What is Sildenafil? Uses, Benefits, Dosage, & Side Effects

Posted December 6, 2024 in Mens Health, Sexual Health 516 0 0

What is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil is a popular medicine, especially in the male population worldwide. It is popular because of its effectiveness, availability, and results. This medicine is the first choice amongst men when they experience erection difficulties. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common male sexual dysfunction that makes it difficult to get or maintain an erection that’s firm enough for sex. It is a medication primarily used to treat conditions related to blood flow. It belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors and works by relaxing blood vessels to improve circulation. Sildenafil citrate comes in various brand and generic options.

What is Sildenafil used for?

Sildenafil uses may vary from patient to patient; it is a prescription drug and is commonly used for treating:

1. Erectile dysfunction– Sildenafil enhances penis blood flow and helps achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation.
2. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)– It helps reduce high blood pressure in the lungs by relaxing blood vessels, improving the ability to exercise, and delaying disease progression.
3. Off-label uses(consult a doctor) – Depending on individual needs, it may occasionally be prescribed for other circulatory conditions.

How Sildenafil work?

Sildenafil increases levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which relaxes smooth muscles in the blood vessels:

- For ED, it enhances blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, allowing for an erection.
- For PAH, it dilates pulmonary arteries, lowering blood pressure in the lungs.

Dosage forms

The popular dosage forms include Sildenafil 20 mg, Sildenafil 50 mg, and Sildenafil 100mg. Take the prescribed dosage to experience the desired results.

Oral suspensions or injections are used to treat PAH.

How long does Sildenafil last?

Usually, it depends on the strength you take. The efficacy of this medicine depends on how much you administer; taking a large dose can make it last longer, but do check with your doctor if you are concerned with last longer results.

Uses instruction of Sildenafil

For ED

- Take about 30–60 minutes before sexual activity.
- The medicine is effective only with sexual arousal.
- Avoid more than one dose per day.

For PAH:

Usually taken 3 times daily, spaced about 4–6 hours apart.

Sildenafil offers several benefits due to its ability to improve blood flow by relaxing blood vessels.

Sildenafil benefits for erectile dysfunction

- - Improved sexual function – Helps achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation.
  - Enhanced confidence – Improves sexual performance, leading to greater self-esteem and confidence.
  - Quick onset – Begins working within 30–60 minutes, providing a predictable response.

High success rate – Effective for a majority of men with ED, including those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or prostate issues.

Sildenafil benefits for PAH

- - Sildenafil citrate reduces pulmonary blood pressure by relaxing the pulmonary arteries, decreasing strain on the heart.
  - The medicine improves exercise capacity, enabling better oxygen delivery and endurance for physical activities.
  - It slows disease progression, which may delay the worsening of PAH symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

General benefits of Sildenafil

- - Sildenafil is a well-tolerated drug; it has a favorable safety profile when used as prescribed.
  - It is a non-invasive treatment that provides an effective alternative to more invasive procedures or interventions.
  - It improves quality of life by addressing conditions like ED or PAH; Sildenafil helps users regain control over aspects of their health and lifestyle.

Important notes and precautions

While the benefits of Sildenafil are significant, it is most effective when combined with appropriate lifestyle changes and medical guidance. Always use it as prescribed to minimize risks and optimize outcomes. Take this medicine about an hour before sexual intercourse; you can also take it 30 minutes to 4 hours before indulging in sexual activity.

Don’t take this medicine more than once a day. Avoid taking Sildenafil if you have recently used nitrates (i.e., medicine for chest pain or angina) or have had a heart attack or heart-related issues in the past three months. Avoid this medicine if you have severe liver or kidney conditions and you are hypersensitive to the drug.

Possible side effects of Sildenafil citrate

Sildenafil side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and dizziness.

Rare but serious side effects include:

- Vision changes or sudden vision loss
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Priapism (prolonged erection lasting over 4 hours)
- Severe hypotension (low blood pressure)