High level view and principal information
Sildenafil is the active drug in many products used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It belongs to the class of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, usually shortened to PDE5 inhibitors.
Licensed use: indicated for the treatment of ED in adult men.
Typical tablet strengths available: 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg; in the UK one pharmacy-available option is a 50 mg sildenafil product sold as Viagra Connect.
Commencement and duration: many users report a benefit within 30 to 60 minutes after taking the tablet; the effect commonly lasts around 4 to 6 hours for sildenafil formulations.
- Intended only for those aged 18 years or older.
- Sildenafil increases penile blood flow in response to sexual arousal; it does not cause sexual desire by itself.
- Products marketed under the name Kamagra that are bought from unverified online sellers are often not authorised in the UK and can be unsafe; see the juridical status and supply rules in the UK details section here.
How it runs
Sildenafil works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme in erectile tissue. This prevents the breakdown of cyclic GMP during sexual stimulation, which allows blood vessels in the penis to dilate and increases blood flow into the corpora cavernosa. Adequate sexual stimulation is required for sildenafil to produce an erection.
Dose and administration plan
Follow the dose recommendations given by your prescriber or dispensing pharmacist. A common starting dose for many men is 50 mg taken as needed about one hour before sexual activity. Depending on how well you respond and how well you tolerate the medicine, your clinician may recommend changing the dose to 25 mg or 100 mg.
- Limit yourself to one dose per 24 hour period.
- A large, fatty meal taken before dosing can slow the onset of sildenafil.
- If you are unsure about the right dose, speak to a healthcare professional before altering how you take the medicine.
Avoid using sildenafil together with other PDE5 inhibitors or with other ED medicines on the same day unless a clinician has given specific instructions to do so.
Before using, observe essential safety protective measures
In preparation before starting sildenafil, tell your prescriber about any of the following conditions so they can assess safety:
- Allergy to sildenafil or any tablet ingredient
- Serious heart disease, recent heart attack or stroke, unstable angina, or irregular heart rhythms
- Very low or very high blood pressure
- Eye disorders, especially recent vision changes or a history of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy
- Blood conditions such as sickle cell disease, leukemia or multiple myeloma
- Penile structural problems or other factors that raise the risk of priapism
- Moderate to severe liver or kidney impairment
- Current cancer treatments
Simple steps to reduce temporary side effects:
- Stand up slowly from sitting or lying to reduce the risk of dizziness.
- Limit alcohol around dosing as it can worsen dizziness and reduce effectiveness.
- Bring a complete list of all medicines, herbal remedies and supplements to your clinician or pharmacist.
Cases where treatment is not appropriate
- Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any excipient in the tablet.
- Concurrent treatment with organic nitrates or nitric oxide donors in any form, because the combination can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure.
- Not indicated for use in persons under 18 years of age.
Possible collateral effects
Most medication side effects are mild to moderate and resolve without treatment. Commonly reported effects include:
- Head pain
- The face reddens
- Obstruction of the nasal airways
- Lightheadedness and dizziness
- Poor digestion, nausea or other stomach upset
Less frequently, serious events can occur such as sudden vision or hearing changes, chest pain, fainting, serious allergic reactions or priapism (an erection lasting longer than four hours). Reach out to a healthcare professional immediately for help. severe or worrying symptoms, or if an erection persists beyond four hours.
Major the pattern of conversational exchanges determines group dynamics. between medications
Sildenafil should not be taken with any product that contains nitrates or nitric oxide donors. It is metabolised mainly by CYP3A4, so drugs that inhibit or induce this enzyme can alter sildenafil levels and effects.
Some medicines that may interact include (this is not an exhaustive list):
- Protease inhibitors and other antiretrovirals used in HIV therapy
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole and itraconazole
- Rifampicin and some anticonvulsants that are strong enzyme inducers
- Macrolide antibiotics including erythromycin and clarithromycin
- Certain alpha-blockers like doxazosin or terazosin which also lower blood pressure
- All forms of organic nitrates, including nitroglycerin preparations
Always provide a full list of current medications to your prescriber or pharmacist before you get started sildenafil. For more on legal supply and safety, see legal standing and supply rules in the UK.
Skipped dose information
Sildenafil for ED is usually taken as required, not on a fixed daily schedule. Because it is taken when needed, the idea of a missed daily dose does not usually apply. Follow the maximum dosing interval and other instructions given by your clinician.
