Sildenafil tablets

Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra, used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It contains the same active ingredient — sildenafil citrate — and works in exactly the same way as branded Viagra.

It helps improve blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, supporting firmer, longer-lasting erections. Sildenafil is medically identical to Viagra, but available at a significantly lower cost.

Sildenafil belongs to a group of medications called PDE5 inhibitors. These help relax blood vessels in the penis, making it easier to get an erection during sexual stimulation.

• Time to work: 30 to 60 minutes
• Duration: 4 to 6 hours
• Success rate: Around 83% of men respond to sildenafil

You must be sexually aroused for the medication to take effect.

• The usual starting dose is 50 mg, taken 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity
• Take no more than one tablet per 24 hours
• Works best on an empty stomach
• Avoid alcohol and high-fat meals, which can delay or weaken effects

If 50 mg is too strong, reduce to 25 mg. If not effective, speak to your doctor about increasing to 100 mg.

Sildenafil is for adult men with ED. It should not be used by women or individuals under 18.

You should not take sildenafil if you:

• Have a penile deformity or Peyronie’s disease
• Have had a heart attack, stroke, or have unstable angina
• Have severe heart or liver disease
• Have low blood pressure or certain eye conditions like retinitis pigmentosa or NAION
• Take nitrates, nitric oxide donors (e.g., poppers), or riociguat

Avoid taking sildenafil with other ED medications or recreational substances like amyl nitrite.

Sildenafil can interact with:

• Nitrates (used for chest pain)
• Alpha-blockers (for high blood pressure or prostate enlargement)
• Protease inhibitors (used to treat HIV)

If you are on any of these medications, consult a doctor before use.

Sildenafil is generally well tolerated, but side effects may occur.

Common side effects include:

• Headache
• Facial flushing
• Nasal congestion
• Dizziness
• Indigestion
• Mild visual disturbances

Serious (rare) side effects include:

• Erection lasting over 4 hours (priapism)
• Sudden loss of vision or hearing
• Chest pain or allergic reaction

If you experience any of these, seek immediate medical attention.