Oral Sildenafil Side Effects: Strategies for Managing Them
Sildenafil, a common prescription medication, is used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension in adults. While it is generally safe, it can cause a variety of side effects, some of which may be temporary and mild, while others can be serious.
Common side effects of sildenafil include headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, and low blood pressure, especially during initial dosing. Other mild side effects often reported are stuffy or runny nose, hot flashes, nausea, dizziness, and mild vision problems.
More serious side effects associated with sildenafil include prolonged erections (priapism) lasting more than 4 hours, sudden hearing loss, sudden loss of vision (particularly in men over 50 or those with optic disk abnormalities), severe low blood pressure, especially with certain drug interactions, and fluid retention, particularly in combination with other PAH treatments.
Caution is required in patients with cardiovascular issues, anatomical penis deformities, or predisposing conditions to priapism. Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 can increase sildenafil levels and risk of toxicity, necessitating dose adjustments.
It's important to note that sildenafil is not approved by the FDA for use in children. In clinical trials, children who were given sildenafil long term to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension had an increased risk of fatality.
Allergic reactions, although rare, can occur with sildenafil. Symptoms can include skin rash, itching, flushing, hives, low blood pressure, fainting, swelling under the skin, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat.
Sildenafil oral tablets come in different strengths: 20 milligrams, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. The dosage you're prescribed will depend on what condition you're taking sildenafil for.
If you experience serious side effects while taking sildenafil, it's crucial to call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life-threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
It's always recommended to discuss any concerns about side effects with your doctor before starting or continuing sildenafil treatment. If you're female and concerned about side effects with sildenafil, it's especially important to talk with your doctor.
References:
- DrugBank Online: Sildenafil
- Mayo Clinic: Sildenafil (Viagra)
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Sildenafil
- Prescrire International: Sildenafil
- Pulmonary Hypertension Association: Sildenafil
In the realm of health-and-wellness, it's crucial for mental-health patients to be aware that sildenafil, a medication used primarily for treating erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, may cause serious side effects, including skin-related symptoms such as allergic reactions, in rare cases. Always consult your doctor to discuss any concerns about potential side effects before starting or continuing sildenafil treatment.
