Medication features
Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra tablets. It treats erectile dysfunction by increasing the blood flow to the penis, resulting in a harder, longer-lasting erection. This tablet is a convenient and effective treatment for men, helping to boost confidence and improve performance.
- Lasts up to 4 hours
- Effective erectile dysfunction treatment
- Works in 30-60 minutes
- Next-day delivery available
Overview
What is Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is for men who struggle with erectile dysfunction (ED) and want to have sex. The medication encourages blood to flow to the penis, helping men to achieve an erection. It works well, with up to 74% of men who take sildenafil having an erection after taking it. Sildenafil is also sold as the brand Viagra, the name it was first released under.
Struggling to get an erection can cause significant issues in your sex life and impact your intimacy with your partner. There are lots of reasons for erectile dysfunction.
Some men struggle with ED because of other illnesses, such as prostate issues. However, others have psychological reasons for not being able to get an erection, struggle more to get an erection as they get older or cannot pinpoint a reason.
Whatever your reason for struggling to achieve an erection, sildenafil may be able to help. If you find it difficult to get an erection because of problems in your prostate, testicles, or other parts of your reproductive glands, we recommend talking to your doctor before using sildenafil.
The active ingredient of sildenafil is sildenafil citrate. Sildenafil comes in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg strengths.
What Is Sildenafil Used For?
Sildenafil is an erectile dysfunction treatment. The tablets are for men who struggle to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual intercourse.
Taken up to one hour before sex to increase blood flow to the penis, sildenafil tablets can help you achieve and maintain an erection. You should note that sildenafil tablets won't help you to get an erection unless you are stimulated first.
After taking sildenafil, the majority of men notice that their erection is firmer and lasts for longer. The medication typically works better if you take it on an empty stomach.
How Does Sildenafil Work?
The active ingredient of sildenafil, sildenafil citrate, is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. This type of drug works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme, which helps your blood vessels to relax and improves blood flow.
It is the widening of the blood vessels that increases blood flow to your penis, allowing you to achieve an erection when aroused. PDE5 is mainly found in the corpus cavernosum, which is one of the columns of tissue in the penis. PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil stop PDE5 from reversing the erection process.
Sildenafil also boosts nitric oxide, the naturally-produced chemical which helps your penis muscles to relax.
How long does Sildenafil last
Sildenafil lasts for 4-6 hours. There is always a chance that Sildenafil might not work the first time, so you are recommended to try the medication up to 8 times before you decide if it is suitable for you.
Does Sildenafil Make You Last Longer?
Sildenafil is an erectile dysfunction treatment but is not necessarily an effective treatment for premature ejaculation. Although some people think that the medicine can make you last longer in bed, this may be a misconception.
There is evidence that sildenafil can reduce the postorgasmic refractory time — the time during which men are sexually unresponsive after orgasm — by several minutes.
But for premature ejaculation, there are other treatment options which are more effective than sildenafil. Premature ejaculation spray — commonly known as PE spray — is applied to the underside of the penis shaft and head 5 to 10 minutes before sex. It works by reducing the sensitivity of nerves in your penis to counteract premature ejaculation.
Sildenafil Alternatives
Sildeanfil tablets are one of many erectile dysfunction medications. Below we have compared this popular drug to other erectile dysfunction medications. Take a look at Cloud Pharmacy's erectile dysfunction treatment page for more information.
Sildenafil vs Viagra
Sildenafil is the same type of medication as Viagra with Sildenafil being the active ingredient in Viagra. Viagra is the branded version of Sildenafil meaning that they work in the same way. The main benefit of Sildenafil tablets has to do with the cost with Sildenafil being cheaper than Viagra. Both require prescriptions. For over-the-counter erectile dysfunction medication, why not take a look at Viagra Connect.
Sildenafil vs Cialis
Cialis is a branded medication containing tadalafil, whereas Sildenafil is an ingredient present in Viagra. Cialis is more expensive than Viagra and other sildenafil-containing medications. Cialis lasts longer than Sildenafil - Sildenafil typically lasts 4-6 hours, while the effects of Cialis can be experienced for up to 36 hours.
Sildenafil Vs Tadalafil
Sildenafil and tadalafil are both treatments for erectile dysfunction. The two medicines contain different active ingredients — sildenafil contains sildenafil citrate, while tadalafil contains tadalafil citrate. Both of these active ingredients are phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors which work in the same way, treating erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis when you are aroused.
Like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil is also sold under a brand name — Cialis.
Aside from containing different active ingredients, sildenafil and tadalafil also take effect differently. While sildenafil can take up to an hour to help you get an erection, tadalafil can be effective within 30 minutes. Tadalafil also lasts longer, with effects lasting 24 to 36 hours, whereas sildenafil works for up to four hours.
These two erectile dysfunction treatments are available in different strengths. While sildenafil comes in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets, tadalafil is available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets.
