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Sildenafil citrate is the active chemical found in many products for erectile dysfunction (ED). It is commonly marketed under names such as Viagra and Viagra Professional, and in some formulations as sildenafil generics.
Professional or stronger formulations are often available in 50 mg and 100 mg tablet strengths. The principal licensed use in men is for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. A different dosing and brand set is used when sildenafil treats pulmonary arterial hypertension; do not interchange those products without clinician instruction.
This page includes links to regulatory and fixed pricing terms relevant to the United Kingdom: see How status of lawful recognition is defined in the UK and Price dynamics in the UK for further detail.
How sildenafil produces its effects
Sildenafil belongs to the class of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors. During sexual arousal the body releases nitric oxide, which initiates a cascade that increases cyclic GMP in penile tissue. By blocking the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), sildenafil helps maintain higher cyclic GMP levels, enabling blood to fill the corpora cavernosa and supporting an erection. Note that sexual stimulation is required for the drug to have its intended effect.
Daily dose and directions
The guidance below is general. Always follow the dosing plan provided by your prescriber or pharmacist.
- Common starting dose: 50 mg for many adult men. Clinicians may increase to 100 mg or reduce to 25 mg depending on response and lingering effects.
- Timing: take the tablet 15 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. Some people report onset at about 15 minutes, while others prefer to wait 30 to 60 minutes.
- Frequency limit: do not take more than one dose in any 24 hour period.
- Meals: a heavy, high-fat meal may slow absorption and delay onset; a light meal leads to faster action.
- Grapefruit products can raise sildenafil blood levels and increase additional effects; avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice. See Medicinal product the networked exchange of ideass in a system describe exchanges between components..
If you experience severe chest pain, fainting, marked dizziness, or sudden visual problems after taking sildenafil, stop use and seek urgent medical attention.
Safety and risk protective actions
Before you take this sildenafil, discuss your full medical history and current medicines with a clinician or pharmacist. Essential points to check include:
- Allergic reactions: do not use sildenafil if you have a known allergy to the active ingredient or any excipient in the tablet.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system: notify your prescriber if you have coronary artery disease, a recent myocardial infarction or stroke, uncontrolled blood pressure, or significant heart rhythm problems.
- Vision and hearing history: report conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa or prior episodes of sudden vision loss or sudden hearing impairment.
- Impairment in hepatic or renal health status: significant hepatic or severe renal disease can require dose changes.
- Penile disorders: use with caution if you have deformities of the penis or conditions that predispose to prolonged erections (for example, sickle cell disease, multiple myeloma).
- Older adults: may be more sensitive to damaging effects such as low blood pressure and dizziness.
- Liquor and spirits: keep intake moderate; alcohol can reduce the drug response and increase dizziness.
For a detailed list of potential the mutual influence during contacts between people can shape outcomes. could occur consult Drug-drug intercommunication risks.
Situations in which this treatment is not advised
- Do not mix. sildenafil with any nitrate medicines (for example glyceryl trinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate) or with recreational nitrite inhalants ("poppers"); this can cause severecapacity for growthly life threatening low blood pressure.
- Concurrent use with guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat is contraindicated.
- A known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any tablet component precludes use.
- Sildenafil for ED is not licensed for women or children under 18 years of age.
- A clinician may advise against sildenafil if you have been told to avoid sexual activity for clinical reasons related to heart disease.
Potential effects during use
Many users experience mild, transient unwanted reactions. Typical reactions include:
- Cephalalgia and facial flushing occurring together
- Dyspepsia or the condition called dyspepsia
- Blocked nose
- A feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness
- Watery diarrhoea
Stop the medication and seek urgent help if you notice any serious signs such as:
- Chest ache, syncope, or extreme dizziness.
- Sudden loss or a marked change in vision
- Sudden hearing loss, with or without tinnitus
- Allergic reactions including swelling of the face, lips, tongue or difficulty breathing
- Priapism: an erection that is painful or lasts longer than four hours
Potential potential the give and take of interactions with others are the core of collaboration. among medications
Various medicines and substances change how sildenafil works or increase the risk of undesired consequences. Core subtle the interactional flow among participantss can reinforce culture. include:
- Nitrates and nitrite inhalants: the combination can produce severe, life threatening hypotension.
- Alpha blockers and other antihypertensives: may lead to pronounced low blood pressure; dose timing and supervision are important.
- Other PDE5 inhibitors: do not use sildenafil with tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil or additional sildenafil products.
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example ritonavir, cobicistat, ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin): these can raise sildenafil levels and may require lower sildenafil dosing or avoidance.
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice: they can increase plasma sildenafil concentrations besides the likelihood of unintended consequences.
- Excessive alcohol use: can worsen dizziness and reduce erectile performance.
Always give your prescriber a complete list of all medicines, supplements and herbal products you are taking.
