Which of the following is a common side effect of sildenafil?

Sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra, is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction. A well-documented side effect of this medication includes visual changes, particularly a bluish tinge to vision, which occurs due to the drug's action on phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors that can impact the optic nerve. This bluish vision occurs because sildenafil enhances the effects of a naturally occurring chemical, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which can lead to disturbances in the vision pathways.

Additionally, ischemic optic neuropathy, though rare, can be a more serious complication that can arise from the use of sildenafil, affecting blood flow to the optic nerve. Both the bluish tinge and the potential for ischemic optic neuropathy highlight significant risks associated with sildenafil therapy, warranting careful monitoring and patient education.

Understanding these adverse effects is essential for healthcare professionals to ensure that patients are aware of potential changes to their vision, and the rare but serious concern of ischemic optic neuropathy must be emphasized, as it may require immediate medical attention.