Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Plan (Sildenafil)

OVERVIEW:

This treatment plan outlines the dosage, administration, expected benefits, and potential side effects of sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Please read this plan carefully, along with the manufacturer’s information provided with your medication, for complete details regarding precautions, interactions, and other important safety information.

Sildenafil is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It belongs to a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

Sildenafil does not increase sexual desire but helps improve the ability to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused.

INSTRUCTIONS:

For treatment of erectile dysfunction, you have been prescribed:

Sildenafil, to be taken as directed by your provider (commonly as needed prior to sexual activity).

General guidance:

  • Take sildenafil 30–60 minutes before sexual activity
  • Effects may last up to 4–6 hours
  • Do not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period
  • May be taken with or without food, though high-fat meals may delay onset
  • Sexual stimulation is required for the medication to be effective

IMPORTANT NOTES REGARDING YOUR TREATMENT:

  • Do not take sildenafil more than once per day.
  • Do not use sildenafil with nitrate medications (commonly used for chest pain), as this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
  • Use caution if taking medications for blood pressure or prostate conditions, as sildenafil may enhance their effects.
  • Common side effects may include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, dizziness, or indigestion.
  • Visual changes (such as a blue tint or sensitivity to light) may occur in some individuals.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol use, as it may reduce effectiveness and increase side effects.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
    • An erection lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism)
    • Chest pain or severe dizziness
    • Sudden vision or hearing loss

ACTIVE INGREDIENT:

This medication contains the following active ingredient. Do not use if you are allergic to this ingredient or any components listed in the manufacturer’s information.

Sildenafil

ALLERGIES:

This medication may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals.

Stop this medication and seek immediate medical care if you experience:

  • Rash or hives
  • Swelling of the face, lips, or throat
  • Difficulty breathing

CONDITIONS:

We evaluate your health history based on the information you provide. If any of the following apply or develop during treatment, discontinue use and seek in-person evaluation:

  • Use of nitrate medications (e.g., nitroglycerin)
  • Severe heart disease or recent cardiovascular event
  • Uncontrolled low or high blood pressure
  • History of stroke or heart attack
  • Severe liver or kidney disease
  • Certain eye conditions (such as retinitis pigmentosa)
  • Unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath 

ACCURATE INFORMATION:

We evaluate the specific health information you provide and make our recommendations based on it. If you incorrectly provide that information, we may misdiagnose or fail to diagnose conditions that you may have which could affect our recommendation for treatment.

ACCEPTING OR DECLINING OUR RECOMMENDATION:

We recommend this treatment because the potential benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. You should evaluate this information as well as the manufacturer’s pamphlet, and any input from your in-person healthcare team, or other information to decide if this treatment plan is appropriate for you. You are free to decline our treatment recommendations although, doing so may prolong symptoms and be associated with negative outcomes.

OTHER TREATMENTS:

We have based our recommendation on your specific case and medical guidelines, but there may be alternative treatments or strategies that may be helpful to you. Some may be more or less effective than what we provide. Some treatments may require an in-person exam or procedure which we can’t provide.

SHARE WITH YOUR IN-PERSON HEALTHCARE TEAM:

You can access your records anytime. We strongly recommend that you update your in-person doctor, pharmacist, and the rest of your healthcare team to let them know about any new medicines you are taking or other changes in your health.