Everything you need to know about sildenafil

What is sildenafil?

Sildenafil is an active ingredient used to enhance blood flow to the penis for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Sildenafil is the same ingredient that is used in the popular brand-name medication Viagra. 

Although the active ingredient Sildenafil, is the same as the one in Viagra. Various manufacturers can produce sildenafil whereas Viagra is manufactured and owned solely by Pfizer.

Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Some common PDE5 inhibitors include tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil, and sildenafil.

A PDE5 inhibitor is a vasodilating drug (widens blood vessels) which means it can increase blood flow around your body. PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil and tadalafil as well as for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

What is sildenafil used for?

Sildenafil is primarily used as an erectile dysfunction medication. Sildenafil's ability to help blood flow to the penis makes it easier for men to achieve and maintain an erection.It's a common misconception that ED medications such as sildenafil can give you an erection on their own, which is false. Sildenafil and similar medications don't directly cause erections, but rather help you achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused.

Sildenafil has also been FDA-approved for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. This is again due to the PDE5 inhibitor's ability to dilate blood vessels and allow blood flow to increase around parts of the body such as the heart and lungs.

Who can and cannot take sildenafil?

It is up to your doctor or healthcare provider to decide whether or not you should be prescribed sildenafil. Some obvious signs that suggest whether your healthcare provider may or may not prescribe you sildenafil. 

The patient information leaflet for sildenafil states that you should not take sildenafil if:

• You are allergic to any of the ingredients

• You are taking nitrates, riociguat or nitric oxide donors

• You have a severe liver problem, NAION, rare inherited eye disease, low blood pressure or you have recently had a stroke or heart attack

• You are taking any other erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension medication

• You do not have erectile dysfunction 

• You are a woman

Sildenafil will only be right for you if your doctor says that you meet all of the criteria. They will make sure that you do not have any underlying health conditions that could be an issue, any allergies to the ingredients, and that you are not taking any medication that could cause interactions.

How to take sildenafil?

Sildenafil is slower to start working than some of the other erectile dysfunction medications available on the market. It is also one of the quickest erectile dysfunction medications for the effects to wear off.

Advice for taking sildenafil:

• Take it around an hour before you plan to have sex

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water

• Take it on an empty stomach

• Avoid alcohol

How well does sildenafil work?

Sildenafil is one of the most popular erectile dysfunction medications due to its effectiveness in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The majority of men will feel the full effects of the medication straight away or after more than one attempt at taking it. 

Doctors usually recommend taking erectile dysfunction medication on eight separate occasions before increasing or switching the medication. 

For some men, the medication may not work at all, which is when you should discuss increasing your dosage or switching medications with your doctor.

What is the dosage for sildenafil?

The initial dosage for sildenafil for the treatment of ED is 50mg and should not be taken more than once a day. 

It also comes in a lower dose of 25mg and a higher dose of 100mg.

Any dose above 100mg does not increase the performance of the medication.

Never take more sildenafil than what is prescribed to you by your doctor as it may increase the side effects and their severity.

What to avoid when taking sildenafil?

When taking sildenafil, it's always best to avoid a heavy meal as this can slow down how long it takes the medication to work. It’s also best to avoid alcohol as this can make it more difficult to get an erection. 

You should never eat or drink grapefruit when taking sildenafil as this increases the concentration of sildenafil in the bloodstream, making the risk of undesirable effects more likely.

How long does sildenafil last?

Sildenafil usually lasts for around 4 hours. This is the same no matter the dosage of sildenafil you are taking.  

The four-hour window is to give you enough time to engage in sexual activity. Sildenafil will not work unless you are sexually stimulated.

Factors that can affect how long the medication lasts include your age, mental well-being, use of other medications and your overall health.

What are the different types of sildenafil?

Sildenafil usually comes in oral tablet form for the treatment of erectile dysfunction but can come as a liquid or an injection for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

What are the side effects of sildenafil?

The most common side effect is a headache (more than 1 in 10 people). 

Followed by nausea, indigestion, and flushing (up to 1 in 10 people).

Although most people will experience no side effects at all, it's best to speak to your pharmacist or doctor to find out how you can best manage the side effects of ED medication.

Where can I buy sildenafil?

Once you have a private or NHS prescription for sildenafil you can purchase this from any pharmacy in the UK. Sildenafil is also available from the pharmacy as Viagra Connect.

You can also visit an online doctor for erectile dysfunction so that you can receive a clinical review and a suitable prescription dispensed and delivered right to your door. 

At Pharmacy2U, all of our online prescriptions are sent out in discreet packaging via a reputable tracked courier service.