Sildenafil Reviews: What Real Users Think

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence is a common condition, especially in men over the age of 40. Common causes of ED or impotence include stress, excess consumption of alcohol, the side effects of some medications, and conditions such as diabetes, hormone problems, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. 

ED or impotence is typically not a life-threatening disorder, but if it persists, it is important to see a GP to determine its cause. Fortunately, there are effective treatment options for ED, such as Sildenafil. 

Recently, Viagra Connect (Sildenafil) has been reclassified as a non-prescription Pharmacy medicine for the treatment of ED symptoms in the UK. 

This article will break down what Sildenafil is, how to use it and its potential side effects, including highlighting reviews of sildenafil and its role in treating ED.

Sildenafil overview: what is it and how to use it? 

Sildenafil is the generic version of brand-name ED medications such as Viagra, Aronix or Grandipam. 

Active ingredients 

The active ingredient in Sildenafil is Sildenafil citrate. 

How Sildenafil works 

Sildenafil citrate is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5-1). Sildenafil was the first PDE5 inhibitor approved for use in treating ED. 

This drug works by restricting the PD5 enzyme, which normally breaks down a substance called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). When sexually stimulated, cGMP is made in the penis, where it causes the smooth muscles in the penis to relax. This promotes increased blood flow into the smooth muscles, causing an erection. 

By stopping the breakdown of cGMP, Sildenafil temporarily restores erectile dysfunction. For Sildenafil to work, sexual stimulation is needed. 

Sildenafil may be used off-label for the treatment of female sexual arousal disorder and secondary Raynaud phenomenon.  

How long does it take for Sildenafil to kick in? 

Sildenafil generally begins to work 30 to 60 minutes after taking it. This could be longer if you have taken it after a meal. In some cases, Sildenafil may not work the first time it is used. It is important to understand that Sildenafil itself does not cause an erection; you have to be sexually stimulated for the medication to cause an increase of blood in the penis.  

Sildenafil can remain in the bloodstream for up to 4 hours after taking it. Some men may find Sildenafil an effective treatment to help prevent premature ejaculation or to maintain an erection during sex. 

How much Sildenafil can be prescribed on the NHS?

Sildenafil is available on the NHS to treat erectile dysfunction or pulmonary hypertension. Branded versions of Sildenafil, such as Viagra, are only available on the NHS in special circumstances. 

You can also buy Sildenafil online with a prescription. Other ED treatments with the active ingredient Sildenafil, such as Eropid 50mg and Viagra Connect (50mg), can be bought over the counter (OTC) without a prescription. It is important to make sure that you purchase your prescription or OTC from a reputable source such as Cloud Pharmacy. 

Dosage and usage recommendations 

Most men 18 years and older can take Sildenafil to treat their erectile dysfunction. The typical dose of Sildenafil is 50mg, as needed. It is important not to take more than one dose in a day, as this may cause an overdose or serious adverse side effects. 

Depending on how well you tolerate the dosage and how well it is, the dose can be increased to 100mg or decreased to 25mg. 

Sildenafil tablets should be swallowed whole, with a drink of water or fruit juice. It is important to avoid grapefruit juice, as this may affect the rate at which your body absorbs the medicine. Sildenafil is best taken on an empty stomach, as it absorbs faster than after a meal. 

It is recommended to take Sildenafil at least an hour before you plan on having sex. But you can take this medication 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual intercourse. If you miss a dose of Sildenafil, do not take a double dose to make up for your missed dose. 

How does it feel after taking Sildenafil? 

When taking Sildenafil for the first time, you may decide to have a “trial run,” as some men may need to take this ED medication up to 8 times before they find it effective. Sildenafil generally takes between 30 and 60 minutes to begin to kick in. Sildenafil generally lasts in the bloodstream for at least 4-6 hours. 

In most cases, after taking Sildenafil, an erection can remain for the duration of sex. You should be able to engage in sexual intercourse more frequently when taking Sildenafil, as the time you have to wait between having sex again is often shorter. 

Are there any known side effects? 

As with any medication, there may be side effects. While not everyone may experience side effects, talk to your GP or pharmacist if they persist. Common side effects of Sildenafil include: 

• Headache
• Nausea 
• Dizziness 
• Nasal congestion (stuffy nose) 
• Flushing, including hot flushes 
• Nose bleeds 
• Insomnia 

Serious side effects from Sildenafil only affect less than 1 in 1,000 people. If you experience any of the following side effects, contact your GP or pharmacist or go to the A&E if your symptoms worsen: 

• Low blood pressure 
• Dizziness and blurry vision 
• Problems with vision 
• An erection that lasts more than 4 hours
• Sudden hearing loss 
• Heart issues such as pain in the chest, lightheadedness or trouble speaking 

Interactions with other medications 

Sildenafil is safe and effective when used as prescribed, but like most medications, it can interact negatively with other medications. The most commonly reported serious effects of drugs in the class of PDE5 inhibitors are complications relating to blood pressure and alpha-blockers. 

