Sildenafil Tablets

Sildenafil is a generic medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. It contains the active ingredient sildenafil, which is the same ingredient in Viagra. Sildenafil is a more affordable option for ED. It can help you get and keep an erection, as long as you are sexually aroused. It comes in tablet form and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to work.

Sildenafil works by relaxing your blood vessels to allow more blood to flow to the penis. This blood flow causes an erection and makes sildenafil an ideal treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Sildenafil belongs to a group of medications called PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors. This means it works to block PDE-5 enzymes in your penis to widen your blood vessels, helping you to get an erection. Generally, you must be sexually aroused for sildenafil to work and give you an erection.

How long does sildenafil last?

Sildenafil lasts for around 4 hours after you take it. You can have more than 1 erection during this time, but only if you are sexually aroused.

How long does it take to work?

Sildenafil starts working 30-60 minutes after taking it, so you should aim to take it an hour before you want to have sex.

Sildenafil is the most popular erectile dysfunction medication in the world, and works for up to 74% of men who try it. While sildenafil is not a cure for erectile dysfunction, it is a highly effective medication that helps you to get an erection when you need one.

For best results, take sildenafil 30 minutes to 1 hour before having sex. The effects of sildenafil can last for up to 4 hours.

Do not take more than 1 sildenafil tablet a day. Swallow it whole without chewing or crushing it. A glass of water will help you swallow it but you do not need to take it with food.

To help get the best results when taking sildenafil:

• avoid drinking grapefruit juice
• only have small amounts of alcohol (up to 3 units per day), as having a large amount of alcohol might make it difficult to get an erection
• take sildenafil on an empty stomach, as eating before taking sildenafil can make it take longer to work

If you have taken sildenafil and still cannot get an erection, do not take another dose. Try again the next day and make sure you avoid fatty foods and alcohol.

Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be caused by an underlying health condition, so speak to your doctor about a health check and other options if sildenafil does not work.

Sildenafil is available in 3 doses; 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. 50mg is suitable for most men, but if you are experiencing disturbing side effects then lowering your dosage to 25mg may help. If you are not getting the desired effect on 50mg but you aren’t getting side effects on this dose, then 100mg may be a better option for you. Speak to your doctor first who will help choose a suitable dose for you.

What is the starting dose for Sildenafil?

The usual starting dose is 50mg, but you may be started on a lower dose of 25mg if you take certain medications. The highest dose is 100mg, but you should not take more than prescribed. Generic Sildenafil has the same dosages as Viagra.

You might have some side effects when taking sildenafil, but not everyone gets them.

Common side effects of sildenafil include:

• nausea (feeling sick)
• headaches
• indigestion
• hot flushes
• dizziness
• stuffy nose
• blurry vision

If you experience side effects that are uncomfortable or do not get better with time, you should speak to a doctor.

Uncommon side effects of sildenafil include:

• skin reactions, such as peeling or swollen skin
• seizures
• a painful erection that lasts over 4 hours
• chest pain
• changes in eyesight

If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking sildenafil immediately and contact your doctor or call 999. For further information on very rare side effects, check the patient information leaflet contained in your medication packet or online.

You should also call 999 or go to A&E if you have a rare allergic reaction to sildenafil, where you may get these symptoms:

• wheezing
• tightness in your chest or throat
• trouble talking or breathing
• skin rash, such as red or itchy skin
• swelling of your face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat

You may be able to take sildenafil if you are over 18 years old and have erectile dysfunction.

You should not take sildenafil if you:

• are taking medication for chest pain (nitrates)
• have ever had an allergic reaction to sildenafil or Viagra
• have low blood pressure
• have heart or kidney problems
• have recently had breast cancer or a stroke
• have a rare inherited eye disease

You should be careful about taking sildenafil and speak to a doctor first if you have:

• a stomach ulcer
• bleeding problems, or haemophilia
• sickle cell anaemia
• multiple myeloma
• any deformities in your penis, such as Peyronie's disease (curved penis)

Tell your doctor if any of these apply to you, so they can check if sildenafil is right for you.

Some medications can interact with sildenafil, which could make it less effective or unsafe for you to take. Speak to your doctor if you take any medications, especially:

• any medication to treat chest pain, such as nitrates
• nitric oxide donors, such as amyl nitrite
• riociguat, which is a treatment for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
• protease inhibitors, you may need to be started on a lower dose of 25mg
• alpha blockers, which can be used for high blood pressure

You should avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol whilst taking sildenafil, as it can affect how well it works. If sildenafil is not working for you or you get side effects like dizziness, do not drink alcohol. You should also avoid drinking grapefruit juice when you take sildenafil.

Sildenafil may not be suitable for you or you may need a different treatment for your ED symptoms. You can get alternative erectile dysfunction treatments such as:

• tadalafil, a generic ED medication containing the active ingredient tadalafil
• Cialis, a branded version of tadalafil
• Levitra, which contains the active ingredient vardenafil
• Spedra, which contains the active ingredient avanafil
• Viagra, the branded version of sildenafil

You can also get an erectile dysfunction trial pack that contains 3 treatments. This allows you to try different ED treatments to see which works best for you.