This is a topic that many people are a little hesitant to talk about in society, but it can affect many men at some point. Today we are talking about erectile dysfunction , or as it is medically known, ED, and the drug Sildenafil, which is widely used around the world for this condition. You may know it by the brand name Viagra. This is not a drug that you can just buy from a pharmacy. It is a drug that should only be taken under the prescription and supervision of a doctor. So, let's talk about this directly, without hiding anything.
What is Sildenafil? How does it work?
Simply put, Sildenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition in which the penis is unable to become erect or remain erect enough for sexual intercourse.
This medicine works by widening the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis, increasing blood flow to that area. When sexually aroused, this increased blood supply helps the penis become erect and maintain that erectness for as long as necessary. The important thing is that just taking this medicine will not automatically cause erection; sexual stimulation is definitely required for that.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Sildenafil is not a one-size-fits-all drug. If you have certain health problems, using this drug can be dangerous. Therefore, when talking to your doctor, be sure to mention any of the following conditions that you have:
| Your health condition | Why is it important? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, angina, history of heart attack, irregular heartbeat | Because sildenafil can affect heart function, this can be risky for people who already have heart disease. |
| High or low blood pressure | This medication can further lower blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people with uncontrolled blood pressure. |
| Vision problems (e.g. hereditary eye diseases such as Retinitis Pigmentosa) | Sildenafil can very rarely affect vision, and people with pre-existing eye conditions are at greater risk. |
| Liver or kidney disease | Because these organs are involved in the process of removing drugs from the body, medication dosages may need to be adjusted when they are affected. |
| If you have had a stroke | People with a history of stroke have higher risks related to the heart and blood vessels. |
| Blood diseases (e.g. Sickle cell anemia, Leukemia) | These conditions increase the risk of priapism (painful erection that lasts for hours). |
| A history of any penis deformities, Peyronie's disease, or priapism | In these situations, the use of the drug can be complicated and requires special attention from the doctor. |
| A history of stomach bleeding | This medication may affect bleeding, so it is important to inform your doctor if you have a history of this. |
| Allergy to Sildenafil or any other medicine or food | This is essential to avoid allergic reactions. |
How should I use this medicine?
Take this only as prescribed by your doctor, and in the dosage prescribed.
- This pill is usually taken about an hour before sexual activity. Drink it with a glass of water.
- Do not take this medicine more than once a day. Do not increase the dose for any reason.
- This medicine is not given to children for this condition.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. This is not a game, it can even be life-threatening.
This medicine is prescribed for you only. Never give it to a friend or anyone else. What is right for you may be very dangerous for someone else.
Other drugs that may interact with Sildenafil
This is something that many people overlook, but it can be very dangerous. Sildenafil can cause serious reactions if taken with certain medications.
Drugs that should not be taken with Sildenafil for any reason:
- Nitrates: These are medications commonly used to treat angina. Examples include nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate. Taking these two together can cause your blood pressure to drop to dangerous levels, which can even lead to death.
- Riociguat
- Cisapride
Other drugs that may interact with Sildenafil:
- Some medications taken for HIV or AIDS
- Some medications used to treat fungal infections (e.g. Ketoconazole, Itraconazole)
- Some medications taken for high blood pressure
- Some medications taken for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Drugs like Erythromycin, Rifampin, Cimetidine
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and traditional medicines), and if you drink alcohol or smoke .
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Vision changes: If you experience any changes in your vision, such as blurred vision, or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes while taking this medication, stop taking the medication immediately and call your doctor.
- Painful erection: If the penis remains erect for more than 4 hours or becomes painful, it is an emergency condition called ``Priapism.`` Go to an emergency room immediately for treatment before permanent damage occurs.
- Discomfort during sexual activity: If you experience nausea, dizziness, chest pain, or arm pain during sexual activity after taking the medication, stop the activity immediately and seek medical advice immediately.
- Alcohol Use : Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol while taking this medication. Doing so may increase the risk of headaches , dizziness, increased heart rate, and low blood pressure.
- No protection against sexually transmitted diseases: This medicine is only a solution to the problem of impotence. It does not protect you or your partner from other sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV (AIDS). For this, it is essential to use protective methods such as condoms.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Sildenafil can have side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Pain/tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, or difficulty walking. |
| Loss of vision | Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. |
| Painful awakening | A painful erection that lasts more than 4 hours (Priapism). |
| Hearing changes | Hearing loss or ringing in the ears. |
| Headache | Redness of the face |
| Nosebleed | Nasal congestion or runny nose |
| Stomach discomfort | Difficulty falling asleep |
Take-Home Message
- Sildenafil (Viagra) is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, but it should never be used without medical advice.
- It is essential for your own safety to tell your doctor your complete health history (existing illnesses, medications you are taking).
- Avoid taking Sildenafil if you are taking nitrates, a heart medication . It can be life-threatening.
- If you experience serious symptoms such as painful shortness of breath lasting more than 4 hours, chest pain, or sudden vision loss , go to an emergency room (ETU) immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others.
- Store this medicine at room temperature, out of the reach of children and pets. Throw away expired medicine.
Sildenafil, Viagra, Erectile Dysfunction, Erectile Dysfunction, Sexual Dysfunction, Men's Health, Sildenafil
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