So if you have been prescribed sildenafil or are just curious about what the medicine actually will do for you before you get to your telehealth appointment, you probably have two questions:
How is this going to affect me?
And what should I be aware of before I take it?
Sildenafil is not exactly new to the game: for years, it's been one of the most-researched treatments available to treat erectile dysfunction. However, that doesn't mean that sildenafil isn't going to pose a risk to you or may not be the right fit for your needs. Let's break down what sildenafil is, exactly, what it does, and what to look out for, in easy-to-understand language.
What is Sildenafil?
According to the NIH, Sildenafil is a drug that is a part of the class of medications called PDE5 inhibitors. PDE5 inhibitors are the medicines that help relax blood vessels inside the penis, enabling more blood flow to the organ.
This extra flow makes for an erection, but it is important to remember that it will not affect sex drive nor trigger an erection without physical stimulation. To achieve an erection, sexual activity must still occur. In Australia, sildenafil is listed under Schedule 4, a prescription only medicine, which can only be lawfully obtained on the authority of an Australian registered medical practitioner either via a face-to-face appointment or a telehealth consultation.
What Is Sildenafil Used For?
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Sildenafil’s primary, most famous purpose is for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men over 18. Clinical evidence for Sildenafil in the treatment of ED is also available. Sildenafil is not recommended routinely for women, and in Australia, it is not approved by the TGA for treatment of decreased libido in women, as published in Healthline. ED can be due to a combination of physical factors (low circulation to the penis, diabetes, heart disease) or mental issues (stress, anxiety, relationship problems) and in some instances, both.
Sildenafil will help overcome ED by addressing the physical mechanics of getting an erection but does not address underlying causes, so long-term ED should ideally be discussed with your GP, not simply treated with medication in the long term.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Studies indicate that sildenafil is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH is a condition where there is high blood pressure in the vessels supplying the lungs. This is different from the indication for treatment of ED and is used at particular dosages and by prescription under the guidance of a specialist.
Off-Label and Recreational Misuse
Men who have not been diagnosed with ED may also take sildenafil to try to enhance performance or to boost self-confidence. As per PubMed, there is no benefit to taking this medication to enhance the erectile function of men who have never had an erectile problem; they gain no benefit, are no different in erectile function compared to if they have never taken sildenafil and expose themselves to the same side effects and risks.
How to Take Sildenafil
When and how to take the sildenafil tablet. Sildenafil can help men who have erectile problems increase blood flow to the penis, which leads to the achievement of an erection on sexual arousal. You should also refrain from eating large or fatty meals that will make it difficult to absorb the medication and will delay its absorption.
Effectiveness of Sildenafil: The effectiveness of sildenafil remains generally for approximately four to six hours.
Dosage of Sildenafil available: Sildenafil is usually available as 25mg, 50 mg, and 100mg tablets.
According to the study as per PubMed, 100mg improved sexual experience and treatment satisfaction compared with 50mg in patients. The standard dose for a patient beginning on sildenafil is 50 mg per day and can be increased or reduced based on effectiveness and the advice of your doctor.
What are the Common Side Effects of Sildenafil One can Experience?
As per reports from NIH, the commonly experienced effects include:
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Nasal stuffiness or congestion
- Upset stomach or indigestion
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- Vision disturbances like blurred vision
- Seeing things in blue
- Light sensitivity.
These side effects are most often mild to moderate, but will tend to go away on their own as the drug is metabolised and removed from the body.
As the half-life of Sildenafil is shorter than some other drugs prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction, such side effects do not typically persist as long.
What serious Sildenafil side effects should You be aware of?
Rare but potentially serious side effects include: An erection that is hard and lasts for more than 4 hours-seek emergency medical help at the nearest hospital if you experience this, since prolonged erections can result in damage to the penis, says HealthDirect.
According to NIH:
- An abrupt loss of hearing, often accompanied by ringing in your ears.
- Pain in your chest, irregular heartbeat or other symptoms indicative of a heart attack during or after sex-as sexual activity can be physically taxing, this is especially a concern for individuals with heart disease who may have to first speak with their physician.
If any of these happen, discontinue your dose and contact your physician for medical attention promptly. Do not attempt to wait the symptoms out.
Who Should Be Cautious or Avoid Sildenafil
Sildenafil is not for everyone: you must see your doctor first, and it may not be suitable for you if you:
- Are taking medicines that contain nitrates for angina or chest pain, or recreational nitrates, as per NIH, taking these with sildenafil can cause a very dangerous drop in your blood pressure and should never be taken together.
- Are taking alpha-blockers to treat high blood pressure or a prostate problem, as per NIH reports.
- Have had a heart attack, stroke or heart disease in the last 6 months.
- Have very low or very high blood pressure.
- Have ever had a prolonged erection of your penis or priapism, or factors that may lead to this (like sickle cell anaemia).
- Have severe kidney or liver problems.
There may be other interactions with other prescription and non-prescription medicines and dietary supplements so your doctor will want to review your medical history when prescribing.
Sildenafil and Alcohol
A low level of alcohol consumption should be fairly low risk in combination with sildenafil, but as per the reports, large amounts can enhance the effects of dizziness and low blood pressure, and heavy alcohol consumption in its own right can contribute to difficulties in obtaining or maintaining an erection, thus countering the benefit of the medication.
Getting Sildenafil Legally in Australia
A registered Australian doctor or GP can prescribe Sildenafil for you. One good, modern-day method of getting such a prescription is through a telehealth consultation after a doctor’s examination of you. Most of our pharmacies sell both the branded Viagra and the significantly less costly generic sildenafil - same active ingredient, same strength.
Published on HealthDirect, you must have a valid prescription by an Australian registered doctor or pharmacist.
There are also genuine risks of acquiring the wrong product (i.e., counterfeit, incorrect strength, impure) if you are buying from overseas and less legitimate online merchants.
At DirectMeds, you can choose from three surprisingly affordable treatment plans:
- DM Ready costs from $1.60 per dose
- DM Lasting costs from $2.80 per dose
- DM Steady costs from $1.50 per dose.
With all these options, an online assessment with an Australia-registered healthcare professional, repeated when necessary, will be arranged and treatment posted discreetly to you at home.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sildenafil:
What is the primary function of sildenafil?
The primary function of sildenafil is to help adult men get and keep an erection by helping increase blood flow into the penis when there is a sufficient sexual stimulation.
How long does sildenafil take to work?
On average, you will begin to feel the effects of sildenafil within about 30-60 minutes after you take it; however, the effects may take a little longer if you take it right after a large meal.
How long does sildenafil last?
You can expect to feel the effects of sildenafil for approximately 4 to 6 hours after taking it, depending on your dosage and physical characteristics.
What are the major side effects one can experience after taking sildenafil?
Headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion, upset stomach, dizziness and mild visual impairment are the most frequent side effects reported.
Can I combine sildenafil with other medications for best results?
Some interactions occur when sildenafil is combined with some medicines, especially nitrates and alpha-blockers, which can be dangerous. Tell your doctor or pharmacist what else you are taking prior to starting.
If I want to buy sildenafil over the counter in Australia, is it possible?
No. Sildenafil is a Schedule 4 medicine that must be obtained on the prescription of an Australian-registered health practitioner, regardless if bought online or physically.
Can a person with heart condition take sildenafil?
A doctor's advice is needed. Sexual activity can strain the heart, and sildenafil can be contraindicated in the presence of some cardiovascular disease medications.
