Sildenafil (Viagra) Information Guide

What is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil is a prescription medication and the first PDE5 inhibitor approved by the FDA for treating erectile dysfunction. Originally developed to treat cardiovascular conditions, its effectiveness for ED was discovered during clinical trials. It was approved by the FDA in 1998 and revolutionized ED treatment.

Key Facts

Generic Name: Sildenafil
Brand Names: Viagra (ED), Revatio (PAH)
Drug Class: PDE5 Inhibitor
FDA Approval: 1998
Duration: 4-6 hours

Uses

1. Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

The primary use of Sildenafil is to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It helps achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity when sexually stimulated.

2. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

Under the brand name Revatio, Sildenafil is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension to improve exercise capacity in adults.

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Note: Viagra and Revatio contain the same active ingredient but are approved for different conditions and come in different strengths.

How It Works

Like Tadalafil, Sildenafil works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, which allows increased blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation.

Onset and Duration

Onset Time: Typically begins working within 30-60 minutes
Peak Effect: Reaches maximum concentration in 60 minutes
Duration: Effective for 4-6 hours
Food Interaction: High-fat meals can delay absorption

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Food Tip: For best results, take Sildenafil on an empty stomach or after a light meal. High-fat meals can delay the medication's effectiveness by up to an hour.

Dosage Information

Condition	Typical Starting Dose	Dose Range
Erectile Dysfunction	50mg	25mg - 100mg
PAH (Revatio)	20mg three times daily	20mg TID

Important Dosage Guidelines

Take approximately 1 hour before sexual activity
Do not take more than once per day
Can be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity
Your doctor may adjust your dose based on effectiveness
Lower doses (25mg) may be recommended for older adults or those with certain medical conditions

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Headache
Flushing (warmth, redness)
Indigestion
Nasal congestion
Dizziness
Visual disturbances (blue tinge, increased light sensitivity)

Serious Side Effects

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Seek Emergency Care:

Erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism)
Sudden vision loss (NAION)
Sudden hearing decrease or loss
Chest pain during sexual activity
Severe dizziness or fainting
Irregular heartbeat

Warnings & Precautions

Do Not Take Sildenafil If:

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You take nitrates for chest pain
You take riociguat for pulmonary hypertension
You are allergic to sildenafil
Your doctor has advised against sexual activity

Tell Your Doctor If You Have:

Heart problems or recent heart attack/stroke
High or low blood pressure
Liver or kidney disease
Blood cell disorders
Bleeding disorders or stomach ulcers
Peyronie's disease
Retinitis pigmentosa or other eye conditions

Drug Interactions

Sildenafil can interact with many medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you're taking.

Sildenafil (Viagra)