Sildenafil and Cardiovascular Health Considerations
); the Department of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (W.D.S. Select the format you want to export the citation of this publication.
| Advice Item | Explanation | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Take on an empty stomach | Food, especially fatty meals, can delay absorption | Medical guidelines |
| Avoid alcohol | Can impair effectiveness and increase side effects | Doctor advice |
| Do not exceed prescribed dose | Increased risk of side effects | Pharmaceutical recommendation |
| Report unexpected side effects | Such as vision changes, prolonged erections | Healthcare provider |
Multi-view semi-supervised adversarial attention network for drug repurposing, Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, 282, (109406), (2026). Multi‐Target Mechanisms of Moroccan Aphrodisiac Plants: An Integrative Computational and Phytochemical Investigation, Food Science & Nutrition, 14, 5, (2026). Artificial intelligence in drug research and development: a review of methods and applications in drug repurposing, Briefings in Bioinformatics, 27, 3, (2026). Endocrine-metabolic crosstalk in erectile dysfunction: mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications, International Journal of Impotence Research, (2026). Therapeutic applications of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in male reproductive health: narrative review, Sexual Medicine Reviews, 14, 2, (2026). Oral suspension versus tablet sildenafil for erectile dysfunction: a prospective multicenter comparative study on patient satisfaction, International Journal of Impotence Research, (2026). Low‐intensity shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction: An abridged Cochrane review, BJU International, 137, 6, (949-957), (2026). Current state of the problem, Andrology and Genital Surgery, 25, 4, (33-40), (2026). Emerging Trends sildenafil citrate tablets 150 mg and Research Focus in Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: A 1993–2023 Bibliometric Analysis, Andrologia, 2026, 1, (2026). [1][2][4][5][7][8][10][24][27][33][41][56][57][67][91][131] Brand Name: Vybrique, ViagraClasses: Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (24:08.12), Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (48:48.24) Sildenafil citrate (Viagra® and generic equivalents) is used orally for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED, impotence).
- Sildenafil is a popular choice for men seeking non-invasive ED therapy.
- It's important to have realistic expectations about sildenafil's effects.
- The medication does not increase libido but improves blood flow.
- Patients should limit alcohol consumption when using sildenafil.
- It is recommended to consult a doctor if ED persists despite medication.
- Sildenafil can be used as part of a comprehensive ED treatment plan.
- The medication should be taken approximately an hour before planned activity.
- Some patients experience no side effects at prescribed doses.
- Always confirm that sildenafil is stored properly to maintain efficacy.
- Report any unusual symptoms, such as chest pain or vision loss, immediately.
[1][4][6][7][8][9][10][25][33][34][67][81][102][104][105][107][108][112][118][126][127][128][129][130][131][132][133][134][140][142][143][144][189] A thorough medical, sexual and psychosocial history, physical examination, and selective laboratory testing should be undertaken to diagnose ED, determine potential underlying causes, exclude potentially reversible or treatable causes (e.g., hypogonadism with inadequate testosterone replacement, hyperprolactinemia, drug-induced dysfunction, dyslipidemias, alcoholism, other substance abuse, hypertension, thyroid disease, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, neurologic disease, adrenal dysfunction, psychologic dysfunction, marital discord, smoking), and identify appropriate treatment in conjunction with or prior to initiating vasoactive therapy (e.g., PDE 5 type inhibitor). [12][28][30][31][57][65][66][70][78][83][94][144][145][160][161][189][601][602][603] A review of the patient's current drug regimens should be conducted to detect possible drug-induced ED (e.g., certain antihypertensive, antidepressant, antipsychotic, or antiarrhythmic agents); it may be possible to substitute alternative drug(s) that lessen the risk of such dysfunction. [12][28][70][81][118][144][161][602][603] In instances where substitution therapy is not feasible, concomitant vasoactive therapy with a PDE 5 type inhibitor may promote patient compliance by counteracting ED as an adverse effect. [12][28][70][81][118][144][161][602][603] Efficacy of sildenafil is variable in patients with ED, in part depending on the underlying etiology, severity, and dose employed, but the drug generally appears to be effective in restoring sexual function to an acceptable level in the majority of treated men. [1][7][8][9][10][25][33][34][65][76][81][101][104][105][126][127][131][142][143][144] The erectile response generally increases with increasing sildenafil dose and plasma drug concentration, with response becoming greater at 50- and 100-mg doses than at 25 mg.[1][8][9][33][126][130][131][155] Analyses of subgroups of patients with ED indicate that efficacy of sildenafil is not affected by race or age, duration of ED, or duration of select underlying disease states (e.g., diabetes mellitus), and the drug has been effective in a broad range of patients with ED, including those with a history of coronary artery disease (e.g., coronary artery bypass graft [CABG]), hypertension, other cardiac disease (including ischemic heart disease), peripheral vascular disease, type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus, depression, radical prostatectomy, prostate brachytherapy, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), spina bifida, spinal cord injury, and in patients taking antidepressants, antipsychotics, diuretics, and antihypertensive agents.
