Sildenafil for PE

Experiencing PE? Sildenafil can help improve climax control and bedroom performance overall. No more fussing with wipes or sprays while trying to set the mood—take one pill 30-60 minutes before sex and all you have to worry about is enjoying the moment.

Sildenafil is approved by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction and certain other conditions, but has not been specifically approved to treat premature ejaculation. A medical provider can prescribe it if they determine it is safe and appropriate for your condition. Prescription products available only if prescribed by a healthcare provider after an online consultation. This page was medically reviewed by Peter J. Stahl, MD

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TAKING sildenafil?

Do not take sildenafil if you:

• take medicines called nitrates (such as nitroglycerin), often prescribed for chest pain
• use street drugs called "poppers" or “rush” such as amyl nitrate or butyl nitrate
• Use cocaine
• take medicines called guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat (Adempas) for pulmonary hypertension
• are allergic to sildenafil or any of the ingredients in sildenafil.

Before taking sildenafil, tell your healthcare provider if you:

• have heart problems such as angina, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or have had a heart attack.
• have had heart surgery within the last 6 months
• have pulmonary hypertension
• have low blood pressure or have high blood pressure that is not controlled
• have had a stroke
• have liver problems
• have kidney problems or require dialysis
• have retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic (runs in families) eye disease
• have ever had severe vision loss, including a condition called NAION
• have or have had stomach ulcers
• have a bleeding problem
• have a deformed penis shape or Peyronie's disease
• have had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours
• have blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
• have any other medical conditions.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Sildenafil may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect the way sildenafil works, causing side effects. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following:

• medicines called nitrates like nitroglycerin or isosorbide
• medicines called guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat (Adempas)
• medicines called alpha blockers such as Hytrin (terazosin), Flomax (tamsulosin), Cardura (doxazosin), Minipress (prazosin), Uroxatral (alfuzosin), Jalyn (dutasteride and tamsulosin), or Rapaflo (silodosin). Alpha-blockers are sometimes prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure. In some patients, the use of sildenafil with alpha-blockers can lead to a drop in blood pressure or to fainting.
• medicines called HIV protease inhibitors, such as ritonavir (Norvir), indinavir sulfate (Crixivan), saquinavir (Fortovase or Invirase) or atazanavir sulfate (Reyataz)
• some types of oral antifungal medicines, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), and itraconazole (Sporanox)
• some types of antibiotics, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), or erythromycin
• other medicines that treat high blood pressure
• other medicines or treatments for ED
• Dietary supplements that contain nitrates that are intended to boost nitric oxide production, including but not limited to arginine nitrate, citrulline nitrate, creatine nitrate, and sodium nitrate

What are the possible side effects with sildenafil?

Sildenafil can cause serious side effects.

Rarely reported side effects include:

• an erection that will not go away (priapism). If you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, get medical help right away. If it is not treated right away, priapism can permanently damage your penis.
• sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes can be a sign of a serious eye problem called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). It is uncertain whether PDE5 inhibitors directly cause vision loss. Stop taking sildenafil and call your healthcare provider right away if you have sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
• sudden hearing decrease or hearing loss. Some people may also have ringing in their ears (tinnitus) or dizziness. If you have these symptoms, stop taking sildenafil and contact a provider right away.

The most common side effects with sildenafil are: headache, flushing, upset stomach, abnormal vision (such as blurry or blue tinted vision), stuffy or runny nose, back pain, muscle aches, nausea, dizziness and rash. These are not all the possible side effects of sildenafil. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.