What are the side effects of sildenafil?

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Sildenafil Side Effects

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Simple Answer

The most common side effects reported with sildenafil are headache, flushing, indigestion, abnormal vision, stuffy nose, back pain, muscle pain, nausea, dizziness, and rash. The label also notes other possible concerns like prolonged erection, eye effects, hearing loss, and low blood pressure, especially with certain other medicines. Some people may also have allergic reactions such as rash or hives.

What It Means

These side effects can range from mild and bothersome to more serious. Low blood pressure is a bigger concern when sildenafil is used with nitrates, alpha-blockers, or some blood pressure medicines. Side effects may also be more likely with certain drug interactions.

When to Contact a Doctor

Talk to your doctor if you get side effects that do not go away, or if they bother you. Also contact your doctor if you have abnormal vision, hearing loss, a prolonged erection, or signs of an allergic reaction like rash or hives.

Get Urgent Help If…

Get urgent help for chest symptoms, severe low blood pressure symptoms, a prolonged erection, sudden vision changes, sudden hearing loss, or a serious allergic reaction. Sildenafil should not be used with nitrates or guanylate cyclase stimulators like riociguat.

This answer uses side effects listed in the FDA label. The full risk can change based on other medicines you take.

Sources

This information is based on these free U.S. government medical sources:

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This service provides general medical information and education. It does not diagnose medical conditions or replace care from a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. If you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.