Sildenafil Side Effects

Adverse reactions caused by sildenafil

Sildenafil contained in Viagra and its generics affects the elasticity of blood vessels and improves the blood circulation. The walls of blood vessels become more elastic, they can let through much more blood – and this is how the medicine produces its therapeutic effect and restores healthy erections.

At the same time, dilation of blood vessels is associated with a certain drop in blood pressure. If you have no blood pressure problems otherwise, you may experience slightly bothersome symptoms like minor headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, redness of the face, and sweating. These side effects are passing and not dangerous, although they are rather common. The general rule is that they go away as you continue taking sildenafil during a certain period.

The vasodilatory effect of sildenafil is achieved thanks to its ability to inhibit a substance called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). PDE5 is an enzyme that is found in the smooth muscles of the penis – but also in the eye retina. This is why some side effects have to do with the visual field and color perception.

Finally, sildenafil can cause several gastro-intestinal side effects like stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and, in rare cases, vomiting.

Are side effects of generic sildenafil any different?

Sildenafil formula is the same in the brand and generic medication. You will experience similar side effects no matter which manufacturer you choose, but this is true to a point. Or rather, this is only true in terms of your reactions towards the active substance sildenafil, which is common for the brand and generic. But there are other components in every pill, the ones that are used to hold the pill together and give it its forms. These ingredients are called excipients, and they have no pharmaceutical activity. However, if you are allergic to some of them, for instance, lactose, you may develop an adverse reaction to the drug form containing it. Most manufacturers, including the developing company, use lactose in their tablets.

The list of sildenafil side effects (listed by frequency) is identical to that of the brand-name analog of the drug:

• Headache
• Flushing (redness of the face)
• Stomach upset/diarrhea
• Rhinitis
• Sinusitis
• Nausea
• Altered color perception
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness

How to manage and minimize sildenafil side effects

To minimize the odds of developing side effects of sildenafil, always follow instructions of your doctor. as well as the manufacturer’s guidelines. Never increase the dose that was prescribed to you.

Take your sildenafil pills with food to lower the risks of getting stomach upset and developing some other adverse reactions.

Keep in mind that with time, sildenafil side effects become less pronounced and may completely disappear. If they continue bothering you or even become more intense, discuss a dose adjustment or therapy change with your prescriber.