What is Sildenafil?
Sildenafil inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase 5, enhancing the vessel-widening effect of nitric oxide in the erectile tissue. With sexual stimulation it makes an erection easier; without stimulation it has no effect. Under another brand name it is also used for pulmonary hypertension.
How well studied is Sildenafil?
Efficacy in erectile dysfunction is established by large randomised trials; EU approval (Viagra) dates from 1998. Decades of use provide extensive safety data.
What side effects and risks does Sildenafil have?
Headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, dizziness and visual disturbances are common. Life-threatening drops in blood pressure occur in combination with nitrates (including “poppers”) or guanylate cyclase stimulators; caution with other antihypertensives. Contraindications include severe heart disease and previous vision loss due to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve (NAION); an erection lasting over 4 hours is an emergency.
Is Sildenafil approved in Germany?
In short: yes. Approved and prescription-only in the EU. Not known to be on the WADA Prohibited List. Erectile dysfunction drugs are among the most frequently counterfeited medicines; undeclared additives in “herbal” potency products are a known problem – taking it without a medical check of heart health is risky.
Sources
Note: We deliberately do not list any doses here. For approved medicines, your doctor sets the dose; for unapproved substances there is no reliable information.