Sildenafil Citrate

What Is Sildenafil Citrate?

Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5, or PDE5, inhibitor prescribed for men who have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection firm enough for sexual activity. Viagra is a brand containing sildenafil citrate. A generic Viagra medicine contains the same active ingredient but may have a different appearance, manufacturer or inactive ingredients. Sildenafil is sometimes called the blue pill because some tablets are blue. However, colour does not identify a genuine medicine, and not every sildenafil tablet is blue.

How Does Sildenafil Work for Erectile Dysfunction?

During sexual stimulation, sildenafil temporarily increases blood flow to the penis by supporting the natural chemical process that produces an erection. Sexual stimulation is still required for it to work.

Sildenafil can help manage the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, but it does not permanently cure ED or increase sexual desire. It also does not protect against sexually transmitted infections or prevent pregnancy.

Erection problems may be linked to physical health, mental health, lifestyle or other medicines. A healthcare professional can assess possible causes and recommend suitable men's health support.

Sildenafil and Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction can include low desire, ejaculation problems, pain and erection difficulties. Sildenafil treats erectile dysfunction, not every form of sexual dysfunction. Seek medical advice for persistent symptoms.

Sildenafil for Pulmonary Hypertension

Sildenafil may also be prescribed in different products and treatment schedules for certain forms of pulmonary hypertension, including pulmonary arterial hypertension. In this condition, it helps relax blood vessels in the lungs.

The instructions used for pulmonary hypertension are not the same as those used for erectile dysfunction. Do not substitute an ED product for pulmonary hypertension treatment or change between products without specialist advice.

Who Should Not Take Sildenafil?

Tell your prescriber about all medical conditions and medicines you use, especially heart, liver or kidney problems; low blood pressure; a recent heart attack or stroke; eye conditions; bleeding disorders; or a history of prolonged erections.

Do not use sildenafil with:

• Nitrate medicines used for chest pain, such as nitroglycerin

• Recreational nitrates known as “poppers”

• Riociguat or another guanylate cyclase stimulator

• Another sildenafil product or ED medicine unless a doctor specifically approves it

Combining sildenafil with nitrates can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure. Alpha-blockers, blood-pressure medicines and some antifungal, antibiotic or antiviral medicines may also interact with sildenafil. A doctor or pharmacist should check your current medicines before treatment.

Possible Sildenafil Side Effects

Common side effects may include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, nausea, dizziness, a blocked nose, muscle or back pain and temporary changes in vision. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy or your vision is affected.

Stop taking the medicine and seek urgent medical help for chest pain, a serious allergic reaction, sudden loss of vision, sudden reduction or loss of hearing, or an erection lasting longer than four hours. Tell emergency medical staff when sildenafil was taken, particularly if chest pain occurs.

General Precautions for Safer Use

• Use only the strength and schedule prescribed for you.

• Read the patient information supplied with the specific product.

• Do not take more than directed or combine PDE5 inhibitors.

• Avoid excessive alcohol, which can worsen dizziness and erection problems.

• Never share prescription medicine with another person.

• Check the active ingredient to avoid taking two sildenafil products together.

• Buy only clearly labelled medicine from a properly licensed pharmacy that requires a prescription where applicable.

Product appearance is not proof of authenticity. A tablet advertised simply as “The blue pill” may be counterfeit, incorrectly dosed or contain an undeclared ingredient. Check the manufacturer, packaging, expiry date and pharmacy credentials rather than relying on colour or a very low price.