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Sildenafil
INFORMATION ABOUT SILDENAFIL
Sildenafil Uses
Sildenafil is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
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
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Headache, Nosebleeds, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Erythema (skin redness), Nasal congestion (stuffy nose), Dizziness, Nausea, Dyspepsia, Hot flushes, Shortness of breath, Visual disturbance
CONTENT DETAILS
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Written By
Dr. Dheeraj Kumar Sharma
PhD, M.Pharm
Reviewed By
Dr. Lalit Kanodia
MBA, MD Pharmacology
Last updated
20 Feb 2025 | 05:05 AM (UTC)
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Medicine brands 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 anytime between 30 minutes and 4 hours before sexual activity.
- Do not 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 have had a heart attack in the past 3 months, or stroke or heart failure in the past 6 months.
- 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 anytime between 30 minutes and 1 hours before sexual activity.
- Do not 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 have had a heart attack in the past 3 months, or stroke or heart failure in the past 6 months.
Frequently asked questions for Sildenafil
The amount of time Sildenafil takes to work varies from person to person, but it normally takes between half an hour and one hour. However, Sildenafil may take longer to start working if you take it with a heavy meal. Its effect may last for about 3-4 hours.
No, you need a doctor's prescription to get Sildenafil since it is a prescription medicine. Your doctor will prescribe it only if they judge that it would be beneficial for you.
No, do not take Sildenafil for more than once a day. If you take more Sildenafil than the recommended dose then you may experience an increase in side effects and their severity. These side effects include flushing, headache, muscle pain, stomach upset, allergic reactions and vision changes such as blurred vision. Contact your doctor if Sildenafil does not help you to get an erection, or if your erection does not last long enough for you to complete sexual intercourse.
Take Sildenafil about 1 hour before you plan to have sex. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Inform your doctor if you feel the effect of Sildenafil is too strong or too weak.
No, Sildenafil is not known to have any beneficial effects in treating premature ejaculation. It is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Use of Sildenafil is harmful for patients taking nitrates or blood pressure-lowering medicines as their combined use can cause a severe fall in blood pressure, which can also result in death. However, if these medicines are to be taken together then it is advised to keep a time gap of 24 hours between the intake of Penegra and blood pressure-lowering medicines.
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 medicines 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 6 months.
Sildenafil is a prescription medicine and should only be taken for the duration that is advised by your doctor.
Yes, if prescribed by your doctor then Sildenafil can be taken in your twenties.
No, Sildenafil is not associated with an increase in blood pressure. However, 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.
Yes, if prescribed by your doctor then Sildenafil is safe to use in patients with diabetes.
No, Sildenafil does not affect fertility, neither negatively nor positively.
Sildenafil does not affect sperm count or its health. It is a medicine that is used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Drinking alcohol can temporarily impair your ability to get an erection. To get the maximum benefit from Sildenafil, it is advised to not drink excessive amounts of alcohol before taking Sildenafil.