Overview and scope
Sildenafil is the active ingredient most commonly associated with the brand name Viagra. It is a member of the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor class and is prescribed primarily for erectile dysfunction in adult men. Separate formulations and doses are licensed for pulmonary arterial hypertension and are managed by specialist teams.
Products for erectile dysfunction are usually available as tablets of 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg strength. The active molecule appears as sildenafil citrate in marketed preparations.
- The primary criterion is erectile dysfunction in adult men.
- Common tablet sizes: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
- Other licensed indication: pulmonary arterial hypertension (specialist care)
- Available as both brand-name and generic options
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British law guidance and supply routes
In the UK most sildenafil products for erectile dysfunction require a prescription (POM). There is a pharmacy-only option: Viagra Connect 50 mg can be supplied after a pharmacist carries out an assessment and confirms it is suitable for the individual.
- Pharmacy supply: pharmacists ask about heart disease, medicines and symptoms before supplying Viagra Connect.
- Age: pharmacy supply is restricted to adults (18 years and over).
- Buying online: use only UK-registered providers. Check that the pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and follow British prescribing standards.
- Imports and customs: small personal quantities may be allowed depending on customs and regulatory checks; commercial imports require appropriate licences and approvals.
- Safety note: do not accept medicines from sellers who do not perform a medical review or who ship unlicensed products; Border Force may detain unsafe shipments.
Cost details and comparisons are under Average subscription pricing bands in Britain. For clinical suitability speak to a pharmacist or prescriber before the treatment gets underway.
Sildenafil action explained
Sexual stimulation causes release of nitric oxide in penile tissue which increases levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP relaxes smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum and permits increased blood flow that leads to an erection. Sildenafil slows the breakdown of cGMP by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), helping to maintain an erection during sexual stimulation.
Important: sildenafil does not create sexual desire or cause an erection without sexual arousal; stimulation is required for the drug to be effective.
Instructions for dosing and taking it
- Typical initial dose for erectile dysfunction is 50 mg, taken about 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity.
- Adjustments: based on effect and tolerability the dose may be lowered to 25 mg or increased to 100 mg; do not take more than one dose in any 24 hour period.
- Food: a heavy, fatty meal can delay the onset of action; taking sildenafil on a lighter stomach usually produces a faster onset.
- Spirituous beverage: excessive alcohol reduces sexual response and can increase indirect effects such as lightheadedness.
- Grapefruit: avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice which can increase sildenafil blood levels through CYP3A4 clear the give and take of interactions reduce confusion..
Always discuss concurrent medicines and supplements with your prescriber or pharmacist; see Noteworthy the networked exchange of ideass create opportunities for collaboration. among drugs. If you have heart disease and are unsure whether sexual activity is safea review process Safety requirements.
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- Nitrates and recreational amyl/butyl nitrites: combining these with sildenafil can cause a severe and growing potentially life threatening fall in blood pressure and must be avoided.
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: drugs such as ritonavir, ketoconazole or itraconazole can raise sildenafil concentrations; dose changes may be necessary.
- Alpha blockers: medicines like tamsulosin or doxazosin can interact to lower blood pressure; careful timing and dosing are recommended.
- Other PDE5 inhibitors: do not use sildenafil together with tadalafil, vardenafil or avanafil.
- Antihypertensive agents and alcohol: combined effects can increase dizziness and fainting risk.
See Details on dosing and taking it for food-related real time the mutual influence during contacts enable quick problem solving. and Safe operation guidelines for cardiovascular concerns.
Guarding against hazards
- Allergy: do not use if you have a known allergy to sildenafil or any tablet ingredient.
- Cardiac conditions: if you have unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe heart failure or serious arrhythmias, seek specialist advice before using sildenafil.
- Vision and hearing: rare cases of sudden vision loss or sudden hearing decrease have been reported; stop taking the medicine and get urgent medical help if these occur.
- Elderly patients: may be more sensitive to adverse symptoms such as dizziness; dose adjustments should be considered.
- Licensed users: ED products are intended for adult men; pulmonary hypertension preparations are prescribed and monitored by specialists.
Get a second opinion the section about absolute exclusions Who should not ingest it?. For common adverse events see Possible medication-related effects.
Who should stay away from taking it?
- Anyone currently taking nitrates for angina or using recreational nitrite products.
