20mg Sildenafil: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, and More - WebMD

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of 20mg Sildenafil?

Common side effects include:

• Headache: This is often mild but can be bothersome.
• Flushing: Temporary warmth and redness, particularly in the face.
• Upset stomach: May lead to discomfort after taking the medication.
• Vision changes: Some users report altered color perception or blurred vision.
• Nasal congestion: This can affect overall comfort and well-being.
• Pain in muscles, back, arms, or legs: May occur as a mild side effect.
• Nausea: A potential effect that may require attention.
• Dizziness: Can occur, particularly upon standing up quickly.
• Rash: Skin reactions can occur but are often minor.
• Diarrhea: Occasional gastrointestinal upset.
• Painful, prolonged erection (Priapism): A rare but serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.

If you experience any of these side effects, report them to your healthcare provider promptly. You can also report side effects to regulatory authorities like the FDA in the U.S. for monitoring purposes.

What are the serious side effects of 20mg Sildenafil?

Serious side effects, though rare, include:

• Severe allergic reactions: Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and skin rashes which can be alarming.
• Painful, prolonged erection (Priapism): This condition requires immediate medical attention if it lasts longer than four hours, as it can cause permanent damage.
• Vision changes: Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes may occur. Seek immediate help if this happens.
• Hearing loss: Report sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears to your healthcare provider to rule out serious conditions.
• Low blood pressure (Hypotension): Symptoms may include dizziness and fainting, which requires urgent evaluation.
• Nosebleeds: Inform your healthcare provider if this occurs frequently as it may require investigation.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not take 20mg Sildenafil?

Allergies to Ingredients: Individuals who have shown allergies to Sildenafil, Revatio, or Viagra should avoid taking this medication to prevent serious reactions.

Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider of all current medications you are taking. Sildenafil can interact with nitrates, which are often used for chest pain, guanylate cyclase stimulators, alpha-blockers, and other medications, potentially leading to significant side effects that require monitoring.

What should I know about 20mg Sildenafil before taking it?

Only use 20mg Sildenafil if prescribed by a healthcare provider. Avoid sharing medications and keep them out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Discuss heart health with your provider, especially if you have a history of heart issues that could be exacerbated by sexual activity.

Sildenafil does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Additionally, do not take more than one PDE-5 inhibitor concurrently to prevent overdose and dangerous interactions.

Use an accurate measuring device for Sildenafil oral liquid to avoid dosage errors that could impact your treatment.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking 20mg Sildenafil?

Inform your healthcare provider about your full medical history and any medications, supplements, or over-the-counter drugs you are currently using. This includes:

• Heart problems: Significant to ensure safe treatment.
• Current or past strokes: Potential risk factor for side effects.
• Low or high blood pressure: These conditions can affect how Sildenafil works.
• Peyronie's disease: Affects erectile function and may influence treatment.
• Hearing or vision issues: Important for assessing risk factors.
• Liver problems: Impacts drug metabolism.
• Severe kidney issues or dialysis: May alter dosing considerations.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The effects on pregnancy are not well-studied. Consult your provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding to weigh the risks and benefits of treatment.

Interactions

Does 20mg Sildenafil interact with foods or drinks?

A high-fat meal may delay the onset of Sildenafil's effects as it can alter absorption rates. Grapefruit juice is known to elevate Sildenafil levels, which can increase potential side effects and should be avoided.

Does 20mg Sildenafil interact with other medicines?

Always disclose all current medications to your healthcare provider for safety, especially if you take:

• Nitrates: Commonly used for chest pain; using them with Sildenafil can lead to dangerously low blood pressure.
• Guanylate cyclase stimulators: These are used for other conditions that can interact poorly with Sildenafil.
• Alpha-blockers: Heart medications that require careful monitoring with Sildenafil.
• Blood pressure medications: Important to discuss as they may have synergistic effects.

This list is not exhaustive. Consult your provider for a complete assessment of drug interactions to ensure safe use of Sildenafil.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much 20mg Sildenafil?

If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or contacting a poison control center at 800-222-1222. Recognizing symptoms early can prevent complications.

What should I do if I miss a dose of 20mg Sildenafil?

For Erectile Dysfunction: Take Sildenafil only when required, according to your healthcare provider’s instructions on timing prior to sexual activity. Avoid double doses to minimize risks.

For Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Follow the prescribed schedule, typically three times daily. If you miss a dose, take it once remembered unless it is near the next dose time; in this case, skip the missed dose. Do not double doses, as this can lead to adverse effects.