The active ingredient sildenafil is used in men to treat erectile dysfunction. The active ingredient has become known through the sexual enhancer Viagra. It facilitates the achievement of an erection – but only if sexual stimulation also occurs. Otherwise, sildenafil has no effect. As with many other medications, side effects can occur when taking sildenafil. Among the most common are headaches, facial flushing, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Get detailed information about the effects, side effects, and dosage of sildenafil here.
Effect of the potency drug
Sildenafil is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence). Namely, the active ingredient ensures that an erection can be maintained longer. However, it does not have a pleasure-increasing effect and does not provide an erection by itself. Rather, sildenafil improves the ability of men to respond to sexual arousal with an erection. Without sexual stimulation, however, no erection is triggered. Just like tadalafil or vardenafil, the active ingredient belongs to the group of PDE-5 inhibitors, which have a vasodilatory effect. This effect is based on the inhibition of the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5. By inhibiting the enzyme, the blood vessels in the penis relax. This facilitates the inflow of blood and the development of an erection. In addition to being used as a sexual enhancer, sildenafil has also been approved since 2006 for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). Here, too, its vasodilatory effect plays a crucial role in the treatment.
Side effects of sildenafil
As with most other medications, taking sildenafil is associated with side effects. These usually turn out to be mild to moderate and subside on their own after some time. For a complete list of all side effects of the active ingredient, please refer to the package insert of your medication. After taking sildenafil, symptoms may include the following:
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Stomach discomfort such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Rhinitis
- Vision problems
- Dizziness
- Muscle and back pain
- Palpitations
- Hearing disorders
- A decreased response
- A permanent erection
In very rare cases, a circulatory disturbance of the optic nerve head (anterior ischemic optic neuropathy) has been observed after ingestion. This can lead to permanent visual damage or even blindness. It is not yet clear whether this disorder is causally related to the use of the active substance. If you are taking the active ingredient and observe a decrease in your vision, notify your doctor immediately and do not take any more tablets.
Dosing sildenafil correctly
Sildenafil is available in doses of 25, 50, and 100 milligrams and is administered orally.
- Normal tablets should be swallowed whole with some liquid.
- Chewable tablets should be chewed first and then swallowed.
- Melt tablets, on the other hand, are placed on the tongue and swallowed only after dissolving.
How high the dose to be taken should be in your case, your doctor will determine individually. In addition to the individual effectiveness and tolerability of the drug, existing underlying diseases also play a role. Regardless of this, a daily dose of 100 milligrams must never be exceeded. The effect of the tablet begins about 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion. A rich, fatty meal may delay the onset of action. After the onset of action, it lasts for about four to five hours.
Contraindications: Caution in coronary artery disease.
Sildenafil must not be used concomitantly with drugs containing nitrates as well as nitric oxide donors (for example, molsidomine). Otherwise, there may be a significant increase in the effect of these drugs. In addition, it should be noted that patients with coronary artery disease should take the active substance only after consulting your doctor. For them, the exertion of sexual intercourse may in fact increase the risk of circulatory overload. It is also contraindicated in case of severe liver damage and allergy to the active substance.In addition, sildenafil should be taken with special caution in the following conditions: Leukemia, gastrointestinal ulcers, multiple myeloma, sickle cell anemia, blood clotting disorder. Likewise, if you have a disease or deformity of your penis, you must consult with your doctor before taking it.
Drug interactions
Taking sildenafil may cause a number of interactions with other medications. The drugs primarily affected are those that are metabolized with the involvement of the same enzymes as the sexual enhancer:
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconazole
- Erythromycin
- Cimetidine
- Ritonavir
- Saquinavir
When taken concomitantly with alpha blockers, interactions may also occur: In some cases, side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness occurred. However, this can usually be prevented by increasing the interval between doses.
Generic drugs with sildenafil
Until June 2013, the production of drugs with sildenafil was protected by patent. Until then, only the product Viagra was available. Meanwhile, there is a wide range of generic drugs with sildenafil. These can be purchased at a lower price, but are just as effective. However, whether original or generic, all products have in common that they require a prescription and can therefore only be taken on a doctor’s instructions. As a rule, you have to bear the costs of treatment with sildenafil yourself. Statutory health insurance only covers these if the active ingredient is used to treat pulmonary hypertension.
