How to use Viagra? (Sildenafil) - Uses, Dose, Side Effects, Safety - Doctor Explains

In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Sildenafil, also known as Viagra. We will discuss how and when to use it, we will cover its side effects, dosage and much, much more.

This video is part of a videoseries on sex and urinal tract related medical problem. Find the playlists here:    • Sex Related Medical Problems  

Generic name: Sildenafil.
Brand names: Viagra, Revatio or Balcoga.
Available as a tablet, suspension and injection.

How to use it?
Tablet or capsule: Just swallow it with half a glass of water.
Suspension: first shake the bottle for 10 seconds. Then measure the correct amount with a dosing syringe or measuring cup and take the dose. Then rinse the dosing syringe or measuring cup with water and drink this water as well.
Injection: your doctor or nurse will administer it to you.

How does it work?
Sildenafil is part of a group of drugs which inhibit the enzyme PDE-5. This enzyme is normally responsible for the breakdown of cGMP. cGMP is generated in the shaft of the penis through stimulation. When using Sildenafil the concentration of cGMP in the shaft is increased. This causes the smooth muscles in the penis to slacken, allowing it to fill with blood. Creating an erection.
cGMP also plays a role in the vascular system of your lungs. There is also relaxes the smooth muscles, resulting in vasodilation and decreasing the blood pressure.

What is the correct dosage?
The precise dose will depend on your specific indication of use, the side effect you might experience and the severity of your symptoms. Therefore always use the precise amount and frequency your doctor prescribed you.
However, when treating erectile dysfunction, most doctors will start with an initial dose of 50 mg approximately 1 hour prior to sexual activity, no more than 1×/day. It is important to note, that this drug does require sexual activity in order to work properly. Based on the effectiveness you experience and your tolerance, the dose might be adjusted to 25 to max. 100 mg 1x/day.
When treating pulmonary hypertension the usual dose is 20 mg 3×/day, to be taken at 6–8 hour intervals.

What are the side-effects?
The following side effects are seen when using sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction:
Common (1-10%): Dizziness, flushing, hot flashes, nausea, blurred vision and nasal congestion.
Uncommon (0.1-1%): Hypersensitivity reactions, palpitations, fast heartbeat, chest pain, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, tinnitus, nosebleed, dry mouth, vomiting, abdominal pain and muscle aches.
Rare (0.01-0.1%): fainting, stroke, myocardial infarction, palpitations, chest pain, sudden cardiac death, irritability, penile hemorrhage, deafness, dry nose, eye hemorrhage, impaired vision and several other significant side effects.

The following side effects are seen when using sildenafil to treat pulmonary hypertension:
Very common (10%) headache, flushing, diarrhoea, pain in arms or legs.
Common (1-10%): Dizziness, tremor, inflammation of the nose/sinuses/lungs, cough, nasal congestion, nosebleed, fever, muscle pain, migraine, insomnia, anxiety, haemorrhoids, dry mouth, night sweats, blurred vision, and eye bleeding .
Uncommon (0.1–1%): blood in urine, penile bleeding, breast growth and blood in semen.

Safety:
The usage of sildenafil can lead to dizziness or fatigue. Please do not drive while experiencing this.
Furthermore, alcohol increases erectile dysfunction. Therefore make sure to avoid it.
sildenafil can also have interactions with other drugs your are taking. Always discuss this with your prescribing doctor.
Lastly, Sildenafil could be dangerous for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding. Therefore always discuss this with your personal doctor.

Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2022). Sildenafil.
2: Apotheek.nl (2022). Sildenafol.

The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and videos in this video come from https://www.canva.com/.

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