Common ones include: Flushing of the skin. If you are taking sildenafil to treat PAH, you will probably take sildenafil three times a day with or without food. As with sildenafil, a high-fat meal or alcohol keep the body from absorbing it as quickly. This boosts blood flow and helps you get an erection from sexual activity. This medicine works best when you take it on an empty stomach an hour before sex. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had pulmonary veno-occlusive disease PVOD; blockage of veins in the lungs ; a stomach ulcer; heart, kidney, or liver disease; a heart attack; heart failure; angina chest pain ; an irregular heartbeat; a stroke; chest pain; high or low blood pressure; high cholesterol; a bleeding disorder; blood circulation problems; blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia a disease of the red blood cells , multiple myeloma cancer of the plasma cells , or leukemia cancer of the white blood cells ; conditions affecting the shape of the penis e.Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs . Viagra vs. over-the-counter products. Many over-the-counter (OTC) products may be advertised to help with ED. Examples of these products include: . Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. VIAGRA may affect the .