Sildenafil is widely used to treat erectile dysfunction, but it is not free of harms and side effects that may affect the health of users, especially when taken without medical supervision. Despite its known effectiveness, its misuse may lead to serious problems such as heart disorders, chronic headaches, blurred vision, and other unexpected symptoms. In the following lines with Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, we highlight the most prominent harms of sildenafil and explain when it turns from a useful treatment into a potential health risk, while emphasizing the importance of adhering to the doctor’s instructions to avoid any complications that may occur.

What is sildenafil?

Sildenafil is a drug that is mainly used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It is also used in cases of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Sildenafil belongs to a class of drugs known as PDE5 enzyme inhibitors, as it works to expand blood vessels and improve blood flow to certain areas of the body, which helps in enhancing erection when sexually stimulated, or improving blood flow in the lungs in cases of pulmonary hypertension. Sildenafil is also available under well-known trade names, the most famous of which is Viagra, and is often dispensed with a prescription and under medical supervision to avoid the harmful effects of the substance.

 potential side effects.

Common medical uses of sildenafil

Common medical uses of sildenafil include:

• Treating erectile dysfunction in men is the most common use, as sildenafil helps increase blood flow to the penis, which improves the ability to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated.
• Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension  PAH Sildenafil is used in different doses to improve the ability to engage in physical activity and reduce pressure in the blood vessels in the lungs, by expanding them and improving blood flow.
• Research and experimental uses: In some cases, sildenafil is being studied for other purposes, such as treating vascular spasms, and circulatory problems in some heart diseases, but these uses are still under research and are not officially approved.

It must be noted that all of these uses must be carried out under medical supervision to avoid the harmful effects of sildenafil, its side effects, and possible complications.

Common side effects of sildenafil

The common side effects of sildenafil include a number of side effects that may appear in some users, especially when used without medical supervision or in excessive doses. The most prominent of these side effects are:

• Headache is one of the most common side effects due to dilatation of blood vessels in the brain.
• Facial redness occurs as a result of increased blood flow to the skin, and may be accompanied by a feeling of heat.
• Digestive disorders such as indigestion, or a feeling of discomfort in the stomach.
• Nasal congestion or blockage due to the effect of sildenafil on the blood vessels in the nose.
• Confusion or change in vision, which may include blurry vision, or abnormal color discrimination, especially blue and green.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness due to a slight drop in blood pressure.
• Back or muscle pain usually appears hours after taking the medication and goes away automatically.

Although these symptoms are common and less serious, you should stop taking the medication and see a doctor if they continue for a long time or become more severe.

Learn about: Causes of infertility for men and women And different treatment methods

Serious drug interactions with sildenafil

After learning about the harms of sildenafil, we explain below the dangerous drug interactions with sildenafil. Serious drug interactions with sildenafil include a number of medications that may lead to serious health complications when taken together, and the most prominent of these interactions are:

• Nitrates medications, such as nitroglycerin or isosorbide, are used to treat angina and heart disease.
• Alpha-blocker medications such as doxazosin or tamsulosin, used to treat high blood pressure or enlarged prostate, and when combined with sildenafil may lead to severe dizziness or fainting.
• Some antifungals, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole, affect the metabolism of sildenafil and increase its concentration in the blood, which increases the risk of side effects.
• Antivirals used to treat AIDS (HIV Protease Inhibitors), such as ritonavir or saquinavir, which raise levels of sildenafil in the blood in a way that may be dangerous.
• Some antibiotics, such as erythromycin and clarithromycin, which may affect the metabolism of sildenafil and increase its concentration.

Cases that are prohibited from using sildenafil

We know very well that you want to know all the details about the harmful effects of sildenafil, and you want to know those cases in which the use of sildenafil is prohibited so that you know whether you are one of them or not. There are several cases in which the use of sildenafil is prohibited due to the seriousness of its potential impact on health, and the most prominent of these cases are:

• Heart patients who take nitrate medications such as nitroglycerin or isosorbide, because combining these medications with sildenafil may lead to a sharp and sudden drop in blood pressure.
• People with serious heart problems such as heart failure or unstable heart rhythm disorders, as sildenafil can put an additional burden on the heart during sexual intercourse.
• Patients with a recent stroke or heart attack, especially those who have had them within the past six months, because sildenafil may increase the risk of recurrence.
• Patients with severe low blood pressure or those with unstable blood pressure.
• Liver or kidney patients in advanced cases, as the active substance may accumulate in the body and cause serious side effects.
• People with vision disorders such as optic neuritis or hereditary retinal diseases, as the medicine may worsen the condition.
• Allergy to sildenafil or any of its components and manifests itself with symptoms such as skin rash, itching, or shortness of breath.

You should always consult a doctor before using sildenafil to determine its suitability for a person's health condition and to avoid any serious complications.

Book your consultation now at مركز الخصوبة At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

Sildenafil overdose: risks and complications

Speaking of the harms of sildenafil, an overdose of sildenafil may lead to serious health complications, especially when taking quantities exceeding the recommended ones without medical supervision. Instead of improving sexual performance, the overdose may cause serious harm that requires urgent medical intervention, and the most prominent risks and complications include:

• A severe drop in blood pressure, which may lead to severe dizziness, fainting, or even cardiogenic shock in serious cases.
• Vision disturbances such as blurry vision, color distortion, or temporary loss of vision, which may last longer than usual.
• Chest pains or heart palpitations indicate a direct impact on the cardiac system, which is especially worrisome for those suffering from heart disease.
• Painful or persistent erection (Priapism) is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to avoid permanent damage to the tissues of the penis.
• Nausea, vomiting, or severe diarrhea as a physical response to an excessive amount of medication.
• Seizures or loss of consciousness in cases of severe overdose, especially when interacting with other medications.

It is necessary to avoid taking more than the dose specified by the doctor, and not to manipulate it with the aim of improving performance, because the consequences may be adverse and dangerous to public health.

Frequently asked questions

Is sildenafil dangerous?

Sildenafil is generally safe when used in appropriate doses and under medical supervision, but it may be dangerous if taken randomly or with medications that interact with it, such as heart medications or nitrates, or by people with health problems that prevent its use.

Is sildenafil harmful to the heart?

Sildenafil may be harmful to the heart if used by people who suffer from serious heart diseases or who take medications that affect blood pressure, so it is prohibited to use it without consulting a doctor, especially in cases of angina pectoris or heart rhythm disturbances.

How long does sildenafil take to work in the body?

Sildenafil usually begins to take effect within 30 to 60 minutes of taking it, and its effect may last for several hours. It is preferable to take it on an empty stomach to obtain the best result, while there must be sexual stimulation for an erection to occur.

If you are using sildenafil or thinking about taking it, it is necessary that you be fully aware of its potential risks and its impact on your health, and do not leave it to chance, and be sure to consult specialists before use. At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, we provide you with accurate medical consultations and a comprehensive diagnosis of your condition, with safe follow-up for any treatment related to sexual health or heart disease.

المصادر:

Sildenafil – webmd

Sildenafil – medlineplus