Common sildenafil side effects explained

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a difficult topic to bring up––whether that’s to a potential partner, a friend, or a healthcare professional. But rest assured, it’s highly common and can be treatable.

Alongside lifestyle changes, a healthcare professional might also suggest a medication called sildenafil. In fact, according to one 2005 study, more than 23 million penis-owners worldwide have been prescribed sildenafil. And while this is a common treatment, there are still some possible side effects anyone taking it should be aware of.

What is sildenafil?

Sildenafil belongs to group of medicines called PDE-5 inhibitors––or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors to give them their technical name. This class of medication helps relax blood vessels and has been used to treat circulatory disorders, but they’re best known as a treatment for ED.

Sildenafil works by temporarily increasing blood flow to the penis, however, it’s important to note that you’ll still need to get sexually aroused to get an erection. In other words, it doesn’t just cause a hard-on to spring from nowhere.

How common are sildenafil side effects?

Just because you’ve got your motor running smoothly, doesn’t mean you may not encounter a few bumps in the road. And as with any new medication, patients may encounter some side effects––in this case, it’s advisable to stop taking medication and speak with your GP or healthcare professional.

Headaches are a very common side effect, which may affect over 1 in 10 people. However, up to 1 in 10 people may experience common side effects, like:

• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Stuffy nose
• Dizziness
• Face flushing
• Vision changes
• Visual disturbance

Less common side effects that may be experienced by up to 1 in 100 people, include:

• Vomiting
• Skin rash
• Eye irritation
• High blood pressure
• Low blood pressure
• Dry mouth

While up to 1 in 1,000 people may experience the following serious side effects:

• Fainting
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Irregular heartbeat

It’s also possible for a person to suffer an allergic reaction to any medication. In the event of suffering a serious side effect, the NHS recommends that patients stop taking sildenafil and call 111, 999, or go to A&E immediately.

However, it’s important to remember that most people will only experience minor, manageable side effects, if any––just remember to discuss any concerns about possible side effects with your pharmacist or healthcare provider who can help you make a more informed decision about your medication.

For a more complete list of known side effects, please speak to a healthcare professional or refer to the medication’s patient information leaflet.

Who can’t take sildenafil?

Every penis is different, and the same goes for every penis-owner! Sildenafil might be a suitable treatment for ED, but this doesn’t mean it’ll be applied as a blanket solution. There are several pre-existing conditions and factors that might rule sildenafil out for certain patients––for example, if you’ve experienced a stroke or heart attack in the last 6 months, or you have low blood pressure.

Beyond that, a healthcare professional won’t recommend sildenafil if you:

• Have ever had an allergic reaction to sildenafil
• Are taking medicine for chest pain/heart failure
• Use poppers recreationally
• Have a heart or liver problem
• Have a rare inherited eye disease
• Have sickle cell anaemia
• Have a deformity of your penis
• Have a stomach ulcer
• Have a bleeding problem

It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list. A healthcare professional may be able to support you with further questions, as well as an alternative medication or treatment plan should you not qualify for sildenafil.

Are there any long-term side effects of sildenafil?

It’s natural to worry about the future. You might be wondering if it’ll rain tomorrow, if you’ll get that big promotion at work, or… what are the long-term effects of taking sildenafil? You know, normal, everyday stuff.

In general, taking sildenafil for ED is not indicated for long-term use and should only be taken in line with medical advice to mitigate potential side effects.

When to get medical advice on the side effects of sildenafil

If your car starts making that weird gurgling noise again, you wouldn’t just continue driving and hope for the best––you’d roll it straight into a garage to get it checked. The same goes for any symptoms you might experience while taking sildenafil.

While most of these side effects are relatively minor and manageable at home, it’s always good practice to seek professional medical advice as soon as possible.

For serious symptoms, like a seizure or fit, a prolonged erection, allergic reaction, chest pain, or if you have a sudden decrease or loss of vision, the NHS suggests calling 999 immediately––or going straight to A&E Just remember that serious side effects are rare and shouldn’t impact the majority of men.

If you experience any side effects at all, talk to your healthcare professional. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this article or in the product leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Supporting erectile health beyond medication

While sildenafil may be considered suitable as a treatment for ED, a healthcare professional might also suggest making certain lifestyle changes to tackle any underlying contributors to erectile difficulties. For example:

• Exercising more
• Losing weight (if overweight or obese)
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing alcohol consumption

Drinking excessive alcohol can temporarily reduce a man’s ability to get an erection. As such, the NHS recommends not to drink too much right before taking sildenafil.

If you are using illicit drugs and wish to take sildenafil, it is crucial to speak to a healthcare professional to avoid dangerous side effects.

Help get your erections back on track

We understand that ED can be a touchy subject, but it’s nothing to be ashamed about. Especially if that shame is stopping you from seeking effective and accessible treatment that’s available over the counter––like Durex Sildenafil, which can be bought over the counter in Boots stores across the UK.

If erectile difficulties are becoming a regular guest star in the bedroom, reach out to a healthcare professional for more advice, they’ll be best placed to suggest the right treatment option for you.

Durex Sildenafil 50mg film-coated tablets. For erectile dysfunction problems in adult men. Always read the label. Ask your pharmacist if this medicine is suitable for you.

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