- People treated with riociguat or other soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators.
- Those advised to avoid sexual activity due to unstable cardiovascular disease.
- Individuals with a known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any excipient in the tablet.
- Patients already taking another PDE5 inhibitor should not combine therapies.
Possible drug-related effects
Most additional effects are transient and mild. Frequently reported reactions include:
- Headache discomfort with facial flushing
- Blocked nasal cavity or blocked nose
- Stomach upset or stomach distress
- Feeling faint and dizzy
- Visual changes such as altered colour perception or increased light sensitivity
- An episode of diarrhoea
Seek urgent care if you experience any distressing symptoms. chest pain, fainting, sudden hearing loss, sudden loss of vision, or an erection lasting longer than four hours (priapism) as these can be serious.
Metadata for securing storage ensures that valuables stay safe. is available at Clear recommended a storage solution should balance access and protection. procedures. If you think you or someone else has taken too much, follow Overdose incident management steps.
Missed medication dose
Sildenafil for erectile dysfunction is taken as needed. If you forget to take it before sexual activity, do not attempt to compensate by taking an extra dose later. Adhere to the maximum of one dose in any 24 hour period.
Overdose episode related actions
If an consuming an overdose is suspected seek emergency medical assessment immediately. Symptoms that may indicate consuming an overdose include severe dizziness, fainting, chest pain, very fast or irregular heartbeat, severe nausea or vomiting, or vision problems. Bring the medicine packaging and any remaining tablets to help clinicians identify what was taken.
Procedures for flexible storage options adapt to changing needs.
- Place medicines well out of reach and out of sight of children and pets.
- Store at normal room temperature, ideally between 20 and 25 degrees C, away from direct heat and strong sunlight.
- Protect tablets from moisture; avoid storing them in bathrooms or other damp places.
Similar drugs and alternate options
If sildenafil does not suit you or it is ineffective, there are other options. Never combine treatments without clinical advice.
- Tadalafil: available in on-demand doses (for example 10 mg or 20 mg) and as a low-dose daily regimen; its action typically lasts longer (up to 36 hours).
- Vardenafil: similar onset and duration to sildenafil; common doses include 10 mg and 20 mg.
- Avanafil: sometimes faster onset for some men, with doses from 50 mg to 200 mg.
- Generic sildenafil: same active ingredient as Viagra, usually offered at lower cost.
- Non-drug approaches: vacuum erection devices, psychosexual therapy, exercise, weight reduction, stopping smoking and cutting down alcohol.
- Specialist options: alprostadil injections or urethral suppositories, and penile prostheses for refractory cases under urology care.
Price notes and comparisons are in Usual prices charged in Britain. Discuss additional choices with a clinician to establish the best and safest choice for you.
Prices typical of Britain (approx)
Private retail prices vary by brand, pharmacy and pack size. Figures below are approximate and given in pounds sterling (GBP). NHS availability and charges differ by location and clinical need.
- Generic sildenafil (private prescription): commonly around 5 to 15 GBP for a pack of 4 tablets depending on strength and supplier.
- Viagra Connect 50 mg (pharmacy supply): typically 20 to 25 GBP for 4 tablets; some packs of 8 tablets may cost 35 to 50 GBP.
- Tadalafil 10 mg or 20 mg (private supply): often 15 to 30 GBP for 4 tablets.
- Vardenafil 10 mg or 20 mg: frequently 20 to 35 GBP for 4 tablets.
- Avanafil also marketed as Spedra 50 mg to 200 mg: often 50 to 70 GBP for 4 tablets.
Generic products are usually the most economical choice. In England a prescription fee may apply per item unless you are exempt; prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. When a product is supplied as a pharmacy-only medication the retail price set by the pharmacy will apply rather than an NHS prescription charge.
This item is for use in sports
Sildenafil is not on the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibited list. Nevertheless athletes should consult their team doctor or sports physician before taking any medicine and conduct a check organisation-specific rules. Evidence that sildenafil enhances performance at sea level is limited; some research has explored effects at high altitude. Be mindful of harmful effects like experiencing a headache or dizziness and avoid unsafe drug combinations listed in Critical drug contact and response check alerts.
For the full legal and medical statement see the Read with caution: this is a warning: The content is for informational use and may not be suitable for all situations. in the page footer area at the bottom.
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