Unprescribed recreational use of sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors is noted as particularly high among users of illegal drugs.

Route of administration

The primary indication of sildenafil is treatment of erectile dysfunction (inability to sustain a satisfactory erection to complete sexual intercourse). Its use is now one of the standard treatments for erectile dysfunction, including for males with diabetes mellitus. Tentative evidence suggests that sildenafil may help males who experience antidepressant-induced erectile dysfunction. While sildenafil improves some markers of disease in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension, it does not appear to affect the risk of death or serious side effects. Sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors are used off-label to alleviate vasospasm and treat severe ischemia and ulcers in fingers and toes for people with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon;[9][21] these drugs have moderate efficacy for reducing the frequency and duration of vasospastic episodes.

Drug form and strengths

[9] As of 2016,[update] their role more generally in Raynaud's was not clear. Sildenafil has shown some potential for improving exercise performance at high altitudes. However, its overall efficacy is not clear. Sildenafil has been studied for high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), but its use is currently not recommended for that indication. In clinical trials, the most common adverse effects of sildenafil use included headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and impaired vision, including photophobia and blurred vision. [36] Sildenafil is sometimes used to counteract the effects of other substances, often illicit.

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[33] Some users mix it with methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy), other stimulants, or opiates in an attempt to compensate for the common side effect of erectile dysfunction, a combination known as "sextasy", "rockin' and rollin'", "hammerheading", or "trail mix".

  • Erectile dysfunction treatments like Pfizer sildenafil 50mg focus on enhancing intimacy.
  • It does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
  • Lifestyle changes such as exercise and healthy diet can improve ED.
  • Consult a healthcare provider before starting sildenafil if on other meds.
  • Sildenafil's effects typically last about 4-6 hours.
  • It is not a cure but a temporary solution for ED symptoms.
  • Avoid recreational drugs that may interact negatively with sildenafil.
  • Inform your doctor of all medications to prevent adverse interactions.

[33] Mixing it with amyl nitrite, another vasodilator, is particularly dangerous and potentially fatal.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Those using protease inhibitors are recommended to limit their use of sildenafil to no more than one 25 mg dose every 48 hours. [4] Other drugs that interfere with the metabolism of sildenafil include erythromycin and cimetidine, both of which can also lead to prolonged plasma half-life levels. The use of sildenafil and an α1 blocker (typically prescribed for hypertension or for urologic conditions, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy) at the same time may lead to low blood pressure, but this effect does not occur if they are taken at least 4 hours apart. Concomitant use of nitric oxide donors, organic nitrites and nitrates,[30] such as: nitroglycerinisosorbide mononitrateisosorbide dinitratesodium nitroprussidealkyl nitrites (commonly known as "poppers") Concomitant use of soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulators, such as riociguat Sildenafil should not be used if sexual activity is inadvisable due to underlying cardiovascular risk factors. Sildenafil's popularity with young adults has increased over the years. The 2007 Ig Nobel Prize in aviation went to Patricia V.

Instruction Explanation Additional Notes
Take on an empty stomach Absorption may be faster Avoid heavy or fatty meals
Do not mix with alcohol Can increase side effects Use responsibly
Avoid driving immediately after May cause dizziness or visual disturbances Wait until effects subside
Follow prescribed dosage To prevent adverse effects Consult doctor if unsure

Agostino, Santiago A.

How should I take sildenafil?

[4] Some sildenafil users have complained of seeing everything tinted blue (cyanopsia). [24] This cyanopsia can be explained because sildenafil, while selective for PDE5, does have some affinity for PDE6, which is the phosphodiesterase found in the retina. Patients thus taking the drug may experience colorvision abnormalities. Some complained of blurriness and loss of peripheral vision. In July 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated labeling for tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and sildenafil (Viagra) to reflect a small number of post-marketing reports of sudden vision loss, while acknowledging that "...it is not possible to determine whether these oral medicines for erectile dysfunction were the cause of the loss of eyesight or whether the problem is related to other factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes, or to a combination of these problems.

Viagra Tablets

"[25] A careful review of pooled data from clinical trials containing well documented information about the dose and duration of exposure sildenafil 20 mg tablets to the drug for a large number of patients, yields no evidence for an increased risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or other adverse ocular events associated with PDE5 inhibitor use. Rare but serious adverse effects found through postmarketing surveillance include prolonged erections, severe low blood pressure, myocardial infarction (heart attack), ventricular arrhythmias, stroke, increased intraocular pressure, and sudden hearing loss. [4] In October 2007, the FDA announced that the labeling for all PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, required a more prominent warning of the potential risk of sudden hearing loss. Care should be exercised by people who are also taking protease inhibitors for the treatment of HIV infection. Protease inhibitors inhibit the metabolism of sildenafil, effectively multiplying the plasma levels of sildenafil, increasing the incidence and severity of side effects. Plano, and Diego A.

Dosage Advice Details Notes
Standard Dose 50 mg as needed, 1 hour before activity Adjust based on efficacy and tolerability
Maximum Dose 100 mg per day Do not exceed this amount
How to Take Oral tablet with water Avoid heavy meals immediately before use
Frequency of Use As needed, not daily Use only when required

Golombek of Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Argentina, for their discovery that sildenafil helps treat jet lag recovery in hamsters.

