Overview 

Sildenafil is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis when sexually stimulated, resulting in a firmer and longer-lasting erection. Sildenafil is the generic version of the popular erectile dysfunction medicine, Viagra. It acts in the same way as viagra, but is cheaper. Sildenafil is one of the most popular treatments of erectile dysfunction. In 2013, the patent for Viagra expired. This has allowed other companies to produce and distribute Sildenafil, the active ingredient within Viagra. This has allowed a much more affordable price for Sildenafil, which works in the same way as Viagra. Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor and is taken daily when required, 1 hour before sexual intercourse, at a dose of 25mg, 50mg or 100mg.

How does sildenafil work?

Sildenafil is taken when required, 60 minutes before sexual activity and it works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which helps to achieve and maintain a firmer and longer-lasting erection. It is important to know that in order for sildenafil to work, sexual arousal and stimulation is still required, without this you will not achieve an erection even if you have taken sildenafil. 

Sildenafil Dosage and effectiveness

Sildenafil comes in 3 different dosages, 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. 50mg is the recommended dose for people that have not used sildenafil before, as it is a sufficient strength for most people suffering from erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil may not be effective the first time you take it, your body may need time to adjust to the treatment, so it should be tried at least 8 times to allow for sildenafil to reach its full effect before trying a different erectile dysfunction treatment.

If sildenafil 50mg has proven to be ineffective, increasing the strength to 100mg may work better at treating erectile dysfunction. If you have experienced unwanted side effects from sildenafil 50mg, decreasing the strength to 25mg may reduce the side effects. Although sildenafil 25mg is a lower dose, it has still proven to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction.

Sildenafil remains effective for 4 to 6 hours after taking it.

Sildenafil Alternatives

If you would prefer an alternative erectile dysfunction treatment to sildenafil 25mg, 50mg or 100mg, there are many other options available here at Ashcroft Pharmacy. This includes:

● Cialis tablets (10mg or 20mg)

● Tadalafil tablets (10mg or 20mg)

● Cialis daily tablets (2.5mg or 5mg)

● Tadalafil daily tablets (2.5mg or 5mg)

● Viagra tablets (25mg, 50mg or 100mg)

● Viagra connect tablets

No more than one erectile dysfunction treatment should be taken at once and there should be a 24 hour break period between each tablet, or 36 hours for tadalafil and Cialis.

Other alternative treatments include:

● Diet changes, such as reducing alcohol and fat intake

● Reducing stress levels

● Quit smoking (help for this can be found on our website)

● Counselling or couples therapy

● Vacuum devices (penis pumps)

References:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7141.pdf
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/7141/smpc
https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/sildenafil.html
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/

Sildenafil should only be taken to help achieve and/or maintain an erection. Do not crush or chew the tablet. The tablet should be taken without food and alcohol intake should be limited. Note that the tablet will only work in combination with sexual stimulation and arousal.

Dosage

One tablet should be swallowed whole with water when required, 60 minutes before sexual activity.

Side Effects

All medications can have side effects, however most people will tolerate sildenafil well with no side effects. Common side effects include:

● Headaches

● Muscle pain

● Dizziness

● Nausea

● Flushing

● Heartburn (reflux)

● Indigestion

● Nasal congestion