Sildenafil safety

Sildenafil (Viagra and generics) helps many men with erectile dysfunction and some people with pulmonary hypertension. Use it safely by knowing the risks, interactions, dosing rules, and when to call a doctor.

How it works and common effects: Sildenafil relaxes blood vessels to increase blood flow. That helps erections but also lowers blood pressure. Common side effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, and temporary vision changes. Most effects are mild and go away within a few hours.

Who should NOT take sildenafil: Do not take sildenafil if you use any nitrate medicine for chest pain like nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate, or amyl nitrite. Combining nitrates and sildenafil can cause serious, dangerous drops in blood pressure. Also avoid sildenafil if you recently had a heart attack or stroke, or if your doctor says your sexual activity is unsafe because of heart disease.

Key drug interactions to watch

Mixing sildenafil with nitrate drugs is never safe. Use extreme caution with alpha blockers; your doctor may start lower doses and watch your blood pressure. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir, ketoconazole, and itraconazole raise sildenafil levels — a lower sildenafil dose or different medicine may be needed. Avoid taking other erectile dysfunction drugs at the same time. Heavy alcohol use increases dizziness and low blood pressure risk. Grapefruit juice can raise levels and should be avoided.

Smart safety checklist before you take sildenafil

1. Tell your prescriber about all medications, herbal supplements, and heart treatments. 2. Share any history of heart disease, low blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, and eye disorders like retinitis pigmentosa. 3. Start at the lowest effective dose — often 25 or 50 mg — and do not repeat doses within 24 hours unless directed. 4. Be aware that high‑fat meals can delay how fast it works. 5. Buy from licensed pharmacies and avoid suspicious online sellers.

Serious warning signs and what to do: Seek immediate care for chest pain, fainting, sudden severe dizziness, or sudden vision loss. If an erection lasts longer than four hours get emergency treatment to avoid lasting damage. If you take medications like ritonavir or strong antifungals, follow doctor guidance on dose adjustments.

Final tips: Sildenafil works well when used correctly. Talk to your doctor about heart risk and drug interactions. If cost or access is a concern, check verified online pharmacy reviews and savings guides. Keep a list of your medicines and ask your pharmacist when in doubt.

Generics contain the same active ingredient as brand name Viagra, but quality varies — buy from licensed sources. For erectile dysfunction the usual starting doses are 25 to 50 mg and do not exceed 100 mg in 24 hours unless instructed. People with liver or kidney disease often need lower doses. For pulmonary arterial hypertension doctors use different dosing and schedules; do not use ED dosing for pulmonary hypertension. If you feel unsure about mixing medicines or about heart safety, ask for a cardiology or pharmacy consult before trying sildenafil and follow up.