A patient is prescribed sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The nurse should include which of the following serious side effects and risks on the teaching plan?

Explanation

•Sildenafil is a selective vasodilator that can cause severe hypotension. Sildenafil should be avoided if the patient is taking nitrates, which can potentiate the effects of vasodilation.

•Potentially serious side effects of sildenafil include hypotension, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, hearing loss, and stroke.

•Flushing and headache are common side effects of sildenafil, but they are not serious.

•Confusion is not a known side effect of sildenafil.

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