A direct comparison of tadalafil with sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction found that ‘tadalafil shares a similar efficacy and safety with sildenafil and significantly improves patients’ sexual confidence’”.
Sildenafil and tadalafil share numerous potential side effects, including:
Serious side effects from these erectile dysfunction treatments are rare, occurring in less than 1 in 1,000 people.
Sildenafil And alcohol
If you are taking sildenafil, you may drink alcohol, as alcohol does not stop sildenafil from being effective. But while it’s usually OK to have a drink while taking sildenafil, alcohol may make it harder for you to achieve an erection. For this reason, it’s not a good idea to drink a lot of alcohol before taking sildenafil.
Sildenafil reviews
Sildenafil reviews are generally positive, with most people finding that they have an erection shortly after taking the medicine. Sildenafil producers do note that not everyone will experience an erection with Sildenafil, and this is reflected in the reviews. However, about 70% of takers report experiencing an erection, and some men note that they needed to try Sildenafil two or more times before noticing the positive impacts.
Side effects are reported as very uncommon when taking Sildenafil, but the most common reports are nausea, headaches and flushing. Most people who reported side effects said that they passed in an hour or two and that they didn’t need to speak to their doctor or seek medical attention.
Can you buy Sildenafil over the counter?
Sildenafil tablets cannot be bought over the counter in the UK without a prescription. Your suitability for sildenafil will be assessed before you can buy the tablets online.
You can buy other ED treatments such as Viagra Connect tablets and Eropid 50mg tablets over the counter without a prescription in the UK, from either a high street or online pharmacy. Both contain sildenafil as the active ingredient, meaning they work in the same way. At Cloud Pharmacy, our trained professionals can provide you both ED treatments following a few questions to ensure it is an appropriate treatment for you.
To buy sildenafil tablets at Cloud Pharmacy, you’ll need to complete a short questionnaire. Once your suitability has been confirmed, you will be able to order sildenafil tablets online.
With Cloud Pharmacy’s online service, after your consultation is complete, we will approve and dispense your medication, before dispatching it to your UK address in a discreet package with next-day delivery.
Sildenafil (Viagra) Summary
Sildenafil Dose | Take ONE tablet 30-60 minutes before any sexual activity. Do NOT take more than ONE dose a day |
Sildenafil Mechanism of Action | Sildenafil is part of a drug class known as PDE-5 inhibitors. It works by inhibiting an enzyme, which allows for smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow to the penis. |
Sildenafil Effectiveness | Most men will notice a firmer and longer lasting erection with sildenafil. Most people who use sildenafil found it to work much better when taken on an empty stomach |
Sildenafil Side Effects | Can include nasal congestion, headaches, facial flushing, mild vertigo, pounding heartbeat and blurred vision |
Sildenafil Time to Work | Sildenafil takes 30-60 minutes to work, it will work faster on an empty stomach |
Sildenafil Price | Starting from £0.47. Branded viagra is much more expensive. |
Directions
How to take Sildenafil
The usual dose of sildenafil is 50mg. This can be lowered to 25mg or increased to 100mg, according to its effectiveness. Sildenafil tablets are swallowed whole with a drink. You can drink water or fruit juice, but avoid grapefruit juice as this may delay your absorption of the medicine.
The tablets are best taken on an empty stomach, as they work quicker than when taken after a meal.
For the best results, sildenafil tablets should be taken around one hour before sexual activity. You may take sildenafil any time from 30 minutes to four hours before having sex. You shouldn’t take sildenafil more than once every 24 hours. People with certain medical conditions may be advised by their doctor to take sildenafil less frequently.
If you forget to take a dose of sildenafil, take your next tablet when you need to (one hour before sex). Do not take a double dose of sildenafil to make up for the dose you missed.
Sildenafil dosage
Sildenafil dosage amounts range from 25mg to 100mg. Sildenafil 50mg is the most common dosage, although some men react better to 25mg.
You should only take Sildenafil 100mg if you have been advised to by a doctor. Some men who have more severe erectile dysfunction or who are taller and heavier may respond better to Sildenafil 100mg.
You should only ever take one tablet or serving of Sildenafil at a time, and you shouldn’t take more than one in a day.
How long does Sildenafil take to work?
Sildenafil effects are unusually noticeable 30-60 minutes after consuming the tablets, but it is still at its optimum effectiveness when taken four hours before intercourse. However, Sildenafil does not cause an erection on its own - the medication requires you to be aroused as well.
Sildenafil can also be used to maintain an erection for long enough to have sex to ejaculate. Some men also use it to prevent premature ejaculation.
Side Effects
Sildenafil side effects
There exist both common, less serious side effects and more severe side effects that need immediate medical attention.
