Sildenafil
Information about Sildenafil
Sildenafil uses
Sildenafil is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
How sildenafil works
Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in your penis, thereby increasing blood flow into the penis on sexual stimulation. This helps you achieve and maintain a hard, erect penis suitable for sexual activity.
Common side effects of sildenafil
Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk), Headache, Stiffness, Nosebleeds, Blurred vision, Indigestion, Muscle pain
Available Medicine for Sildenafil
Expert advice for Sildenafil
- You have been prescribed Sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
- It is best to take it an hour before sexual intercourse. But, you can take it anywhere between 30 minutes and 4 hours before sexual activity.
- Don't take it more than once a day.
- Seek medical attention if the erection persists for more than 4 hours after sexual intercourse.
- Do not use Sildenafil if you have recently taken nitrates (medicines used in angina or chest pain).
- Do not take it if you've had a heart attack in the past 3 months, or stroke or heart failure in the past 6 months.
Frequently asked questions for Sildenafil
Sildenafil
Q. How does Sildenafil work?
Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor which works by relaxing the penile smooth muscles and by increasing the blood flow to the penis. It helps to achieve and maintain an erection but only if there is sexual stimulation.
Q. Is Sildenafil safe?
Yes, Sildenafil is safe if taken for prescribed duration in prescribed doses as advised by your doctor. However, there are some very common side effects that you can experience at effective doses like Headache, Diarrhoea, Dyspepsia, Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk), Pain in Extremity.
Q. Is Sildenafil an over the counter product?
No, Sildenafil is not an over-the-counter product. You can buy it when it is prescribed by a doctor.
Q. Can I take Sildenafil for premature ejaculation?
Sildenafil is not known to have any beneficial effects of treating premature ejaculation. It is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Q. Can I take Sildenafil for the rest of my life?
Sildenafil is a prescription drug and should only be taken for the duration as advised by your doctor.
Q. Can I take Sildenafil in my twenties?
Yes, Sildenafil can be taken in the twenties. It is approved for use in adult men above the age of 18 who have erectile dysfunction. It should be taken after consulting a doctor and strictly as advised.
Q. Can I take Sildenafil with dapoxetine?
Yes, Sildenafil can be safely taken with dapoxetine. Sildenafil is useful for treating erectile dysfunction and dapoxetine is for premature ejaculation. A fixed dose combination of these medicines is available which is useful in patients suffering from both erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.
Q. Can I take Sildenafil if I am also having high blood pressure?
Sildenafil can be taken in patients with high blood pressure. However, if you are taking medicines for high blood pressure, taking Sildenafil along with them can cause a significant fall in blood pressure which could be harmful. Sildenafil is absolutely contraindicated in patients taking nitrates. Inform your doctor before taking them together.
Q. Does Sildenafil affect fertility?
No, Sildenafil is not known to affect fertility. It is used only for erectile dysfunction. For treatment of any fertility-related problems, please consult a doctor.
Q. Does Sildenafil affect sperm?
Sildenafil is not known to affect sperm (number or movement of sperms). It is a drug which is used for erectile dysfunction.
Q. Does Sildenafil increase blood pressure?
No, Sildenafil is not associated with an increase in blood pressure. It can cause a decrease in blood pressure especially if taken with other blood-pressure-lowering medications. Please consult your doctor before taking Sildenafil with any other medicine.
Q. Does Sildenafil delay ejaculation?
No, Sildenafil is not known to affect ejaculation.
Q. Why does Sildenafil cause a fall in blood pressure (hypotension)?
Sildenafil has the property of relaxing the smooth muscle of the blood vessels and widening them which can cause a fall in blood pressure (hypotension). So, when used with blood pressure lowering drugs or nitrates, it can cause a severe fall in blood pressure, which could be fatal. Sildenafil should not be taken if you are taking nitrates for chest pain or you have a history of heart attack or stroke in the past six months.
Q. Is Sildenafil safe to use in patients with diabetes?
Yes, Sildenafil is safe to use in patients with diabetes. Erectile dysfunction and is commonly reported by diabetic patients as diabetes is one of the most common causes of this condition. Long standing diabetes can damage the nerves in the body (neuropathy) including the nerves of the penis. It also harden and narrow the blood vessels which decreases the blood flow to the penis causing erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil is seen to be beneficial in treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Q. Why is the use of Sildenafil contraindicated with nitrates?
Use of Sildenafil is harmful for patients taking nitrates (organic nitrates or organic nitrites) as their combined use can cause a severe fall in blood pressure, which can also result in death. It is advisable to keep a time gap of 24 hours between the intake of Sildenafil and any nitrate substance.
Q. Can I take Sildenafil with paracetamol?
Yes, Sildenafil can be taken with paracetamol. No drug-drug interactions or any harmful effects have been reported when they are used together.
Q. Can Sildenafil cause persistent and painful erection of the penis (priapism)?
Sildenafil and other drugs used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction have been seen to cause prolonged erections and persistent and painful erection of the penis(priapism). In case the erection persists for more than 4 hours, immediately seek medical attention. If it is not treated immediately, penile tissue damage and permanent loss of potency can occur.
Q. What is the benefit of taking Sildenafil with finasteride?
Yes, Sildenafil can be taken along with finasteride. This combination is beneficial in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Finasteride is also known to cause erectile dysfunction as one of its side effects and Sildenafil can be used for the treatment of this problem along with finasteride.