Sildenafil

What is Sildenafil?

It’s a cheaper alternative to Viagra. In Sildenafil generic tablets, there’s an ingredient called sildenafil citrate. You get it in Viagra too. It’s a type of medicine that helps to relax the blood vessels around the penis.

Erectile dysfunction happens when not enough blood can get into the penis. It’s understood to affect around half of all men aged between 40 and 70 to some extent. So it’s more common than you might think (and if you do experience it, you’re definitely not alone).

The culprit is tight blood vessels, which stop blood from flowing in. An enzyme called PDE5 is what causes this.

Sildenafil counters the effects of this enzyme, so blood can reach the penis. And then, hey presto — a firmer and longer-lasting erection.

Because Sildenafil is a generic, it’s cheaper than Viagra. But it’s the same drug and shouldn’t be any less effective.

How does Sildenafil work?

Sildenafil citrate is a type of drug called a PDE5 inhibitor, which just means that it stops the PDE5 enzyme from tightening up blood vessels in your penis. This allows more blood to flow into your penis, and makes it easier for you to get a harder, longer lasting erection.

So Sildenafil looks after your physical needs. It does fall short of being an aphrodisiac though, so you’ll have to be aroused for it to work.

What Sildenafil dosage is right for me?

Sildenafil tablets come in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg doses. So exactly the same doses as Viagra.

If you’re taking it for the first time, you’ll normally start on Sildenafil 50mg. If you take this dose and it works well but you get mild side effects, our clinician will suggest lowering your dose to 25mg.

Starting on a 25mg dose may also be recommended if you have any risk factors which make you more prone to side effects (like diabetes for example).

Sildenafil 100mg is only for when you’ve tried 50mg and it hasn’t been strong enough. It’s the absolute maximum dose.

How to take Sildenafil

Take Sildenafil one hour before you plan to have sex, and swallow your tablet whole with water. It should take no more than between half an hour and an hour to work. Never take Sildenafil more than once in any 24 hour period.

Stick to the dose prescribed for you by our clinician. If you take more Sildenafil tablets than you should, seek medical attention.

If you get any serious side effects, go to your nearest hospital as soon as possible. This includes any signs of an allergic reaction, chest pain or an erection that lasts for four hours or more and won’t go away on its own.

How long does Sildenafil last?

Sildenafil remains active in the body for up to five hours. As long as you take the tablet correctly, it should give you plenty of time to have sex with your partner. If you find it doesn’t last long enough for sex though, let our clinician know, and they can discuss strengthening your dose with you.

What should I do if Sildenafil doesn’t work?

If it doesn’t work for you, get in touch with our prescriber. They’ll be able to suggest a different dose or an alternative drug. You just need to log in to your account and send our clinician a message. Adjusting your subscription plan is really easy if you want to switch to a different medication.

Medically reviewed by

Ms Laurenmarie Cormier

Nurse Practitioner

on August 02, 2022.

Meet Laurenmarie