Sildenafil treats Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men or Assigned Men at Birth (AMAB).
ED affects sexual function by making getting and holding an erection challenging.
Sildenafil is an FDA-approved treatment to treat Erectile Dysfunction.
It is a prescription-based medication and is not available over the counter.
This article will talk about what is Sildenafil used for, its working, and related queries.
Table of Contents
What is Sildenafil used for
As stated earlier, Sildenafil is an FDA-approved medication to treat Erectile Dysfunction in men or AMAB.
The US Food and Drugs Authority approved Sildenafil to treat ED in 1998.
It is available under the brand name Viagra and also its Generic version.
Apart from ED, FDA also approved Sildenafil for treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) in 2005.
What else can Sildenafil be used for
Apart from treating ED in men, Sildenafil may be used for other purposes.
A Pubmed study suggests that Sildenafil may effectively treat Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD).
It is why some doctors may recommend Sildenafil off-label to treat FSAD.
If you or your partner have difficulty getting aroused, consult a doctor.
Check with them if Sildenafil is effective for your symptoms.
How does Sildenafil work to treat ED
Source: HenadziSildenafil belongs to the class of drugs known as Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
It functions by blocking the action of the PDE5 enzyme in the penis.
This PDE5 enzyme makes it challenging to get and hold an erection by turning the penis soft.
Sildenafil blocks the breakdown of cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP), boosting Nitric Oxide (NO) in the penis.
This action collectively helps improve the blood flow to the penile region.
An improved blood flow helps to get and hold an erection for sexual intercourse.
How to use Sildenafil for best results
Source: Getty_imagesLike most medicines, you need to follow certain precautions when taking Sildenafil.
These measures are essential to ensure safety and get the medicine’s best results.
It may include when to take Sildenafil or foods to avoid when taking medicine.
Let’s talk about all such measures in detail here.
Take Sildenafil at least 30 minutes before sexual activity
Sildenafil begins to work in about 30 to 60 mins after taking it.
For the same reason, take it about an hour before having sexual intercourse.
If you take the pill immediately before sex, it might not be effective. Always take it in advance or as your doctor prescribes.
The time Sildenafil takes to show results depends on your metabolism and diet.
But do not take Sildenafil more than four hours before having sex. Medicine’s full effects last only for four hours.
Avoid high-fat meals
According to Drugs.com, taking foods high in fat before Sildenafil affects its potency.
High-fat meals slow down the absorption rate of Sildenafil in your body.
Limited absorption prevents the medicine from delivering its complete benefits.
You may take food items less in fats but completely avoid oily and processed foods.
These include snacks like chips, cheese, burgers, fries, and red meat.
Doctors advise that you eat light and healthy meals before taking Sildenafil for the best results.
To know what foods to avoid, read 6 Worst Foods for Erectile Dysfunction
Quit/ avoid smoking and alcohol
According to a Pharmaceutics study, smoking cigarettes and similar substances affects the efficiency of Sildenafil.
Nicotine works precisely opposite to Sildenafil and decreases blood flow to the penis.
This action affects your ability to get and maintain an erection.
Alcohol also inhibits the working of Sildenafil and can cause a few side effects.
Studies indicate taking excessive Alcohol with Sildenafil is more likely to cause side effects like nausea, flushing, and headaches.
Ensure that you’re aware of the potential side effects
As with most medicines, Sildenafil comes with a few side effects.
Depending on their severity, these side effects may range from common to rare.
Some of the common side effects of Sildenafil include:
- Body/ muscle pain
- Dizziness
- Flushing
- Headache
- Indigestion
- Nausea
In rare cases, one may experience allergic reactions or Pripiasm (prolonged and painful erection lasting more than four hours).
Sildenafil may have drug interactions with your current medicines or an underlying medical condition.
You must disclose your complete medical history to your doctor before taking Sildenafil.
If your symptoms persist or your condition worsens, consult a physician.
Closure
Now that you know what is Sildenafil used for, it’s essential to use it right.
When taken cautiously, it is less likely to cause significant side effects.
Taking Sildenafil as directed by your physician may help reduce your risk of side effects.
If your problem persists, consult your doctor and take the necessary measures.
Phosphodiesterase type 5 is an enzyme in the penis that turns it soft soon after ejaculation.
Off-label use: When a doctor recommends a non-approved medicine to treat a condition, it is termed off-label use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apart from ED, what else can Sildenafil be used for?
Sildenafil is used to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).
The brand name Revatio which contains Sildenafil, is an FDA-approved medicine for PAH.
What are the common side effects of Sildenafil?
One may get common side effects after taking Sildenafil, including Nausea, headache, and dizziness.
Some individuals may also experience muscle pain and indigestion. In rare cases, one can get problems with vision.
If your condition persists or your symptoms worsen, seek medical help.
Is Sildenafil an FDA-approved medication?
Yes. Sildenafil was approved by FDA in 1998 to treat Erectile Dysfunction in men or AMAB.
In 2005, Sildenafil containing Revatio was also approved by FDA to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
Can women take Sildenafil?
The Food and Drugs Authority does not recommend using Sildenafil in women.
However, some doctors may recommend Sildenafil off-label for women with low libido.
It might be effective in treating symptoms of Sexual dysfunction in females.
When should you take Sildenafil?
You should take Sildenafil as directed by your doctor.
Take it before or after food, but avoid high-fat meals.
Do not take more than one Sildenafil pill in a day if taken for ED.
Where can I buy Sildenafil pills?
Sildenafil is a popular ED medicine and is available at leading medicine shops, chemists, and online drug stores.
You should always buy Sildenafil and other ED medications from authentic sources only.
It will keep you safe and avoid any unwanted side effects.
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