Dose missed guidance
Sildenafil for erectile dysfunction is taken as needed rather than on a fixed schedule. Do not take an extra tablet to replace a the dose was missed. Look at the documentation Amount to take and instructions for recommended timing when planning the next dose.
Overdose tragedy support actions
Symptoms of an overdosing can include severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, intense nausea, or visual disturbances. If you suspect someone has taken too much sildenafil seek immediate medical attention. In the UK call 999 for life threatening emergencies or 111 for urgent but non life threatening advice.
Storing guidelines
- Keep tablets at normal room temperature, typically between 20 and 25 degrees C, away from direct heat and moisture.
- Avoid storing medicines in bathrooms. Keep all medications out of sight and reach of children and pets.
- Do not use after the date of expiry printed on the pack. Return unwanted or expired medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal where local services exist.
Secondary options with comparative assessments
Several other licensed treatments exist for erectile dysfunction. Choice is influenced by desired duration of effect, speed of onset, side effect profile and cost. Readily available additional choices are:
- Tadalafil (Cialis): longer duration, often cited up to 36 hours. Available for on demand use and as a low dose daily option.
- Avanafil aka Spedra: sometimes reported to act faster, with a typical duration of around 6 hours.
- Vardenafil (Levitra): onset and duration similar to sildenafil for many users, usually 4 to 6 hours.
Non pharmaceutical options include vacuum erection devices, psychosexual therapy, lifestyle changes (weight loss, smoking cessation, exercise) and treating underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
For pulmonary arterial hypertension there are specialist formulations of sildenafil and multiple options such as tadalafil (Adcirca); these are managed by specialist teams and must not be interchanged with ED products without medical advice.
How much things cost in Britain
Costs depend on brand, strength, pack size and how you obtain the medicine (pharmacy supply, private prescription, or NHS). Approximate figures in GBP are provided as a guide only:
- Viagra Connect 50 mg (pharmacy supply without prescription): roughly 19 to 25 GBP for a pack of 4 tablets; unit price tends to be lower with larger packs.
- Generic sildenafil (50 mg or 100 mg) via private prescription or online clinics: often around 1 to 3 GBP per tablet depending on quantity ordered.
- Branded Viagra 100 mg on a private prescription: frequently between 8 and 15 GBP per tablet depending on the supplier.
- Tadalafil (Cialis) private prices: variable, often 2 to 6 GBP per tablet for standard on demand strengths; daily low dose may differ.
- Avanafil and vardenafil pricing details: generally comparable to sildenafil generics when bought in larger quantities, but branded versions cost more per tablet.
On the NHS ED medicines are usually supplied only when specific clinical criteria are met; otherwise treatment is commonly obtained privately. When comparing offers include consultation and postage costs and use reputable UK drugstores. For safe buying routes see UK status of legality.
What is the legal status of a person in the United Kingdom?
- Classification: sildenafil 50 mg marketed as Viagra Connect is a Pharmacy (P) medicine and can be supplied by a pharmacist after an assessment. Other strengths and many branded sildenafil packs are Prescription Only Medicines (POM).
- Supply rules: products intended for ED are for adults aged 18 and over. Pharmacists and prescribers assess suitability based on medical history and current medicines.
- Buying online: use UK registered pharmacies and test the system for registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and any MHRA consistent guidance. Avoid unverified international websites to reduce the risk of counterfeit or unsafe medicines.
- Personal import: importing prescription medicines without an appropriate UK prescription risks seizure by border authorities and new potential legal consequences. Obtain medicines through legal UK channels.
- Driving and machinery: avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or your vision is impaired after taking sildenafil.
- Sporting considerations: sildenafil is not generally classed as a prohibited substance for routine therapeutic use by major anti doping organisations. Do not use sildenafil for performance enhancement and follow the rules of specific sporting bodies.
Most asked questions
How quickly does sildenafil start to work and how long will it last? Many men notice an effect within 15 to 60 minutes. The effect commonly lasts around 4 to 6 hours, but individual response varies.
Should sildenafil be taken on a full stomach or with alcohol? A heavy, fatty meal can delay onset. Keep alcohol to a minimum because it can lower erectile response and increase temporary side effects such as dizziness.
Can I combine sildenafil with nitrates? No. Combining sildenafil with nitrates or "poppers" is dangerous and can cause severe hypotension. See Interacting drug effects.
Is it safe to take more than one tablet in 24 hours? No. Do not take more than one dose within any 24 hour interval. If the dose is ineffective discuss a rival option dosing or different treatments with a clinician.
What is the difference between Viagra, Viagra Connect and generic sildenafil? The active ingredient is sildenafil in all these products. Differences lie in brand name, available strengths, how the product is supplied (pharmacy sale versus prescription) and price. A pharmacist can advise on which option is appropriate for you.
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