you cannot legally buy it without a prescription. Get medical care right away if you take oral ED medicine and have sudden loss of hearing or vision. An erection that doesn't go away on its own. Called priapism, this rare condition can be painful. You need to get treatment for it as soon as possible to help prevent damage to your penis. If you have an erection that lasts more than four hours, call your care team right away. Treatments for erectile dysfunction are big business, and online scams abound. If you do buy medicines over the internet: Check to see if an online pharmacy is legitimate.
- Viagra’s impact has driven social and medical discussions about ED.
- It is advisable to disclose all medications to your healthcare provider.
- Some individuals may require alternative treatments if Viagra is ineffective.
- The drug’s popularity has led to numerous online counterfeit products.
- Using genuine Viagra from licensed pharmacies ensures safety.
- Pregnant women and men with certain health issues should avoid Viagra.
- Common side effects tend to diminish as the body adjusts.
- Regular check-ups are recommended for men on long-term ED medication use.
Never order medicines from an online pharmacy that doesn't list its phone number and physical address, has prices that seem too good to be true, or tells you that no prescription is needed.
- Viagra is considered a first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction.
- Its discovery was a breakthrough in sexual medicine.
- The drug’s molecular design targets specific enzymes to enhance blood flow.
- Viagra can sometimes cause dizziness or temporary vision loss.
- It was initially studied as a potential treatment for angina.
- Men taking Viagra often report improved confidence and intimacy.
- Sildenafil, the active compound, is now used in other medications.
- Higher doses do not necessarily mean better results and can increase side effects.
Also stay away from ones that don't have a licensed pharmacist on staff to answer your questions.
- Viagra’s patent protection has expired, increasing accessibility.
- It can be used in combination with other ED treatments.
- The medication’s safety profile is well established through clinical trials.
- Certain diets or supplements may influence Viagra’s effectiveness.
- Long-term safety studies are ongoing to assess risks.
- Viagra is generally well tolerated but requires caution in certain populations.
- Patients with cardiovascular conditions should seek medical advice before use.
- Proper storage includes keeping the medication in a cool, dry place.
Some illegal businesses sell fake versions of real medicines, which can be dangerous or might not work.
Can everyone use Viagra?
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Since Viagra is used as needed, you are not likely to miss a dose. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with sildenafil and lead to unwanted side effects.
Possible Side Effects of Sildenafil
Avoid the use of grapefruit products while taking sildenafil. Avoid using any other medicines to treat impotence, such as alprostadil or yohimbine, without first talking to your doctor. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Viagra: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking Viagra and get emergency medical help if you have: heart attack symptoms--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; heart attack symptoms--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; vision changes or sudden vision loss; or vision changes or sudden vision loss; or erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (prolonged erection can damage the penis). erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (prolonged erection can damage the penis).
Does age affect Viagra dosage? If so, what would the dosage be for a 70-year-old vs. a 30-year-old?
Call your doctor at once if you have: ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss; ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss; swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out. a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out. abnormal vision (blurred vision, changes in color vision) abnormal vision (blurred vision, changes in color vision) This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Do not take Viagra with similar medications such as avanafil (Stendra), tadalafil (Cialis) or vardenafil (Levitra). Tell your doctor about all other medications you use for erectile dysfunction. In the United States, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy can tell you whether an online pharmacy is licensed and in good standing. If you live in another country, check to see if pharmacy association or regulation agencies offer services like these. Make sure you get the right prescription and dose. When you order medicines and when you receive them in the mail, make sure they're the exact dose and type prescribed by your doctor or other health care professional. The dose is the amount of medicine you take. Don't be fooled into buying "herbal viagra." Never take any medicines that claim to be the "herbal" or nonprescription version of an oral medicine for ED. These aren't an effective option, and some contain harmful substances. Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your health concerns. Visit Mayo Clinic Men's Health to get started.
Counterfeit Viagra
The body takes longer to absorb it after a high-fat meal or alcohol. Its effects often last for 4 to 5 hours. It might work longer if you have mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. This medicine also works best when you take it an hour before sex on an empty stomach. As with sildenafil, a high-fat meal or alcohol keep the body from absorbing it as quickly.
Pulmonary hypertension
Vardenafil usually works for 4 to 5 hours. Its effects might last longer if you have mild to moderate ED. A newer form of the medicine that dissolves on the tongue might work faster than the pill that you swallow. This medication is taken with or without food an hour before sex. It works for up to 36 hours.
Effectiveness and safety
You can take it in a viagra cream small dose daily or in a larger dose as needed. You can take this medicine with or without food 30 minutes before sex, depending on the dose. It lasts 4 to 5 hours, or longer if you have mild to moderate ED. These medicines all work well for ED. When choosing one, tell your doctor or other health care professional what your preferences are, such as cost, ease of use, how long the drug's effects last and side effects. Article by Pharmacist Duong Thu Huong - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital Viagra is a medication that belongs to the group of PDE5 inhibitors.
| Side Effect | Severity | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headache | Mild to Moderate | Common | Usually resolves within hours |
| Flushing | Mild | Common | Redness and warmth in face |
| Nasal Congestion | Mild | Common | Blocked or runny nose |
| Dizziness | Mild | Less Common | Slight feeling of lightheadedness |
| Visual Disturbances | Mild | Less Common | Blue tint or blurred vision |
PDE5 is an enzyme that promotes the degradation of cGMP in the blood, and cGMP regulates the blood flow in the penis.