Viagra and health: Beyond ED

Sildenafil oral tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it.

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Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. SILDENAFIL (sil DEN a fil) treats erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which helps to maintain an erection. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

Increased genital blood flow

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: History of blood diseases, such as sickle cell anemia or leukemia Stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems An unusual or allergic reaction to sildenafil, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. The dose is usually taken 1 hour before sexual activity. You should not take the dose more than once per day. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Sildenafil oral liquid should be stored at room temperature below 86 F (30 C) or in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Throw away any remaining liquid 60 days after it has been mixed for you by a pharmacist or healthcare professional. Sildenafil injection is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home. The most common side effects of sildenafil are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you. Pain in your muscles, back, arms, or legs There may be other side effects of sildenafil that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine.

• Sildenafil may improve confidence and sexual satisfaction in men with ED.
• The medication is also being researched for pulmonary hypertension treatment.
• Common side effects include dizziness, upset stomach, and vision changes.
• Rare side effects can include priapism, a painful prolonged erection.
• Alcohol can interfere with sildenafil's effectiveness and increase side effects.
• Patients should disclose any heart conditions before using sildenafil.
• Sildenafil may interact with other medications such as alpha-blockers.
• It is not suitable for individuals with severe liver or kidney problems.
• Taking large doses does not necessarily improve efficacy and increases risk.
• Always follow the prescribed dosage and discontinue if adverse effects occur.

In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at or by calling 800-FDA-1088.

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Viagra Generic	25mg	90 + 6 Pills	105.03€ 100.03€	Buy
Kamagra	100mg	84 + 6 Pills	264.44€ 251.85€	Buy
Viagra Generic	100mg	30 + 4 Pills	60.91€ 58.01€	Buy
Viagra Generic	150mg	120 + 8 Pills	177.58€ 169.12€	Buy
Viagra Generic	50mg	270 + 8 Pills	198.48€ 189.03€	Buy
Viagra Generic	150mg	10 Pills	36.73€ 34.98€	Buy
Kamagra	100mg	120 + 6 Pills	330.74€ 314.99€	Buy
Kamagra	100mg	60 + 4 Pills	201.34€ 191.75€	Buy
Kamagra	100mg	180 + 6 Pills	436.79€ 415.99€	Buy
Kamagra Polo	100mg	84 + 4 Pills	244.49€ 232.85€	Buy
Kamagra Oral Jelly	100mg	110 + 9 Sachets	334.87€ 318.92€	Buy
Viagra Generic	100mg	10 Pills	28.91€ 27.53€	Buy
Kamagra Soft Tabs	100mg	180 + 8 Pills	425.45€ 405.19€	Buy

In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at or by calling 866-234-2345.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

For erectile dysfunction, it increases blood flow to the penis when aroused. This makes it easier to get and keep an erection. For pulmonary arterial hypertension, sildenafil relaxes the blood vessels in the lungs. This lowers blood pressure and reduces strain sildenafil gel on the heart. 10 mg/mL powder for oral suspension 20 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg oral tablets Sildenafil is also available in an injectable form that is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. While less common, the most serious side effects of sildenafil are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Sildenafil may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking sildenafil and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives Sildenafil may cause an unwanted erection that is persistent, painful, and that may occur without sexual arousal. Permanent damage to the penis may occur if priapism is not treated quickly.

What is sildenafil?

Contact your care team right away if you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful. This may be a sign of a serious problem and must be treated right away to prevent permanent damage. If you experience symptoms of nausea, dizziness, chest pain or arm pain upon initiation of sexual activity after taking this medication, you should refrain from further activity and call your care team as soon as possible. Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Antihypertensive and α-Adrenergic Blocking Agents

Keep out of reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. Stop taking sildenafil and get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of priapism.

Advice To Patients

Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine. Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Brand Names: Canada

Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight or hearing. This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects. Erection lasting for more than four hours Erection that is unrelated to sexual stimulation Sildenafil can cause mild, temporary vision changes such as seeing a blue tint, abnormal colors, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light. Though rare, some people have reported permanent vision loss. Stop taking sildenafil and get help right away if you have sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. Sudden hearing loss has been reported after taking sildenafil. This may occur along with dizziness and ringing in the ears.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. This medication is not used in children for this condition. Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Sildenafil: what you need to know

Do not take double or extra doses. Do not take this medication with any of the following: Nitrates, such as amyl nitrite, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin This medication may also interact with the following: Other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all of the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended. This list may not describe all possible interactions. Stop taking sildenafil and get help right away if you have sudden hearing loss or suddenly have trouble hearing as well as usual.

Sildenafil Working Time (And How Long Does it Last)

Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals. Sildenafil is commonly used for the following conditions. Erectile dysfunction, a condition where you have trouble getting or keeping an erection Pulmonary arterial hypertension, a condition where you have high blood pressure in the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to your lungs Sildenafil may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider. Sildenafil works by blocking an enzyme in the body called PDE5, which helps relax certain blood vessels. Sildenafil may cause a mild and temporary drop in blood pressure. You may be at a higher risk if you have certain health conditions or take blood pressure medicines. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure. You may be at higher risk for this if you take a blood thinner medicine.

• Sildenafil has been shown to aid men with diabetes-related ED.
• The drug may also reduce blood pressure temporarily.
• Some men may not respond to sildenafil due to various health factors.
• It is recommended to take sildenafil on an empty stomach for faster effects.
• Overdose symptoms include dizziness, fainting, and pain in the chest.
• Sildenafil should not be used with other erectile dysfunction medications simultaneously.
• Patients should inform their doctor if they experience prolonged erections.
• Certain medical conditions require cautious use of sildenafil.
• The medication can sometimes cause changes in color perception.
• Always check the expiration date before using sildenafil pills.

Tell your healthcare provider if you get nosebleeds often while taking sildenafil. If your nosebleed is severe or will not stop after applying pressure, get help right away. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take sildenafil. Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific sildenafil products they stock. Sildenafil should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines.

Country	Generic	Brand (Viagra)	Cost Range of Brand	Notes
USA	$1-$3	$10-$30	$20-$30	Generic cheaper options
India	$0.50-$1	$2-$8	$5-$10	Affordable, widely used
UK	£0.80-£2	£10-£25	£20-£25	Price varies by retailer

Before taking sildenafil, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

• Sildenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men.
• It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during arousal.
• Sildenafil is commonly sold under the brand name Viagra.
• The typical dose ranges from 25 mg to 100 mg, taken before sexual activity.
• It usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes to work after ingestion.
• Sildenafil's effects can last for up to 4-6 hours.
• It can cause side effects like headaches, flushing, and nasal congestion.
• Sildenafil should not be used with nitrate medications due to risk of dangerous drops in blood pressure.
• It is available by prescription from a healthcare provider.
• Do not take sildenafil more than once a day to avoid adverse effects.

See the Interactions section for more details.

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

Drug synonyms are used during the sanitation and standardization process of "cleaning" the original data source (MEPS). Occassionally, brand names may be listed below that are no longer on the market or are very infrequently used. Prescription data source: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) 2014-2023. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Rockville, MD. Read more about the ClinCalc DrugStats database.

Other Interactions

All ClinCalc DrugStats figures and graphs on this page are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0). Sildenafil is a treatment for erectile dysfunction. It works by increasing blood flow to your penis. The brand name for this medication is Viagra®. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Do not take sildenafil unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider.