Bethesda, Md.-A new pill called Uprima, though seen as having some undesirable side effects, moved a step closer yesterday to becoming the first rival to Viagra as a possible oral treatment for impotence.

An advisory committee to the Food and Drug Administration recommended to approve Uprima for treating erectile dysfunction, a condition that affects an estimated 30 million American men over age 40.

The FDA is expected to decide by July whether Uprima, made by Illinois-based TAP Pharmaceuticals, can be sold in the United States. The panel's support, however, came with conditions that the manufacturer provide strong warnings to patients about possible serious side effects, including fainting, nausea and interactions with alcohol.