INDICATIONS AND USAGE

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

other ED treatments

This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs. Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.

Can you take Viagra if you have high blood pressure?

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. Sildenafil is a treatment for erectile dysfunction. It works by increasing blood flow to your penis. The brand name for this medication is Viagra®. They need to know if you have any of these conditions: History of blood diseases, such as sickle cell anemia or leukemia Stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems An unusual or allergic reaction to sildenafil, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label.

• Sildenafil citrate 100mg tablets are used to treat erectile dysfunction in men.
• The usual recommended dose is 100mg taken about an hour before activity.
• Sildenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis during arousal.
• This medication should not be used with nitrate drugs due to risk of dangerous interactions.
• Common side effects include headache, flushing, upset stomach, and nasal congestion.
• Do not take sildenafil more than once in a 24-hour period.
• Sildenafil can cause hypotension, especially when combined with certain medications.
• It is available by prescription and should be used under medical supervision.
• Patients with heart problems should consult their doctor before use.
• Sildenafil should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
• Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects when taking sildenafil.
• Sildenafil may cause vision changes such as blue tinge or increased sensitivity to light.

The dose is usually taken 1 hour before sexual activity. You should not take the dose more than once per day. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. This medication is not used in children for this condition.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

1. How it works

If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat) This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Can I take Viagra after I’ve had my prostate removed?

You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Before taking sildenafil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as heart attack or life-threatening irregular heartbeat in the past 6 months, chest pain/angina, heart failure) penis conditions (such as angulation, fibrosis/scarring, Peyronie's disease) conditions that may increase the risk of priapism (such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia, multiple myeloma) eye problems (such as retinitis pigmentosa, sudden decreased vision, NAION) This drug may make you dizzy or cause vision problems. Do not take this medication with any of the following: Nitrates, such as amyl nitrite, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin This medication may also interact with the following: Other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all of the medications you take.

Brand names

US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting, painful/prolonged erection. Do not share this medication with others. Store at room temperature away from sildenafil citrate tablets for female light and moisture.

Pulmonary hypertension

Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. SILDENAFIL (sil DEN a fil) treats erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which helps to maintain an erection. This list may not describe all possible interactions.

• Sildenafil citrate 100mg tablets are used to treat erectile dysfunction temporarily.
• It is important to confirm the medication dose with a healthcare professional.
• Store sildenafil in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Take sildenafil exactly as prescribed; do not self-medicate or adjust dose.
• Always check for possible interactions with other medications before use.
• Avoid taking sildenafil with fatty foods to ensure faster onset.
• Patients should report any adverse reactions to their doctor immediately.
• Men with diabetes need special consultation before using sildenafil.
• Sildenafil might cause a sensation of dizziness or upset stomach.
• The medication must be used responsibly to prevent potential dependence.
• Do not share sildenafil with others; it is prescribed for individual use.
• Be aware of possible rare side effects like priapism or severe allergic responses.

Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use.

2.3 Dosage Adjustments in Specific Situations

Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: Sildenafil can cause a serious drop in your blood pressure when used with nitrates. A serious drop in blood pressure can lead to dizziness, fainting, and rarely heart attack or stroke. Do not use sildenafil with any of the following: certain drugs used to treat chest pain/angina (nitrates such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide) recreational drugs called "poppers" containing amyl or butyl nitrite If you are also taking an alpha blocker medication (such as doxazosin, tamsulosin) to treat an enlarged prostate/BPH or high blood pressure, your blood pressure may get too low which can lead to dizziness or fainting. Your doctor may start treatment with a lower dose of sildenafil to minimize your risk of low blood pressure.

Drug forms and administration

Other medications can affect the removal of sildenafil from your body, which may affect how sildenafil works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin), mifepristone, rifampin, ritonavir, among others. Do not take this medication with any other product that contains sildenafil or other similar medications for erectile dysfunction-ED or pulmonary hypertension (such as tadalafil, vardenafil). If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine. Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

7.3 Amlodipine

Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, sildenafil should be used only when clearly needed.

Interactions that increase your risk for side effects

Since high blood pressure in the lungs is a serious condition that can harm both a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor right away the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight or hearing. This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Sexual activity may put extra strain on your heart, especially if you have heart problems. If you have heart problems and experience any of these serious side effects while having sex, stop and get medical help right away: Rarely, sudden decreased vision, or even permanent blindness, may occur in one or both eyes (NAION).

How is sildenafil supplied (dosage forms)?

If this serious problem occurs, stop taking sildenafil and get medical help right away. You have a slightly greater chance of developing NAION if you have heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, certain other eye problems ("crowded disk"), high blood pressure, if you are over 50, or if you smoke. Rarely, a sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears and dizziness, may occur. Stop taking sildenafil and get medical help right away if these effects occur. Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

• Sildenafil citrate 100mg tablets are intended for male sexual health issues.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose to prevent adverse effects.
• If an erection lasts longer than 4 hours, seek immediate medical help.
• Consult with a healthcare provider if you experience chest pain after use.
• Sildenafil can affect blood pressure; monitor symptoms closely.
• The medication is not suitable for women or children.
• Use sildenafil only under supervision if you are taking alpha-blockers.
• It may take some time for the medication to work, depending on individual factors.
• Do not combine sildenafil with other ED medications unless advised.
• Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if side effects occur.
• Adequate hydration can help reduce some side effects like headaches.
• Follow all instructions carefully to maximize treatment benefits.

Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

• Sildenafil citrate 100mg tablets are designed for quick absorption.
• The medication is taken orally, usually with water.
• Sildenafil's effects may last for up to 4-6 hours post-administration.
• Do not crush or split the tablets; swallow whole.
• It is important to follow the doctor’s dosage instructions precisely.
• Sildenafil may be less effective if taken with high-fat meals.
• The medication is not a hormone and does not increase libido directly.
• Patients should report any prolonged erections over 4 hours to a doctor.
• Sildenafil can cause dizziness; avoid driving until effects are known.
• Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease.
• Sildenafil can interact with other prescription medications, so disclose all drugs.
• The use of sildenafil does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects. Contact your care team right away if you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful. This may be a sign of a serious problem and must be treated right away to prevent permanent damage. If you experience symptoms of nausea, dizziness, chest pain or arm pain upon initiation of sexual activity after taking this medication, you should refrain from further activity and call your care team as soon as possible. Using this medication does not protect you or your partner against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).