Understanding Chewable Sildenafil Formulations

While sildenafil improves some markers of disease in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension, it does not appear to affect the risk of death or serious side effects. Sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors are used off-label to alleviate vasospasm and treat severe ischemia and ulcers in fingers and toes for people with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon;[9][21] these drugs have moderate efficacy for reducing the frequency and duration of vasospastic episodes. [9] As of 2016,[update] their role more generally in Raynaud's was not clear. Sildenafil has shown some potential for improving exercise performance at high altitudes. However, its overall efficacy is not clear. Sildenafil has been studied for high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), but its use is currently not recommended for that indication.

Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra)

BlueChew sells chewable tablets that contain either sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil, which are all are treatments for ED. The products are available to purchase online without an in-person visit with a doctor. However, the company conducts online consultations before its medical team prescribes the products. A person needs to speak with a doctor about ED symptoms before trying medication. They should also report any persistent side effects of drug-based treatments they are currently taking.

BlueChew vs. Viagra

Sildenafil, sold under the brand name Viagra among others, is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. [4][8] It is also sometimes used off-label for the treatment of certain symptoms in secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. [9] It is unclear if it is effective for treating sexual dysfunction in females. [8] It can be taken orally (swallowed by mouth), intravenously (injection into a vein), or through the sublingual route (dissolved under the tongue). [8][10] Onset when taken orally is typically within twenty minutes and lasts for about two hours. In clinical trials, the most common adverse effects of sildenafil use included headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and impaired vision, including photophobia and blurred vision. [4] Some sildenafil users have complained of seeing everything tinted blue (cyanopsia).

[24] This cyanopsia can be explained because sildenafil, while selective for PDE5, does have some affinity for PDE6, which is the phosphodiesterase found in the retina.

How Does Sildenafil Work?

Common side effects include headaches, heartburn, and flushed skin. [8] Caution is advised in those with cardiovascular disease. [8] Rare but serious side effects include vision problems, hearing loss, and prolonged erection (priapism) that can lead to damage to the penis. [8] Sildenafil should not be taken by people on nitric oxide donors such sildenafil 10mg as nitroglycerin, as this may result in a serious drop in blood pressure. Sildenafil acts by blocking phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5), an enzyme that promotes breakdown of cGMP, which regulates blood flow in the penis.

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[8] It requires sexual arousal to work, and does not by itself cause or increase sexual arousal. [8] It also results in dilation of the blood vessels in the lungs. Pfizer originally discovered the medication in 1989 while looking for a treatment for angina. [11] It was approved for medical use in the United States and in the European Union in 1998. [5][8][11][12] In 2023, it was the 151st most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 3 million prescriptions. Patients thus taking the drug may experience colorvision abnormalities. Some complained of blurriness and loss of peripheral vision. In July 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated labeling for tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and sildenafil (Viagra) to reflect a small number of post-marketing reports of sudden vision loss, while acknowledging that "...it is not possible to determine whether these oral medicines for erectile dysfunction were the cause of the loss of eyesight or whether the problem is related to other factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes, or to a combination of these problems.

"[25] A careful review of pooled data from clinical trials containing well documented information about the dose and duration of exposure to the drug for a large number of patients, yields no evidence for an increased risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or other adverse ocular events associated with PDE5 inhibitor use. Rare but serious adverse effects found through postmarketing surveillance include prolonged erections, severe low blood pressure, myocardial infarction (heart attack), ventricular arrhythmias, stroke, increased intraocular pressure, and sudden hearing loss. [4] In October 2007, the FDA announced that the labeling for all PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, required a more prominent warning of the potential risk of sudden hearing loss. Care should be exercised by people who are also taking protease inhibitors for the treatment of HIV infection.

• Sildenafil should not be used with nitrates due to dangerous interactions.
• Chewing sildenafil can lead to inconsistent blood levels.
• Overusing sildenafil can cause priapism or prolonged erections.
• Be cautious about using sildenafil if you have heart problems.
• Sildenafil may cause side effects like headaches or flushing.
• Chewing sildenafil does not improve its therapeutic effect.
• Always store sildenafil out of reach of children.
• Check with your healthcare provider if unsure about dose or form.
• Do not combine sildenafil with other ED medications without guidance.

Protease inhibitors inhibit the metabolism of sildenafil, effectively multiplying the plasma levels of sildenafil, increasing the incidence and severity of side effects. Those using protease inhibitors are recommended to limit their use of sildenafil to no more than one 25 mg dose every 48 hours. [4] Other drugs that interfere with the metabolism of sildenafil include erythromycin and cimetidine, both of which can also lead to prolonged plasma half-life levels. The use of sildenafil and an α1 blocker (typically prescribed for hypertension or for urologic conditions, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy) at the same time may lead to low blood pressure, but this effect does not occur if they are taken at least 4 hours apart.

