Medicines used for erectile dysfunction can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. The type and severity of side effects can vary from person to person and may also depend on the active ingredient and dose.

Many erectile dysfunction products contain sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor. If you are taking sildenafil or any other ED treatment, always read the patient information supplied with the medicine and follow the instructions provided.

Common Side Effects of Sildenafil

Headaches are one of the most commonly reported side effects of sildenafil. Other common effects can include facial flushing, indigestion, feeling sick, a blocked or stuffy nose, dizziness and temporary changes to vision, such as blurred vision or a change in colour perception.

These effects are often temporary. However, if a side effect is uncomfortable, keeps returning or does not go away, speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Less Common Side Effects

Some people may experience other effects, including vomiting, heartburn, a skin rash, nosebleeds, muscle pain, tiredness, dry mouth, ringing in the ears or a faster or more noticeable heartbeat.

Sildenafil may also cause dizziness or changes in vision. If this happens, do not drive, cycle or operate machinery until you feel normal again.

When to Get Medical Help

Although serious reactions are uncommon, some symptoms require prompt medical attention.

Seek urgent medical advice if you develop chest pain, a serious allergic reaction, a seizure, or a sudden decrease or loss of vision. An erection that is painful or lasts for more than four hours also requires urgent medical attention, as prolonged erections can cause lasting damage if they are not treated quickly.

If you experience chest pain after taking sildenafil, do not use nitrate medicines such as GTN to treat the pain.

Medicines and Health Conditions

Sildenafil is not suitable for everybody. In particular, it should not normally be taken with nitrate medicines used for angina because the combination can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure.

Certain heart conditions, blood pressure problems, liver or kidney conditions and some other medicines may also affect whether sildenafil is suitable for you.

If you are unsure, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking an erectile dysfunction treatment.

Reporting Side Effects

In the UK, suspected medicine side effects can be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. Reporting an unexpected reaction helps regulators continue to monitor medicine safety.

This page provides general information and should not replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional.