Sildenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It can dilate blood vessels, improve blood circulation, enhance blood supply to the corpus cavernosum, and thus promote male erection.
Sildenafil is a prescription drug and should be taken under a doctor’s guidance. Many people have had experiences with medication, but due to a lack of understanding of the drug, side effects may occur. Therefore, it is essential to understand the side effects of sildenafil before use.
What harm does long-term use of sildenafil cause to the body? What are the common adverse reactions?
1. Dizziness
Sildenafil, a common medication for treating ED, may cause adverse reactions such as dizziness after use. Typically, within approximately 1-3 hours of taking sildenafil, symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and headache may occur. This dizziness usually disappears around 3 hours after taking the medication.
This is because sildenafil has a vasodilating effect, which can stimulate blood vessels significantly, leading to symptoms of headache in patients.
Usually, dizziness symptoms are relatively mild and do not last long. They can be alleviated by resting or consuming some coffee or tea. However, if dizziness persists for an extended period, it should be taken seriously.
2. Blood pressure drop
Sildenafil is widely used clinically to treat ED, but many patients may experience a drop in blood pressure after taking it. This situation typically occurs in the initial stage of sildenafil use and usually does not harm the body if severe adverse reactions are absent.
After entering the body, sildenafil undergoes metabolism in the liver, converting it into compounds with vasodilating effects. Therefore, after taking sildenafil, it needs to be metabolized and excreted through the kidneys, affecting blood pressure. If a patient already has high blood pressure, sildenafil use may lead to a sustained drop in blood pressure.
Therefore, patients should measure their blood pressure before taking sildenafil, and if a decrease is observed, the medication should be stopped promptly. A continuous drop in blood pressure by over 50% in a short period could lead to hypotension.
3. Muscle pain
Long-term use of sildenafil can easily lead to muscle pain because sildenafil inhibits the activity of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), resulting in an increase in the concentration of PDE5 inside the body, causing the breakdown of phosphodiesterase in muscle cells.
When phosphodiesterase is broken down, it generates a large amount of energy substances, causing muscle cells to contract, leading to muscle pain. However, this kind of pain usually does not last long and will disappear on its own after some time.
Long-term use of sildenafil also tends to cause adverse reactions such as myocardial ischemia, hypotension, and hypoglycemia, so it is essential to strictly follow the doctor’s advice when taking sildenafil and not to self-medicate.
4. Visual abnormalities
Visual abnormalities are common side effects of long-term sildenafil use, mainly manifested as blurred vision, decreased vision, unclear vision, and other symptoms. When such symptoms occur, sildenafil should be stopped immediately, and medical treatment sought promptly.
In daily life, people may encounter situations like this. For example, during sports or prolonged reading, sudden blurriness or decreased vision may occur, likely due to sildenafil use.
Since sildenafil has a vasodilating effect, prolonged use can cause blood vessels to expand due to the medication’s vasodilating effect. When blood flows out of the vessels, it can cause blurred vision, resulting in visual abnormalities. Typically, these visual abnormality symptoms disappear after discontinuing the medication.
5. Breathing difficulties
The most common adverse effect of long-term sildenafil use is breathing difficulties. This is because the medication’s pharmacological effects stimulate the central nervous system, putting it in an excited state. This condition can cause patients to feel chest tightness, breathing difficulties, and other adverse reactions. If the symptoms are severe, immediate medical attention is necessary.
6. Indigestion
Long-term sildenafil use can also lead to indigestion, with patients experiencing decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, upper abdominal discomfort, and a burning feeling. These adverse reactions are primarily due to sildenafil’s pharmacological action and reduced gastrointestinal motility.
If symptoms like upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting occur after taking sildenafil, drinking milk or eating fruits like apples can help alleviate them.
Sildenafil must be taken correctly under a doctor’s guidance. Do not self-medicate or discontinue the medication arbitrarily. If adverse reactions occur after stopping the medication, seek medical attention promptly without delaying treatment.
Before taking sildenafil, ensure a clear understanding of its side effects and use the medication correctly under a doctor’s guidance. Pay attention to the dosage and timing of sildenafil use, avoid excessive intake, as it can cause significant harm to the body.