| Condition | Effect | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension | Vasodilation benefits | Under medical supervision |
| Raynaud’s Phenomenon | Improved blood flow | Off-label, consult specialist |
| Altitude Sickness | Potential blood flow enhancement | Less proven, caution advised |
[1][25][30][33][34][93][101][102][104][105][107][108][112][118][126][127][128][129][130][131][132][133][134][140][144] Pooled data from numerous fixed-dose and flexible-dose studies in men with ED secondary to a broad spectrum of organic and psychogenic causes showed increases in mean rates of successful intercourse (total successes divided by total attempts) to about 66-69% in those receiving sildenafil compared with about 20-22% for placebo.
| Country | Generic | Brand (Viagra) | Cost Range of Brand | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | $1-$3 | $10-$30 | $20-$30 | Generic cheaper options |
| India | $0.50-$1 | $2-$8 | $5-$10 | Affordable, widely used |
| UK | £0.80-£2 | £10-£25 | £20-£25 | Price varies by retailer |
Erectile response to sildenafil is better in patients whose erectile function is less impaired at treatment initiation (e.g., those with some spontaneous successful intercourse, with partial erections, with erections during sleep, or with psychogenic causes).
Mechanism of action
While most males with ED respond to oral sildenafil therapy, treatment failures do occur; pooled data from various placebo-controlled, dose-response, or open-label studies (25-100 mg for 6-12 months) indicate that up to 5% of patients discontinued therapy because of lack of effectiveness. [1][7][33][69][93][104][107][128][131][132][163][165] Information on the long-term effects of sildenafil is limited, and thus the optimum duration of therapy is not known. [1][33][81][128][132] In clinical studies, sildenafil was used in patients ranging in age from 19-87 years of age with a duration of ED averaging 5 years. [1] In several long-term and open-label studies, sildenafil remained effective for at least 0.5-4 years, with no evidence of tachyphylaxis during long-term use, and current evidence indicates that continued therapy is necessary as long as the condition persists (i.e., sildenafil is not a cure for ED). The safety and efficacy of sildenafil in combination with other treatments for ED have not been established.
