Sildenafil citrate can help senior men with erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow, but dosage and safety depend on age, health, and other medications. Learn how it works, risks, and what works best alongside it.
Read MoreSildenafil for Seniors: What You Need to Know About Safety, Dosage, and Alternatives
When sildenafil, a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis. Also known as Viagra, it is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for men over 60 who struggle with sexual function. But for seniors, it’s not just about getting results—it’s about staying safe. Many older adults take multiple medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes, and sildenafil can interact dangerously with some of them, especially nitrates. That’s why understanding how it works in an aging body is more important than ever.
Seniors often have slower metabolism and reduced kidney or liver function, which means sildenafil can stay in the system longer. That increases the risk of side effects like dizziness, low blood pressure, or vision changes. Doctors usually start seniors on the lowest dose—25 mg—instead of the standard 50 or 100 mg. It’s also common for older men to have heart conditions, and sildenafil isn’t safe if you’ve had a recent heart attack, stroke, or unstable angina. If you’re on alpha-blockers for prostate issues or blood pressure, timing matters: taking sildenafil too close to those drugs can cause a sudden, dangerous drop in blood pressure.
There are alternatives, too. tadalafil, a longer-acting ED medication that can last up to 36 hours. Also known as Cialis, it’s often preferred by seniors who want more flexibility because it doesn’t need to be timed right before sex. vardenafil, another PDE5 inhibitor similar to sildenafil but with a shorter duration. Also known as Levitra, it may be better tolerated by some older patients with mild liver issues is another option. Some men find that lifestyle changes—like losing weight, cutting back on alcohol, or getting more exercise—make a bigger difference than pills. And if pills aren’t right for you, vacuum pumps or penile injections like alprostadil are proven alternatives with fewer drug interactions.
What you’ll find in the posts below are real comparisons: how sildenafil stacks up against other ED meds, what side effects older men actually report, and how to talk to your doctor about switching or stopping meds safely. You’ll also see how heart health, diabetes, and other common senior conditions affect ED treatment choices. No fluff. No guesswork. Just clear, practical info from people who’ve been there.