Non-medical use

Serious side effects include sudden loss of hearing or vision or a prolonged and painful erection, which doctors call priapism. If any of these side effects occur, a person should seek emergency medical help. If a person has taken too much of an ED medication, they should contact emergency services at 911. Alternatively, they can call the America’s Poison Centers for emergency attention at 1-800-222-1222 or visit the Poison Help website. Anyone who experiences persistent difficulty getting or maintaining an erection can consult a doctor for advice.

Altitude sickness

In some cases, ED could signal an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. The active ingredients in BlueChew products are sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. These medications are effective treatments for ED in most people. However, BlueChew products do not have approval from the FDA. Additionally, they might not work for everyone, so a person needs to check with a doctor to determine whether PDE5 medication is safe for them to take. Concomitant use of nitric oxide donors, organic nitrites and nitrates,[30] such as: nitroglycerinisosorbide mononitrateisosorbide dinitratesodium nitroprussidealkyl nitrites (commonly known as "poppers") Concomitant use of soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulators, such as riociguat Sildenafil should not be used if sexual activity sildenafil 50 mg tab is inadvisable due to underlying cardiovascular risk factors. Sildenafil's popularity with young adults has increased over the years. [32] Sildenafil's brand name, Viagra, is widely recognized in popular culture, and the drug's association with treating erectile dysfunction has led to its recreational use. [33] The reasons behind such use include the belief that the drug increases libido, improves sexual performance,[33] or permanently increases penis size. [34] Studies on the effects of sildenafil when used recreationally are limited, but suggest it has little effect when used by those who do not have erectile dysfunction. In one study, a 25 mg dose was shown to cause no significant change in erectile quality, but did reduce the postejaculatory refractory time. [35] This study also noted a significant placebo effect in the control group.

• Sildenafil works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis.
• Chewing sildenafil might cause a faster onset of action.
• Crushing sildenafil tablets can affect its efficacy and safety.
• Sildenafil is not meant to be chewed, broken, or crushed.
• Use sildenafil as directed by a doctor for optimal results.
• Be aware that chewing sildenafil can increase side effects.
• Sildenafil is available by prescription only in many countries.
• Avoid taking sildenafil with heavy meals or high-fat foods.
• Inform your doctor of any medications you are taking before using sildenafil.

Unprescribed recreational use of sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors is noted as particularly high among users of illegal drugs. [36] Sildenafil is sometimes used to counteract the effects of other substances, often illicit.

• Sildenafil is a medication used primarily to treat erectile dysfunction.
• Chewing sildenafil can alter how quickly it takes effect.
• Swallowing sildenafil whole is recommended for proper absorption.
• Chewing sildenafil may lead to unpredictable drug absorption.
• Sildenafil should be taken with water, ideally on an empty stomach.
• Altering the form of sildenafil can increase the risk of side effects.
• The standard dose of sildenafil varies from 25mg to 100mg.
• Consult a healthcare provider before modifying sildenafil intake.
• Do not chew sildenafil if it is in its original tablet form.

[33] Some users mix it with methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy), other stimulants, or opiates in an attempt to compensate for the common side effect of erectile dysfunction, a combination known as "sextasy", "rockin' and rollin'", "hammerheading", or "trail mix". [33] Mixing it with amyl nitrite, another vasodilator, is particularly dangerous and potentially fatal. The 2007 Ig Nobel Prize in aviation went to Patricia V.

What are the Potential Side Effects of Sildenafil (SIL)?

[13][14] It is available as a generic medication. [15][16] In the United Kingdom, it is available as a pharmacy medicine. The primary indication of sildenafil is treatment of erectile dysfunction (inability to sustain a satisfactory erection to complete sexual intercourse). Its use is now one of the standard treatments for erectile dysfunction, including for males with diabetes mellitus. Tentative evidence suggests that sildenafil may help males who experience antidepressant-induced erectile dysfunction. Agostino, Santiago A. Plano, and Diego A. Golombek of Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Argentina, for their discovery that sildenafil helps treat jet lag recovery in hamsters.

Proper Use

The effects of BlueChew products can last 4–6 hours. BlueChew does not state whether its products can make an erection last longer. If a person is able to get an erection but would like it to last longer, they can consult a doctor about premature ejaculation. BlueChew uses the same active ingredients as sildenafil (Viagra), sildenafil pills tadalafil, and vardenafil. It is unlikely to be more effective than any other ED pills.

Related treatment guides

However, some people may find chewable medication easier to take than swallowing pills. Before trying this medication, people need to speak with a doctor to ensure BlueChew suits their needs. BlueChew says a person can cancel their subscription at any time. They can do this by logging in and viewing their membership page. In the status section of this page, a person can simply click “put on hold” to deactivate their account.