Erectile dysfunction care at Mayo Clinic
[1] Such combined therapy may further lower blood pressure and is not recommended by the manufacturer. With the availability of orally active and convenient vasoactive (erectogenic) therapies (e.g., selective phosphodiesterase [PDE] type 5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, tadalafil, avanafil, and vardenafil), most experts (e.g., the American Urological Association [AUA]) now consider these drugs to be first-line therapies for a broad range of patients with ED. [1][33][105][145] In one flexible-dose study (dosage titration and maintenance up to 100 mg), mean scores for number of successful penetrations returned to normal in a subgroup of patients with psychogenic causes of ED; however, mean scores for maintenance of erections during intercourse in these men were lower than in untreated healthy men.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 32 Pills | 125.88€ 119.89€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 10 Pills | 25.19€ 23.99€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 180 + 10 Pills | 236.46€ 225.20€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 54.26€ 51.68€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 270 + 8 Pills | 198.48€ 189.03€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 10 Pills | 36.73€ 34.98€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 105.03€ 100.03€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 147.18€ 140.17€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 379.76€ 361.68€ | |
| Kamagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 63 + 7 Sachets | 224.18€ 213.50€ |
[33][34] In a study in men with ED secondary to radical prostatectomy receiving fixed-dose sildenafil (100 mg), response to therapy was greatest in those who had undergone bilateral-nerve-sparing surgery than in those who had undergone unilateral or non-nerve-sparing procedures. [104][127] Pooled data from various clinical trials indicate that sildenafil improved the erections of 43% of patients with ED secondary to radical prostatectomy compared with 15% of those receiving placebo. [1][104] A pooled analysis of 10 placebo-controlled studies of men with severe ED (organic etiology in 60%, psychogenic in 15%, and mixed in 25% of patients) treated with sildenafil (50-100 mg in fixed- or flexible-dose studies) indicated that 48% of the patients usually had erections sufficient for intercourse (score of 4, with 0 being unsuccessful and 5 being almost always sildenafil products over the counter successful) after treatment with sildenafil, compared with 8% of those receiving placebo. [76][127] In several randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in patients receiving sildenafil (flexible doses up to 100 mg or fixed doses ranging from 10-100 mg for 12 weeks) for the treatment of ED attributed to complications of diabetes mellitus, complications of spinal cord injury, or psychogenic causes, 48, 59, or 70% of all attempts at intercourse were successful, respectively, compared with 12, 13, or 29% of all attempts in those receiving placebo. [1][7][8][9][10][25][33][93] In these studies, sildenafil improved several aspects of sexual function including frequency, firmness, and maintenance of erection; frequency of orgasm; satisfaction and enjoyment of intercourse; and overall relationship satisfaction.
Understanding Sildenafil
); the Department of Urology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (W.D.S. Select the format you want to export the citation of this publication. Multi-view semi-supervised adversarial attention network for drug repurposing, Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, 282, (109406), (2026). Multi‐Target Mechanisms of Moroccan Aphrodisiac Plants: An Integrative Computational and Phytochemical Investigation, Food Science & Nutrition, 14, 5, (2026). Artificial intelligence in drug research and development: a review of methods and applications in drug repurposing, Briefings in Bioinformatics, 27, 3, (2026).
Other Interactions
Endocrine-metabolic crosstalk in erectile dysfunction: mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications, International Journal of Impotence Research, (2026). Therapeutic applications of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in male reproductive health: narrative review, Sexual Medicine Reviews, 14, 2, (2026). Oral suspension versus tablet sildenafil for erectile dysfunction: a prospective multicenter comparative study on patient satisfaction, International Journal of Impotence Research, (2026). Low‐intensity shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction: An abridged Cochrane review, BJU International, 137, 6, (949-957), (2026). Current state of the problem, Andrology and Genital Surgery, 25, 4, (33-40), (2026).
Who Should NOT Take Sildenafil
Emerging Trends sildenafil citrate tablets 150 mg and Research Focus in Erectile Dysfunction Treatment: A 1993–2023 Bibliometric Analysis, Andrologia, 2026, 1, (2026). [1][2][4][5][7][8][10][24][27][33][41][56][57][67][91][131] Brand Name: Vybrique, ViagraClasses: Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (24:08.12), Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (48:48.24) Sildenafil citrate (Viagra® and generic equivalents) is used orally for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED, impotence). [1][4][6][7][8][9][10][25][33][34][67][81][102][104][105][107][108][112][118][126][127][128][129][130][131][132][133][134][140][142][143][144][189] A thorough medical, sexual and psychosocial history, physical examination, and selective laboratory testing should be undertaken to diagnose ED, determine potential underlying causes, exclude potentially reversible or treatable causes (e.g., hypogonadism with inadequate testosterone replacement, hyperprolactinemia, drug-induced dysfunction, dyslipidemias, alcoholism, other substance abuse, hypertension, thyroid disease, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, neurologic disease, adrenal dysfunction, psychologic dysfunction, marital discord, smoking), and identify appropriate treatment in conjunction with or prior to initiating vasoactive therapy (e.g., PDE 5 type inhibitor). [12][28][30][31][57][65][66][70][78][83][94][144][145][160][161][189][601][602][603] A review of the patient's current drug regimens should be conducted to detect possible drug-induced ED (e.g., certain antihypertensive, antidepressant, antipsychotic, or antiarrhythmic agents); it may be possible to substitute alternative drug(s) that lessen the risk of such dysfunction. [12][28][70][81][118][144][161][602][603] In instances where substitution therapy is not feasible, concomitant vasoactive therapy with a PDE 5 type inhibitor may promote patient compliance by counteracting ED as an adverse effect. [1][8][9][33][94][107][130][131][142] Pooled data from fixed- and flexible-dose studies indicate that sildenafil (50 or 100 mg) has no effect on sexual desire (i.e., rates of attempted intercourse, which averaged about 2 per week), but the rate of success increased to an average of 1.3 events per patient per week from 0.4 events per week with placebo. [1][8][33][131] In part, the absence of an effect on sexual desire may be attributed to the fact that men enrolling in ED studies generally have a near-normal level of sexual desire upon study entry.
