Do long-term consumption of sildenafil tablets have any side effects

Long term use of sildenafil tablets may result in side effects, but most of them are mild and controllable. Sildenafil tablets are mainly used to treat erectile dysfunction, and common side effects include headache, facial flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, visual abnormalities, etc. In rare cases, they may cause serious cardiovascular events or sudden hearing loss.

Headache is the most common adverse reaction of sildenafil tablets, related to the vasodilation effect of the drug, usually manifested as mild swelling and pain, with a short duration. Facial flushing and nasal congestion are caused by the vasodilation effect of medication on subcutaneous blood vessels, and some patients may experience transient fever. Visual abnormalities are often manifested as slight changes in color vision or photosensitivity, which are related to temporary inhibition of retinal phosphodiesterase and can be restored after discontinuation of medication. Digestive system reactions such as stomach discomfort or diarrhea are usually associated with fasting medication or individual sensitivity. Although serious side effects are rare, caution should be taken, including abnormal penile erections that persist for more than 4 hours, which may cause tissue damage. Sudden unilateral or bilateral hearing loss may be related to microcirculatory disorders in the inner ear. Cardiovascular risk mainly exists in patients with pre-existing heart disease, which may induce angina or arrhythmia. Long term drug users may develop drug tolerance and should be careful not to increase the dosage on their own. Patients with abnormal liver and kidney metabolism may experience drug accumulation and prolong the duration of side effects.

It is recommended that patients with underlying diseases such as hypertension and coronary heart disease undergo strict assessment of cardiovascular risks before taking medication. Avoid combining with nitrate drugs to prevent fatal hypotension. If chest pain, fainting, or severe visual abnormalities occur during medication, seek medical attention immediately. Long term medication users should regularly monitor blood pressure, heart function, and liver function indicators, and adjust medication plans if necessary. Maintaining a regular schedule, moderate exercise, and a low-fat diet can help reduce drug dependence, improve endothelial function, and reduce the need for medication dosage.