Sildenafil is used to treat men who have erectile dysfunction.

This medicine may be used in women only to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in your penis, thereby increasing blood flow into the penis on sexual stimulation. This helps you achieve and maintain a hard, erect penis suitable for sexual activity.

Major & minor side effects for Sildenafil

• Headache
• Flushing
• Nosebleed
• Indigestion
• Sleeplessness
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Bloody and cloudy urine
• Burning, numbness, tingling in the arms and feet
• Visual disturbances
• Sensitivity to light
• Prolonged and painful erection
• Painful urination
• Excessive tearing of the eye
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears
• Deafness
• Nasal congestion
• Nausea
• Palpitations

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. 

Consumption of this medicine can cause a mild and short-lasting decrease in blood pressure levels.

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients who are receiving medicines such as nitroglycerine, riociguat, etc. due to the increased risk of serious adverse effects. 

This medicine should be used with caution in patients having a physical deformity of the penis which may be due to angulation, cavernosal fibrosis or Peyronie's disease.

This medicine may cause Priapism, a painful erection lasting for more than 4 hours.

This medicine may cause a sudden decrease in hearing capabilities along with a buzzing or a ringing sound in the ears. 

This medicine may cause a sudden loss of vision in one or both the eyes.

This medicine should be used with extreme caution if you have a disease of the heart and blood vessels.

Report the use of this medicine to your doctor/surgeon before undergoing any surgery including dental procedures.

The risk of side effects is extremely high in smokers, elderly patients, and in patients suffering from conditions including heart diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure levels, high cholesterol levels, etc.

Use of this medicine is not recommended for patients less than 18 years of age. 

Patients suffering from erectile dysfunction are at an increased risk of developing BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy) and vice versa.

The underlying cause of erectile dysfunction may be physical, psychological, or both.

Chronic lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, drinking, etc., could also contribute to ED.