Why is this medication prescribed?
[33][107][130][131] Improvement in erectile function sufficient for successful intercourse can be achieved with sildenafil in a substantial percentage of patients with ED, and the strength and duration of erection achieved with the drug in such patients approached those achieved in untreated healthy men. Sildenafil also has been effective in a limited number of men with temporary ED associated with the stress of providing a sperm sample (e.g., for intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization during assisted reproduction). [143] In men with a history of such temporary dysfunction, planned use of sildenafil for subsequent attempts at obtaining a sperm specimen may improve attainment of an erection adequate for self-stimulated ejaculation. While most males with ED respond to oral sildenafil therapy, treatment failures do occur; pooled data from various placebo-controlled, dose-response, or open-label studies (25-100 mg for 6-12 months) indicate that up to 5% of patients discontinued therapy because of lack of effectiveness.
- Do not take sildenafil if you have a history of heart attack or stroke.
- Women and children should not use sildenafil products.
- The medication can cause temporary vision disturbances, including blue-tinted vision.
- Always consult a healthcare provider before starting sildenafil therapy.
- Use caution when driving or operating machinery after taking sildenafil.
- Sildenafil is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to the drug.
- Some users report improved erectile function within 15 minutes.
- It is essential to stay hydrated, but avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol.
- Men with certain health conditions should undergo a medical exam before use.
- Overuse or misuse of sildenafil can lead to serious health complications.
[1][7][33][69][93][104][107][128][131][132][163][165] Information on the long-term effects of sildenafil is limited, and thus the optimum duration of therapy is not known. [1][33][81][128][132] In clinical studies, sildenafil was used in patients ranging in age from 19-87 years of age with a duration of ED averaging 5 years. [1] In several long-term and open-label studies, sildenafil remained effective for at least 0.5-4 years, with no evidence of tachyphylaxis during long-term use, and current evidence indicates that continued therapy is necessary as long as the condition persists (i.e., sildenafil is not a cure for ED). The safety and efficacy of sildenafil in combination with other treatments for ED have not been established. [1] Such combined therapy may further lower blood pressure and is not recommended by the manufacturer. With the availability of orally active and convenient vasoactive (erectogenic) therapies (e.g., selective phosphodiesterase [PDE] type 5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, tadalafil, avanafil, and vardenafil), most experts (e.g., the American Urological Association [AUA]) now consider these drugs to be first-line therapies for a broad range of patients with ED.
