Does Sildenafil Expire? Know Precautions and Side-Effects

Sildenafil is an erectile dysfunction drug that is used to treat sexual problems in men. This medicine is meant to treat men’s inability to get or keep an erection during sexual activity. Sildenafil usually comes in the category of phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors. The primary role of these PDE-5 inhibitors is to block the breaking of cGMP molecules and to increase the blood flow toward the male penile region.

Mechanism of Action of PDE Type-5 Inhibitors

PDE type-5 inhibitors generally work by increasing the flow of blood toward the male penile region. There is a substance called Nitric Oxide which is released from the different nerve terminals. Nitric Oxide is meant to convert guanosine triphosphate molecules into cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP molecules). This whole process leads to increased blood flow and relaxes the muscles present in the corpus cavernosum. It eventually increases the blood flow toward the male penile region. However, there is proper sexual stimulation required for treating the problem of erectile dysfunction.

Possible Precautions Before Taking Sildenafil Medicine

Some of the possible instructions while taking this medicine are listed and explained as follows.

If you are allergic to this medicine, then tell your family doctor or pharmacist about this frankly.
Tell your doctor about all the nutrients, vitamins, and nutritional supplements that you are taking in your daily routine before starting to take Sildenafil.
You need to adjust the doses of other medicines or alternative supplements that you are taking regularly.
Patients who are suffering from heart disease should consult their doctor before taking any erectile dysfunction drugs.

How To Take This Medicine?

There are some instructions that you should follow while taking these erectile dysfunction drugs. I described some of them below.

You should ask your pharmacist before taking these sildenafil tablets.
Take this medicine at least 30 minutes before doing any sexual activity or sexual intercourse.
Do not take it more than once in a single day.
Try to avoid any high-fat meals or heavy diet before taking these erectile dysfunction medicines.
You should not alter or change the dose of this medicine before taking advice from your doctor.

Sildenafil Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interact with these erectile dysfunction drugs, so it is very important to talk to your doctor before starting these erectile dysfunction drugs. Some of the drug interactions are listed as follows.

Amyl Nitrite
Boceprevir
Isosorbide Dinitrate
Isosorbide Mononitrate
Riociguat
Ritonavir
Telaprevir
Tipranavir
Propatyl Nitrate
Nitroglycerin

Food and Beverages Interactions

There are certain food items that you should avoid while taking these erectile dysfunction drugs as these may cause harm to your overall health.

Grapefruit Juice – Grapefruit juice should be avoided as it may increase your blood pressure while taking these erectile dysfunction drugs.
Alcohol – Avoid alcohol or any other drug if you are planning to take these erectile dysfunction medicines like sildenafil or sildenafil citrate.

Side-Effects of Consuming Sildenafil Medicine

There are some side effects of having sildenafil drug or any other erectile dysfunction drugs. I listed some of them below.

Pain in the bladder.
Burning sensation in the chest or stomach.
Problems in digesting food.
Problems while urinating.
Tenderness in the stomach area of your body.
Dizziness or feeling of nausea.
Frequent Vomiting.
Prickling or tingling sensation in the limbs.
Cloudy urine.
Blurred vision or problems in seeing things clearly.
Drowsiness
Difficulty in concentrating or focusing on things.

Amazing Benefits of Taking Sildenafil Drug

We list some of the amazing benefits of taking sildenafil drug and explained them below.

One of the main benefits of having a sildenafil drug is to increase the blood flow toward the male penile region.
It is helpful in getting a spontaneous erection at the time of sexual activity or sexual intercourse.
Sildenafil or Sildenafil Citrate is helpful in affecting the PDE type-5 enzymes in the male penile region.
Another common benefit of taking sildenafil drug is to treat sexual problems like impotence and erectile dysfunction in men.

Does Sildenafil Expire?

Every medicine or drug becomes ineffective or less in its action after a fixed period. Try to use this medicine within the time mentioned in the medicine box. You should always use this medicine as prescribed by your doctor and before its expiry date. If the sildenafil tablets have crossed their expiry date, then you should properly dispose them in the dustbin. Ensure to keep them out of the reach of your children.

Storage Instructions

Store the Sildenafil tablets at a cool temperature not over 30 degree Celsius. Try to keep these medicines away from the reach of small children or infants as they may harm them. We should keep away these erectile dysfunction drugs from direct heat, light, and moisture.

Warnings Related To Sildenafil Medicine

There are some warnings that you should follow while taking these erectile dysfunction drugs. Some of them are listed and explained below.

If you are allergic to any type of specific food items, dyes, preservatives, or animals, then you should inform your doctor or healthcare professional about this.
This drug is strictly designed for males, so no female or any pregnant female should use this medicine.
We advise the males who smoke to quit their smoking habits if they are planning to take this sildenafil medicine.
Talk to your doctor if you still face problems in getting a spontaneous erection at the time of sexual activity.

Some General Instructions While Using Sildenafil Medicine

There are some general instructions that you should follow while using sildenafil drugs or medicine. I have mentioned some of them below.

You should properly follow your doctor’s advice or instructions before starting the course of Sildenafil tablets.
Patients who are suffering from high or low blood pressure should inform their healthcare professional or doctor while taking these ED drugs.
Male candidates who face the problem of priapism should immediately tell their doctor about this problem.
Tell your doctor about the other medicines or herbs that you are taking before taking these erectile dysfunction drugs.
Do not combine Sildenafil tablets with other medicines if it is not treating the problem of erectile dysfunction properly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sildenafil

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a sexual problem in which men cannot get or keep a spontaneous erection at the time of sexual activity.

What is Priapism?

Priapism is a sexual disorder in which a person experiences a prolonged or rigid erection with no sexual arousal.

Name some alternatives for Sildenafil.

Some alternatives for the sildenafil drug are Tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil.

What is the main benefit of using Sildenafil drug?

The main benefit of having a Sildenafil drug is to get and keep a long-lasting erection at the time of sexual activity.

How often can you take Sildenafil drug?

You should take the sildenafil drug 30 minutes to one hour before doing any sexual activity.

Name some serious side effects of the Sildenafil drug.

Some serious side effects of the Sildenafil drug are headache, flushing of the skin, nausea, dizziness, and back pain.

Dan Mars

"My name is Dan Mars, and I am a pharmacist based in the UK. I have a passion for writing, and I love to share my knowledge about medicine through blog posts. With my expertise, I aim to provide informative and helpful content to those seeking guidance on various health-related topics."