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Sildenafil (Viagra): uses, side effects & brands
Sildenafil treats erectile dysfunction; also used for pulmonary hypertension. It belongs to the Urology & men’s health group. These treat prostate enlargement, urinary symptoms and erectile dysfunction.
Drug type — dosing is set by your doctor
| Measure | Range |
|---|---|
| Drug class | Urology & men’s health |
| Type | Prescription |
| Dose | Individual — ask your doctor or pharmacist |
What it is used for
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (high pressure in lung blood vessels)
- Improving exercise ability in pulmonary arterial hypertension (specialist use)
Common brand names
- India: Manforce, Suhagra, Penegra
- Worldwide: Viagra, Revatio
Common side effects
- Headache
- Flushing
- Blocked nose or indigestion
- Blue-tinged or blurred vision
Before taking it — precautions
- Never take with nitrate heart medicines such as GTN or isosorbide (dangerous drop in blood pressure)
- Tell your doctor about heart disease, recent stroke or heart attack, or low blood pressure
- Tell your doctor about other medicines, including alpha-blockers and some HIV and antifungal medicines
When to see a doctor urgently
- Chest pain during sexual activity (urgent; do not take nitrates)
- An erection lasting more than four hours (emergency)
- Sudden loss of vision or hearing (urgent)
Not a prescription — no dose shown. The right dose of sildenafil depends on age, weight, kidney/liver function and the condition, so MedDroid does not show a dose here. Always get your dose from a doctor or pharmacist and the leaflet inside the pack. General educational information only.
Frequently asked questions
Does sildenafil cause an erection on its own?
No. It works only with sexual arousal by improving blood flow.
Can I take sildenafil with heart tablets?
Never with nitrate medicines. Tell your doctor about all heart medicines before using it.
Why is sildenafil used for lung problems?
It relaxes blood vessels in the lungs, so it is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension under specialist care.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.