Sildenafil 

What is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil, also known as Viagra for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Revatio (for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)), is the drug that is used to control these diseases.

• Brand Name: Viagra (for ED), Revatio (for PAH).
• Drug Class: PDE5 Inhibitor.
• Function: Enhances blood flow to improve erection quality.

Sildenafil Symptoms (Effects & Side Effects)

The use of sildenafil has various effects on the body, both positive (the desired ones) and side effects (unwanted responses).

✅ Positive Effects (Intended Benefits)

•  It helps to reach and keep an erection in men.
•  It fosters sexual functioning in ED-affected men.
•  Blood circulation in PAH patients is improved which also helps them in carrying out physical activities. 

❌ Side Effects of Sildenafil

The majority of the secondary effects are usually quite mild and only last for a brief time:

Common Side Effects

• Headache
• Flushing (redness of skin)
• Dizziness
• Nasal congestion
• Indigestion
• Muscle pain

Rare but Serious Side Effects

• Sudden vision or hearing loss
• Priapism (erection lasting more than 4 hours)
• Severe drop in blood pressure (especially with nitrates)
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat

Sildenafil Causes

Sildenafil is not a condition or disease in and of itself, so it doesn’t have causes. Nevertheless, its use can develop due to particular conditions:

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Poor blood circulation, diabetes, high blood pressure, or psychological stress are all possible culprits.
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): A condition of high blood pressure in the lung arteries.
• Raynaud’s Disease (off-label use): A condition causing poor blood flow to the fingers and toes.

Sildenafil Citrate Tablets Uses (How It Helps)

Sildenafil is primarily used for:

1. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) – It boosts the blood flow in the penis to aid erections.
2. Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) – It reduces the pressure of blood in the lung’s arteries.
3. Raynaud’s Disease (Off-label use) – It helps to recover blood circulation in the fingers and toes.

How to Take Sildenafil for ED:

• Dose: 25mg, 50mg, or 100mg as per the doctor’s advice.
• Timing: 30-60 minutes before the sexual act.
• Duration: The effect lasts 4-6 hours.
• Food Interaction: It is better worked when administered on an empty stomach.

How to Take Sildenafil for PAH:

• Dosage: 20mg, three times a day.
• Regularity: Daily administration at the same times will offer provide best results.

⚠ Besides prescription, no more than one dose may be taken within 24 hours.

Sildenafil Mechanism of Action (MOA)

Sildenafil acts by obstructing the activity of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) which results in increased blood flow in certain parts of the body. Here’s how it works step by step:

1.Sexual Stimulation Triggers Nitric Oxide (NO) Release

• During arousal, the signal travels to the penis and the cells there release the chemical nitric oxide (NO), which then allows the blood vessels to dilate it.

2.Nitric Oxide Activates cGMP

• Stimulated by nitric oxide, the guanosine monophosphate pathway of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is stimulated.
• cGMP relaxes smooth muscles and dilates blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow into the penis.

3.PDE5 Enzyme Breaks Down cGMP

• In the usual course of events, the protein PDE5 is responsible for the cyclic GMP’s (cGMP) degradation, which results in lesser blood flow and the erection’s disappearance.

4.Sildenafil Inhibits PDE5

• The use of sildenafil to avoid the degradation of cGMP, which is carried out by the PDE5 group, is the main method in inhibiting the actions.
• Thus, the effect of cGMP is prolonged, and the blood vessels remain relaxed, allowing blood to flow continuously.

5.Enhanced Blood Flow Leads to Erection

• The penis becomes bigger and obtainer during sexual excitement since more blood is supplied to it.
•  Sildenafil is useful only in those cases if sexual stimulation is present.

Sildenafil Medication

Sildenafil is obtainable in different ways:

• Oral Tablets: 25mg, 50mg, 100mg (Viagra) or 20mg (Revatio).
• Oral Suspension: This is fine in liquid form for PAH treatment.
• Sildenafil Injection (IV): Ferumoxytol (Feraheme) is administered in the hospital via IV in the case of PAH patients.

 Precautions While Taking Sildenafil:

• Avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice (can reduce its effectiveness)
• Do not mix with nitrates (found in heart medications).
• Talk to your doctor about your heart disease, liver and kidney failure, or blood pressure.

Sildenafil Medicines (Pills)

It has become a common norm to have them in both brand and generic.

 Sildenafil should be take only following a doctor’s prescription for the sake of avoiding any health hazards.

Permanent Cure for Sildenafil Use

The drug aids the effects of both conditions but cannot cure them permanently.

For Erectile Dysfunction (ED):

• Changes in lifestyle: simple regular exercises, good food, and staying away from cigarettes can help a lot.
• Hormonal therapy if ED is caused by low testosterone.
• Surgical options using penile implants for severe cases.
• Psychological therapy if stress or anxiety is the cause.

For Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH):

• Lifestyle changes – such as avoiding high altitudes, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can help with PAH.
• In the situation of lung transplantation in severe cases of PAH, a transplant is the ultimate option.

When it comes to ED, a permanent improvement is frequently seen when one undergoes a major lifestyle change. However, coping with PAH may necessitate continuous care.

Sildenafil Citrate Tablets for Female

• Not supported by the FDA for women.
• There are a few research studies that have shown the possible advantages of Viagra in female sexual arousal disorder.
• It can increase the amount of blood that flows to the vagina, but the effects are still unknown.

Sildenafil for Women

•  Some Doctors prescribe it off-label for female sexual dysfunction.
• Some professionals are still studying the effects of women’s low libido and arousal-related problems.
• Women also experience side effects such as headaches, flushing, and dizziness.

Sildenafil for Men

• It is typically used as an ED remedy.
• This is an aid to a firmer and longer-lasting erection.
• It only works when one is sexually aroused.