Medication Name
Sildenafil.
Basics
Sildenafil treats erectile dysfunction by helping blood flow into the penis during sexual stimulation. Viagra contains sildenafil, and approved generic versions provide the same active ingredient with the same main benefits and risks.
Differences in packaging or tablet appearance do not change that relationship. The medicine inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5, or PDE5. It supports the normal erection response rather than creating sexual desire.
You still need arousal, and treatment does not mean that an erection should continue for the full time the medicine remains active.
Sildenafil Approved Uses
Erectile dysfunction is the approved use covered by this profile. Sildenafil also appears in other products for pulmonary arterial hypertension; those products use their own prescribing instructions.
- Erectile dysfunction (ED).
Sildenafil Drug Category
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5 inhibitor).
Sildenafil Side Effects
Clinical trial labeling lists these among the more commonly reported reactions. Their severity and duration vary. Contact your clinician if symptoms recur, persist or interfere with using the prescription; do not adjust the dose independently. The prescribing label groups these as common reactions reported in at least 2 percent of patients. Frequency can differ by dose and study group.
- Headache.
- Flushing.
- Indigestion.
- Changes in vision.
- Nasal congestion.
- Back pain.
- Muscle pain.
- Nausea.
- Dizziness.
- Rash.
Sildenafil Cost
Cost varies with tablet strength, quantity, pharmacy, insurance and discounts. Historical retail examples have ranged from around $23 per tablet before discounts to less than $1 with some discount arrangements.
Those figures do not establish a current quote or guarantee availability at that price. Ask for the total cost of the prescribed quantity and any consultation, delivery or membership charges.
A low advertised price per tablet can depend on a larger purchase. Approved generic sildenafil often costs less than brand-name Viagra without changing the active ingredient.
Interactions & Contraindications
- Do not use sildenafil with nitric oxide donors, including organic nitrates or nitrites in any form.
- Do not use a product if you have a known allergy to sildenafil or one of its tablet ingredients.
- Review interactions involving nitrates, alpha-blockers, other antihypertensives and CYP3A4 inhibitors, including ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinavir and erythromycin.
Warnings & Precautions
- Do not use an ED medicine as a reason to disregard advice against sexual activity because of cardiovascular health.
- Seek emergency treatment for an erection that reaches four hours.
- Stop sildenafil and obtain urgent care for sudden loss of vision in either eye; NAION, a rare optic nerve disorder, is one possible cause.
- Stop the medicine and seek prompt assessment if hearing suddenly decreases or disappears.
- Ask about precautions when an alpha-blocker or another blood pressure medicine accompanies sildenafil.
- Higher exposure can increase the risk of low blood pressure, fainting and prolonged erections.
FAQs
How quickly does sildenafil work for ED?
Many men notice a response within 30-60 minutes, provided sexual stimulation occurs. Food, health and other medicines can influence timing. Follow the instructions for the actual formulation supplied.
What are the available doses of sildenafil for ED?
For ED, clinicians commonly start at 50 mg and may adjust to 25 mg or 100 mg according to benefit, tolerability and individual risk. Follow the prescribed amount and interval.
How long does sildenafil last?
For many men, sildenafil supports an erection response for about four hours. This is an opportunity to respond to stimulation, not a continuous erection. Individual timing varies, and an erection reaching four hours requires emergency care.
Is sildenafil the same as Viagra?
Viagra is a brand containing sildenafil. An approved generic in an equivalent strength should provide comparable exposure and the same main clinical effects, although inactive ingredients and appearance may differ. The brand can cost more and look different, but those differences do not change the ingredient. Ask the pharmacist about the equivalent product and strength when switching.