Society and culture

[32] Sildenafil's brand name, Viagra, is widely recognized in popular culture, and the drug's association with treating erectile dysfunction has led to its recreational use. [33] The reasons behind such use include the belief that the drug increases libido, improves sexual performance,[33] or permanently increases penis size. [34] Studies on the effects of sildenafil when used recreationally are limited, but suggest it has little effect when used by those who do not have erectile dysfunction. In one study, a 25 mg dose was shown to cause no significant change in erectile quality, but did reduce the postejaculatory refractory time. [35] This study also noted a significant placebo effect in the control group. Professional athletes have been documented using sildenafil, believing the opening of their blood vessels will enrich their muscles.

  • The medication's effectiveness depends on individual health and physiology.
  • Sildenafil can improve quality of life and emotional well-being.
  • Always verify medication authenticity to avoid counterfeit products.
  • Patients with liver issues should have dosage adjustments if prescribed.
  • Sildenafil is not recommended for use with certain medications like riociguat.
  • The tablets should be stored in a dry, cool place away from children.
  • Avoid using other ED drugs simultaneously with sildenafil unless advised.
  • Clear communication with your doctor ensures safe use of sildenafil.

In turn, they believe it will enhance their performances.

  • Pfizer sildenafil 50mg is often prescribed after assessing cardiovascular health.
  • It is important to follow dosing instructions to prevent side effects.
  • Sildenafil is sometimes used off-label for other medical conditions.
  • Men should seek emergency help for prolonged erections lasting over 4 hours.
  • Use of sildenafil in combination with other ED treatments should be guided by a doctor.
  • The medication can cause low blood pressure in some individuals.
  • Adherence to medical advice ensures optimal treatment results.
  • Extended use without medical supervision is not recommended.

Acetildenafil and other synthetic structural analogs of sildenafil which are PDE5 inhibitors have been found as adulterants in a number of "herbal" aphrodisiac products sold over-the-counter.

Detection in biological fluids

[8] Rare but serious side effects include vision problems, hearing loss, and prolonged erection (priapism) that can lead to damage to the penis. [8] Sildenafil should not be taken by people on nitric oxide donors such as nitroglycerin, as this may result in a serious drop in blood pressure. Sildenafil acts by blocking phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that promotes breakdown of cGMP, which regulates blood flow in the penis. [8] It requires sexual arousal to work, and does not by itself cause or increase sexual arousal. [8] It also results in dilation of the blood vessels in the lungs.

What should I do if I accidentally use too much sildenafil?

Pfizer originally discovered the medication in 1989 while looking for a treatment for angina. [11] It was approved for medical use in the United States and in the European Union in 1998. [5][8][11][12] In 2023, it was the 151st most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 3 million prescriptions. [13][14] It is available as a generic medication. [15][16] In the United Kingdom, it is available as a pharmacy medicine. [41] These analogs have not undergone any of the rigorous testing that drugs like sildenafil have passed, and thus have unknown side-effect profiles.

  • Pfizer sildenafil 50mg has a well-established safety profile when used properly.
  • Combining sildenafil with other vasodilators may cause serious health issues.
  • Patients with severe liver or kidney disease require special consideration.
  • Sildenafil can sometimes cause nasal congestion or indigestion.
  • Education on proper use can minimize the risk of side effects.
  • Men should avoid nicking or damaging the medication packaging.
  • If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless close to next dose.
  • Using sildenafil under medical supervision optimizes treatment benefits.

[42] Some attempts have been made to ban these drugs, but progress has been slow so far, as, even in those jurisdictions that have laws targeting designer drugs, the laws are drafted to ban analogs of illegal drugs of abuse, rather than analogs of prescription medicines.

Other uses for this medicine

For current full prescribing information, please visit Viagra (sildenafil citrate), Revatio (sildenafil), Cardura (doxazosin mesylate), and Minipress (prazosin HCl) are registered trademarks of Pfizer Inc. The other brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of Pfizer Inc. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse Pfizer Inc or its products. Sildenafil, sold under the brand name Viagra among others, is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. [4][8] It is also sometimes used off-label for the treatment of certain symptoms in secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.

Before taking sildenafil,

[9] It is unclear if it is effective for treating sexual dysfunction in females. [8] It can be taken orally (swallowed by mouth), intravenously (injection into a vein), or through the sublingual route (dissolved under the tongue). [8][10] Onset when taken orally is typically within twenty minutes and lasts for about two hours. Common side effects include headaches, heartburn, and sildenafil citrate 150 mg red pill flushed skin. [8] Caution is advised in those with cardiovascular disease. However, at least one court case has resulted in a product being taken off the market.

Related/similar drugs

General information about the safe and effective use of VIAGRA. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use VIAGRA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give VIAGRA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about VIAGRA.

Can I get Viagra without a prescription?

If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about VIAGRA that is written for health professionals. For more information, go to or call 1-888-4VIAGRA Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, lactose, triacetin, and FD & C Blue #2 aluminum lake This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This product's label may have been updated. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned numerous products claiming to be Eurycoma longifolia that, in fact, contain only analogs of sildenafil.