Common Side Effects of Sildenafil
[12][28][70][81][118][144][161][602][603] Efficacy of sildenafil is variable in patients with ED, in part depending on the underlying etiology, severity, and dose employed, but the drug generally appears to be effective in restoring sexual function to an acceptable level in the majority of treated men. [1][7][8][9][10][25][33][34][65][76][81][101][104][105][126][127][131][142][143][144] The erectile response generally increases with increasing sildenafil dose and plasma drug concentration, with response becoming greater at 50- and 100-mg doses than at 25 mg.[1][8][9][33][126][130][131][155] Analyses of subgroups of patients with ED indicate that efficacy of sildenafil is not affected by race or age, duration of ED, or duration of select underlying disease states (e.g., diabetes mellitus), and the drug has been effective in a broad range of patients with ED, including those with a history of coronary artery disease (e.g., coronary artery bypass graft [CABG]), hypertension, other cardiac disease (including ischemic heart disease), peripheral vascular disease, type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus, depression, radical prostatectomy, prostate brachytherapy, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), spina bifida, spinal cord injury, and in patients taking antidepressants, antipsychotics, diuretics, and antihypertensive agents. [1][25][30][33][34][93][101][102][104][105][107][108][112][118][126][127][128][129][130][131][132][133][134][140][144] Pooled data from numerous fixed-dose and flexible-dose studies in men with ED secondary to a broad spectrum of organic and psychogenic causes showed increases in mean rates of successful intercourse (total successes divided by total attempts) to about 66-69% in those receiving sildenafil compared with about 20-22% for placebo. Erectile response to sildenafil is better in patients whose erectile function is less impaired at treatment initiation (e.g., those with some spontaneous successful intercourse, with partial erections, with erections during sleep, or with psychogenic causes). [1][33][105][145] In one flexible-dose study (dosage titration and maintenance up to 100 mg), mean scores for number of successful penetrations returned to normal in a subgroup of patients with psychogenic causes of ED; however, mean scores for maintenance of erections during intercourse in these men were lower than in untreated healthy men.
Recreational use
[33][34] In a study in men with ED secondary to radical prostatectomy receiving fixed-dose sildenafil (100 mg), response to therapy was greatest in those who had undergone bilateral-nerve-sparing surgery than in those who had undergone unilateral or non-nerve-sparing procedures. [104][127] Pooled data from various clinical trials indicate that sildenafil improved the erections of 43% of patients with ED secondary to radical prostatectomy compared with 15% of those receiving placebo. [1][104] A pooled analysis of 10 placebo-controlled studies of men with severe ED (organic etiology in 60%, psychogenic in 15%, and mixed in 25% of patients) treated with sildenafil (50-100 mg in fixed- or flexible-dose studies) indicated that 48% of the patients usually had erections sufficient for intercourse (score of 4, with 0 being unsuccessful and 5 being almost always sildenafil products over the counter successful) after treatment with sildenafil, compared with 8% of those receiving placebo. [76][127] In several randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in patients receiving sildenafil (flexible doses up to 100 mg or fixed doses ranging from 10-100 mg for 12 weeks) for the treatment of ED attributed to complications of diabetes mellitus, complications of spinal cord injury, or psychogenic causes, 48, 59, or 70% of all attempts at intercourse were successful, respectively, compared with 12, 13, or 29% of all attempts in those receiving placebo. [1][7][8][9][10][25][33][93] In these studies, sildenafil improved several aspects of sexual function including frequency, firmness, and maintenance of erection; frequency of orgasm; satisfaction and enjoyment of intercourse; and overall relationship satisfaction.
Key takeaways
[1][8][9][33][94][107][130][131][142] Pooled data from fixed- and flexible-dose studies indicate that sildenafil (50 or 100 mg) has no effect on sexual desire (i.e., rates of attempted intercourse, which averaged about 2 per week), but the rate of success increased to an average of 1.3 events per patient per week from 0.4 events per week with placebo. [1][8][33][131] In part, the absence of an effect on sexual desire may be attributed to the fact that men enrolling in ED studies generally have a near-normal level of sexual desire upon study entry. [33][107][130][131] Improvement in erectile function sufficient for successful intercourse can be achieved with sildenafil in a substantial percentage of patients with ED, and the strength and duration of erection achieved with the drug in such patients approached those achieved in untreated healthy men. Sildenafil also has been effective in a limited number of men with temporary ED associated with the stress of providing a sperm sample (e.g., for intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization during assisted reproduction). [143] In men with a history of such temporary dysfunction, planned use of sildenafil for subsequent attempts at obtaining a sperm specimen may improve attainment of an erection adequate for self-stimulated ejaculation.