Common side effects
- An erection that lasts longer than normal (less than 4 hours)
- Nosebleeds
- Fever
- Red face
- Insomnia
- Upset stomach
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cold-like symptoms, including sore throat and runny nose
- Respiratory infection symptoms
If these symptoms don’t go away or feel severe, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Severe side effects
These side effects are more serious. Consult your doctor if you experience the following when you take Sildenafil tablets, and go to A&E if your symptoms are severe:
- Symptoms of low blood pressure, including confusion, lightheadedness, fatigue, weakness, nausea, fainting,
- dizziness and blurry vision
- Shortness of breath
- Hearing problems
- Problems with vision
- Heart issues that could indicate a heart attack. Symptoms include trouble speaking, pain in your chest, confusion, and feeling lightheaded
Go to A&E or call 999 immediately if you experience the following:
- If you experience an erection that lasts for longer than 4 hours, you should seek emergency medical treatment - as this can cause permanent damage to the penis
- Sudden hearing loss
- Sudden vision loss
Warnings
Sildenafil drug reactions
There are a few drugs that can react with Sildenafil tablets causing them to not work or, significantly increasing the possibility of side effects. If you are taking any other type of medication, you should speak to your doctor about potential reactions.
Drugs that are known to react with Sildenafil include:
- Alpha-blockers, although these can generally be taken more than 6 hours before you take Sildenafil
- Nicorandil or nitrates, including GTN spray and isosorbide mononitrate tablets
Who cannot take Sildenafil
Sildenafil for erectile dysfunction should only be taken by men. It cannot be taken by women to increase arousal.
There are also some other conditions that mean you should not take Sildenafil. Do not consume the drug if you:
- Have had allergic reactions to any kind of medications, especially Sildenafil
- Have liver disease or any kind of heart issue
- Experience low blood pressure, as Sildenafil can cause your blood pressure to drop further. If you have had low blood pressure in the past, see your doctor to get your blood pressure assessed before you take Sildenafil
- Take any chest pain medications, such as nitrates. These can react badly with Sildenafil
- Have had a stroke
- Have had a heart attack, as Sildenafil could cause you to experience more heart issues
- Have hereditary eye disease. If you have any type of eye disease, speak to your doctor before you take Sildenafil
There are also some important conditions that you should consult with your doctor about before taking Sildenafil:
- Sickle cell anaemia, which is a low amount of red blood cells
- Leukaemia, a cancer of the blood
- Multiple Myeloma
- Stomach ulcer
- Bleeding disorders, such as haemophilia
- Any kind of penis problem or disorder
Patient Info Leaflet
Sildenafil patient information leaflet
For more information about Sildenafil tablets, please take a look at the information leaflet below:
FAQs
What is Sildenafil 100mg UK?
Sildenafil 100mg UK is the strongest strength of Sildenafil (Viagra) availalbe in the UK. 100mg sildenafil citrate is avaialble for purchase from Cloud Pharmacy as well as 25mg and 50mg strenghts of sildenafil.
When Was Viagra / Sildenafil Invented?
The Sildenafil compound was originally developed by drug giant Pfizer in the 1980's for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina pectoris (chest pain due to heart disease). During the heart clinical trials, researchers discovered that the medication was better at inducing erections that it was at treating angina.
After undergoing clinical trials in the 1990's sildenafil (Viagra) was patented in 1996 and went onto the market in 1998 after receiving FDA approval. Viagra has been on the market for over 20 years, meaning it is the oldest medication on the market approved by the FDA for erectile dysfunction.
Is Teva Sildenafil the Same as Viagra?
Sildenafil Teva is the generic version of viagra that is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Viagra is so popular that members of the general public whom are not normally familiar with medications are likely to know that the Viagra can be used for the treatment ED.
Teva Sildenafil is the generic version fo Viagra, as mentioned previously the medication Viagra for ED was brough to market by Pfizer in 1998. Once the patent had expired a 'generic' version of the medication was now legally allowed for production by other drug manufacturers.
The generic version fo Viagra is Sildenafil and Teva was the first generic drug manufacturer to make sildenafil and sell it. It was widely distributed and much cheaper than viagra, whilst exerting the same effects.
How Do You Take Sildenafil?
Sildenafil (Viagra) should be taken 60 minutes prior to any sexual activity. For increased likelihood of better performance it is advised that you take sildenafil on an empty stomach. It is important to not take more than 100mg of sildenafil citrate in a 24 hour period. If you take Sildenafil with high volumes of alcohol (more than two units) there is a chance that it may not work.
Since sildenafil was primarily developed to reduced blood pressure, taking Sildenafil (viagra) with alcohol (which also reduces blood pressure) may increased the likeliehood of side effects such as dizziness, lighheadedness, fainting, flushing, headache and heart palpitations.
How Long Does It Take for Sildenafil to Start Working?
Sildenafil usually takes 30-60 minutes to have noticeable effects. It's effects can last for up to 5 hours, however this is largely dependent on various factors, for example how much food you have had to eat before taking sildenafil or how big/small you are.
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