Viagra Side Effects: What to Expect

Viagra Side Effects

The most common side effects of Viagra are:

Headache 
One of the most common side effects of Viagra is headache, ranging from mild to moderate. Get enough sleep and stay well hydrated to avoid this effect. If necessary, ease your pain with over the counter painkillers like Ibuprofen or Paracetamol; this will offer extra relief. Consult your doctor, if your symptoms persist or get worse. 

Indigestion
In some cases, Viagra causes indigestion with symptoms including bloating, stomach discomfort, or a feeling of unease after eating. So, around the time when you take this medicine, avoid spicy or rich foods to lessen this effect. Attempt to eat lighter meals to ease your digestive system and improve discomfort.

Flushing 
Typically, flushing that comes about as a feeling of heat or visible redness in the face and neck is caused by Viagra. The effect is due to blood vessels expanding as a result of the medication. This effect is usually milder and temporary and will simply pass away as the effect of Viagra wears off. 

Nasal Congestion
Viagra sometimes leads to nasal congestion, like a runny nose or a blocked nose. This effect occurs due to the effect of medication on blood vessels, causing mild swelling in the nasal passages. In some cases, nasal congestion is short-lived and does not require treatment. If this effect gets worse, drink plenty of water and avoid allergens to ease symptoms.

Visual Disturbance
Visual disturbance is one of the common side effects of Viagra such as seeing a blue tint or blurred vision. This effect is temporary and affects your ability to see clearly. If you experience this effect, avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision returns to normal. If this symptom persists or gets worse, consult your doctor. 

Less Common Side Effects 

The less common side effects of Viagra are:

Muscle Aches
Viagra sometimes causes muscle aches, including back pain, in some people. This effect is mild and temporary but can cause discomfort. If muscle pain persists, use over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease the soreness. 

Dizziness 
While using Viagra, some people experience dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up too quickly. This effect occurs due to a temporary drop in blood pressure. To prevent this, rise slowly from lying or sitting positions. If dizziness persists, consult your doctor. 

Rare but Serious Side Effects

Viagra’s serious side effects are:

Severe Vision or Hearing Loss
Rarely, Viagra can lead to a sudden decrease or complete loss of hearing or vision. If you experience any abrupt changes in hearing or sight after taking Viagra, stop taking this medicine and seek medical help immediately. 

Priapism 
One of the serious effects of Viagra is priapism, a condition that refers to a painful or prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours. If you experience this effect, seek emergency help immediately as delaying treatment can cause permanent damage to the penis.

Interactions and Contraindications 

Viagra can interact with:

Alpha-blockers  
Viagra can interact with alpha-blockers, a medicine that is used for prostate conditions or high blood pressure. Concurrent use can increase the risk of postural hypotension as both drugs are vasodilators. This causes a significant drop in blood pressure, resulting in fainting, heart complications, or dizziness. Always consult your doctor before combining two medications or determining the right timing and dosage adjustments to avoid serious complications.

Nitrate Medications 
Nitrate medications are used to treat angina (chest pain). When combined with Viagra, it causes a severe and potentially life-threatening drop in blood pressure. Concurrent use of PDE5 inhibitors and nitrates (such as isosorbide mononitrate or isosorbide dinitrate), nicorandil, or amyl nitrate ('poppers') are contraindicated due to risk of hypotension.

Using Viagra Cautiously 
You must use Viagra cautiously in these situations, including:

Liver or Kidney Impairment 
Viagra is metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. In people with liver or kidney impairment, this medicine can accumulate in your body and increase the risk of adverse effects such as prolonged erection or low blood pressure. So, consult your doctor about dosage adjustments to avoid serious health complications. 

Renal impairment
If the creatinine clearance is less than 30 mL/min, use an initial dose of 25 mg. This can be increased to 50 mg, then 100 mg based on efficacy and tolerability.

Hepatic impairment
In men with mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment, consider a starting dose of 25 mg. This can be increased to 50 mg, then 100 mg based on efficacy and tolerability. Avoid in men with severe hepatic impairment.

Heart Problems 
Patients with heart problems such as heart attack, unstable angina, or severe arrhythmias must use Viagra under medical supervision or with great caution. Viagra can interact with cardiovascular medications and affect blood pressure, medical evaluation is essential to ensure safety and avoid complications.  Men with erectile dysfunction can be grouped into low-, intermediate-, or high-risk cardiovascular categories, depending on cardiovascular risk factors and co-morbidities, this will help your GP determine if the treatment is suitable for you.

Viagra Safety Precautions 

As counterfeit Viagra is on the rise in the UK and causing serious health risks, you must always buy Viagra or any other medications from licensed and reputable pharmacies, either local or online. Avoid unverified online sources because counterfeit pills lack the active ingredients or contain unknown and harmful components. So choose a reliable option such as Ashcroft Pharmacy as your health is worth the extra precaution. 

Let’s Wrap Up!

Viagra is a known and proven medicine for ED (erectile dysfunction); it is therefore necessary to know its potential side effects to use it in a safe and responsible way in order to make informed decisions about your health and recognize when to see a doctor. Before using, stopping, or changing your medication, always discuss it with a healthcare professional to avoid adverse effects.

• Patient Leaflet for Sildenafil 25/50/100 mg PDF
• Sildenafil Study

 Disclaimer:

We have made our best effort and research to ensure the data is accurate and informative. Doing your research before making decisions based on this article is essential. Please refer to the Patient leaflet for a complete list of blue pills (Sildenafil) side effects.