What are the side effects and cautions?

Erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases have common risk factors, therefore many of the patients who might benefit from Viagra also have cardiovascular diseases. A recent Californian review of the evidence concluded that Viagra was highly effective and overall the frequency of cardiovascular side effects was low and similar to that seen with placebo. However, it must not be used in patients who need to take nitrate medications and should be used with care in patients who get angina (heart pain) on exercise. Viagra can adversely interact with some medications, including those used to treat HIV.

More common side effects that all patients should be warned about are the possibility of headaches, indigestion due to acid regurgitation and very mild effects on vision. These visual changes make bright lights appear even brighter. Viagra is contraindicated (should never be used) in one very rare eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa.

You can get more detailed information about the cautions, contraindications and side effects associated with Viagra in our medicines section.

Future options

Within the next few years, several alternative oral medications will be available in the UK for certain patients with erectile dysfunction. In development are other PDE 5 inhibitors that are similar to Viagra but possibly with fewer side effects, as well as medicines that act more on the brain, either those which relax smooth muscle (alpha-adrenergic antagonists) or morphine-related medicines, such as apomorphine.