Serious Sildenafil drug interactions include: 

• Nitrates: Sildenafil and nitrates do not mix, as nitrates can cause cardiovascular (heart) complications. Examples of nitrites used for chest pain include butyl nitrate, nitroglycerin and amyl nitrite.
• PDE5 inhibitors: It is not advised to take Sildenafil with any other medications used to treat ED. Complications of mixing these two drugs may lead to a heart attack. Other PDE5 inhibitors include Viagra, Tadalafil (Cialis), Avanafil and Vardenafil (Levitra).
• Blood pressure medication: Sildenafil was originally used to treat high blood pressure for those at risk of developing a heart attack. Thus, mixing other blood pressure medications with Sildenafil could cause lots of complications.
• Alpha-blockers: These are another type of blood pressure medication that, when mixed with Sildenafil, may cause sudden low blood pressure. 

Moderate and mild Sildenafil drug interactions include: 

• Antifungal drugs: Sildenafil and antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole, clarithromycin, doxazosin and erythromycin, may increase the concentrations in the bloodstream. This could increase the risk of experiencing mild or serious side effects.
• HIV protease inhibitors and antibiotics: Some HIV/AIDs medications, such as antibiotics and ritonavir, can increase the concentration of Sildenafil in your bloodstream.
• Grapefruit: PDE5 inhibitors and grapefruit, when taken together, can cause complications. Grapefruit may increase the concentration of the medication you have taken in the body.
• Alcohol: Mixing alcohol with Sildenafil is not dangerous in moderation, but it is not recommended. Alcohol and PDE5 inhibitors may lead to complications such as a drop in blood pressure.   

Tell your pharmacist or GP about any prescription and OTC medications, supplements or herbal remedies you take. Ensure that you discuss the dosages and frequency of your prescription medications. 

Cost 

Cloud Pharmacy has Sildenafil available as OTC options, such as Eropid 50mg and Viagra Connect (50mg), or as a prescription from one of our licensed pharmacists:

Sildenafil summary

Sildenafil reviews

Sildenafil reviews are mostly positive, with the average review being 4.4 out of 5. Most men found Sildenafil was quick to take effect, worked well and helped remove any performance anxiety they experienced.  

Sildenafil reviews summary

Sildenafil reviews are generally positive, with users reporting they got an erection (when sexually stimulated) quickly after taking the medication. Sildenafil manufacturers mentioned that not everyone who takes Sildenafil will experience an erection. This is represented in Sildenafil reviews, with some men mentioning that they need to take it on more than one occasion to experience its effects. 

The most commonly reported side effects mentioned in Sildenafil 100mg, 50mg and 25 mg reviews are facial flushing, headaches and nausea. It was noted that side effects generally subsided in an hour or two at most. They did not think that the side effects outweighed the positive effects of Sildenafil. 

Branded vs generic: which is better? 

Both Viagra (branded version) and Sildenafil (generic version) have the same active ingredient, Sildenafil citrate. As Viagra is the branded version of Sildenafil, they work the same way and are equally effective. The main differences between these two ED medications are their price and looks (cosmetics). 

Sildenafil, being a generic, is cheaper than Viagra. However, it does not look the same or have the same branding on the box. Both these drugs require prescriptions in the UK, with OTC options available as Viagra Connect or Eropid. Both these OTC sildenafil options contain 50mgs of the active ingredient. 

Recent sildenafil research and relevant reading material 

Sildenafil is currently only used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. Recent Sildenafil research includes: 

• Exploring the Multifaceted Potential of Sildenafil in Medicine: This research paper explores Sildenafil as a treatment option for other conditions such as cancer, retinopathy, wound healing, kidney diseases, depression, lung and heart disease.  

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the latest treatments or research involving Sildenafil. 

Is it worth taking Sildenafil? 

It is important to remember that Sildenafil is not a cure for erectile dysfunction, nor does it increase sexual desire (libido); rather, it is a temporary treatment. Sildenafil may be suitable for someone looking for a cost-effective ED treatment that works the same as Viagra. 

You cannot get Sildenafil tablets without a prescription in the UK. Recently, Viagra Connect (Sildenafil) has been reclassified as a non-prescription pharmacy medicine for the treatment of ED. This means that Viagra Connect (50mg) and Eropid (50mg) can be bought OTC. 

You can get both prescription Sildeanfil or OTC alternatives from Cloud Pharmacy. One of our trained pharmacists will be able to help you with the most appropriate ED treatment. You will need to complete a short questionnaire to determine suitability. Once your suitability has been confirmed, you can then order Sildenafil tablets online. 

After your order is complete, the medicine will be dispensed and shipped with next-day delivery to your UK address in discreet packaging. 

Is Sildenafil as strong as Viagra?

Sildenafil and Viagra are both available with a prescription in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg doses. Both these ED medications have the same active ingredient, Sildenafil citrate, and therefore have the same strength. 

As Sildenafil is the generic of Viagra, they both work the same way in the body. 

Does Sildenafil keep you hard after coming? 

Yes, Sildenafil may help you keep an erection, even after coming. However, if you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, it is important to seek medical care, as this could cause permanent damage to your penis if left unattended.