SILDENAFIL (VIAGRA) AND THE HEART

Sildenafil (Viagra) is the most effective oral therapy currently available for erectile dysfunction. Patients should be given clear instructions regarding the use of sildenafil. The most common side effects include flushing, headaches, dyspepsia, and transient visual changes. In combination with nitrates, it can and has caused fatal hypotension. It should not be prescribed to patients on nitrates. Additionally, nitrates should not be administered to anyone who has recently ingested sildenafil. Synergetic blood pressure lowering has not been observed when sildenafil was used with other classes of antihypertensives. Sildenafil is not offered to patients with low cardiac output states, those on intensive regimens to prevent heart failure or those with acute coronary ischemia.