Response actions for deliberate overdose
If an experiencing an overdose is suspected you may experience severe dizziness, fainting, severe nausea, prolonged erection, chest pain or irregular heartbeat. In that event contact emergency services or attend your nearest emergency department immediately.
How to store items safely
- Keep tablets in their original container or blister pack.
- Maintain keep your items in secure storage until you need them. at room temperature, away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.
- Keep this out of the reach and out of the line of sight of children and pets.
UK other course options and price comparison
There are licensed additional a different paths to unregulated online products. Prices vary with brand, strength and pack size, and whether you obtain them via the NHS or privately. The figures below are approximate and will change over time.
- Viagra Connect (sildenafil 50 mg, pharmacy sale): roughly 19 to 25 GBP for 4 tablets and around 35 to 45 GBP for 8 tablets; a pharmacist consultation is required.
- Generic sildenafil (prescription): private purchase often costs about 0.50 to 2.00 GBP per 50 mg tablet; NHS prescriptions depend on eligibility and prescription charges.
- Tadalafil (Cialis) 10 mg or 20 mg: private retail prices commonly range from around 2 to 8 GBP per tablet; tadalafil lasts longer and can be used once-daily or as needed.
- Vardenafil (Levitra) and avanafil (Spedra): private prices typically vary between about 2 and 10 GBP per tablet depending on strength and brand.
Quick comparisons:
- Onset: sildenafil, vardenafil and avanafil typically act within 30 to 60 minutes; tadalafil may take 30 to 120 minutes.
- Duration: tadalafil usually lasts the longest, up to 36 hours in some cases; sildenafil and vardenafil are commonly effective for 4 to 6 hours; avanafil often sustains effect for about 6 hours.
- Food effects: high-fat meals can slow the onset of sildenafil and vardenafil more than they affect avanafil or tadalafil.
Unlicensed products marketed as Kamagra may appear cheaper in some adverts (for example 1 to 3 GBP per tablet), but they can be counterfeit, incorrectly formulated or contaminated together with their sale in the UK is often unlawful. For safety, purchase from a GPhC-registered pharmacy and use licensed medicines; if you are unsure, consult a pharmacist.
Britain's legal status of a person and supply regulations
- Kamagra-branded items sold online are commonly not authorised by the MHRA for UK sale and are therefore unlicensed.
- In the UK sildenafil is a Prescription Only Medicine at most strengths; however, a 50 mg sildenafil product is available as a pharmacy medicine (P) under the name Viagra Connect for men aged 18 and over.
- Importing unlicensed ED medicines from abroad can lead to seizure by Border Force or regulatory action by the MHRA; import does not legalise an unlicensed product.
- Always buy from a pharmacy with GPhC registration. Legitimate online pharmacies should display their registration and clinical oversight details.
- If you have doubts about a product's legality or safety, seek advice from a pharmacist or consult the MHRA website for current mentorship.
For navigation back to price points information see variant options and price comparison insights (UK).
This item is for use in sport
Sildenafil is not currently listed as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Nonetheless athletes should check the rules of their sport federation and speak to team medical staff before using any medication. Sildenafil is not regarded as a performance-enhancing drug for training and should only be used for licensed medical reasons.
Questions that are often asked
Can I drink alcohol while taking sildenafil?
Small amounts of alcohol are unlikely to cause harm, but alcohol may increase the risk of dizziness, lower blood pressure and reduce erectile response. It is sensible to limit alcohol around the time you take sildenafil.
What are the next steps if sildenafil does not work the first time?
Some men need to try sildenafil on several occasions before deciding if it works for them. Ensure there is sufficient sexual stimulation, avoid large meals near dosing and discuss dose adjustments or complementary and nonmainstream medical treatmentss with your clinician if the response is unsatisfactory.
Can I take sildenafil with other ED medicines?
No. Do not co-mingle. sildenafil with other PDE5 inhibitors or ED treatments on the same day unless a prescriber specifically advises you to do so.
Is Kamagra the same drug as Viagra?
Some Kamagra products claim to contain sildenafil, but the key difference is regulatory approval and quality control. Viagra and licensed generic sildenafil sold in the UK meet MHRA standards. Kamagra products marketed online are commonly unlicensed and may be unsafe or illegal to buy in the UK.
For further information consult the section on legality status and supply rules in the UK or speak to a pharmacist.
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