Birds eye view

Sildenafil citrate constitutes the active ingredient. Primary purpose: treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Some clinicians may also discuss off-label uses in select situations, but any such use should only occur under medical supervision. For notes on regulatory matters on acquiring sildenafil in the United States see the Status in the Eyes of the Law section below at Status of legality and buying policies (USA).

Action an engine: sildenafil works by enhancing nitric oxide mediated vasodilation in the corpus cavernosum via inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This improves penile blood flow and supports an erection when there is sexual stimulation.

Tablet strengths encountered worldwide vary. In the United States, FDA-approved oral tablet strengths for ED are commonly 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Other non-US marketed strengths exist but are not FDA-approved. For comparable products, see Complementary health therapies and Similar Therapies.

How Dosing Is Administered

Typical adult starting dose: 50 mg taken approximately 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. Based on response and tolerability a clinician may recommend lowering the dose to 25 mg or increasing to 100 mg. One dose per day at most.

Essential Caution notes and Operational warnings

For personalized advice about risks and continuous monitoring, consult your healthcare professional and look over the Medication Interactions across networks section at Drug Interaction Observation and tracking.

Medical health conditions that forbid use

Potential drug long term effects

Sildenafil is commonly well tolerated by many patients. Common, generally mild drug side effects include:

Seek immediate medical help if you experience serious symptoms such as chest pain, fainting, an erection lasting longer than 4 hours, sudden vision loss, sudden hearing loss, severe allergic reactions (swelling, difficulty breathing), or other alarming signs. For guidance on accidental excessive use see Excessive medication dose.

Interaction Potential Between Medications

Always provide a complete list of medications, supplements, and herbal products to your healthcare provider before starting sildenafil. Please go back to the Dosing section for practical guidance at Dosing Protocols and Administration.

Did not take dose

Sildenafil is used on an as-needed basis for ED. If you did not take a planned dose before sexual activity and you decide to proceed later, take a single dose as directed, but do not take more than one dose in any 24-hour period.

Excessive drug intake

If someone may have swallowed too much sildenafil, seek emergency care immediately or contact emergency services. When you can, bring the packaging for the medicine.

Potential signs of taking an overdose include severe dizziness or fainting, chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, extreme nausea, and marked vision changes. Emergency responders can advise on treatment and observation.

Storage device

Different choices and Comparable Medications

Several other PDE5 inhibitors are available that differ in onset time, duration, and dosing options. Choice depends on individual preference, side effect profile, medical history, and cost considerations. Go through the price framework context to understand price context. Rough anticipated costs for the United States.

Note: the brand name Cenforce is commonly used in markets outside the United States. In the US, sildenafil products dispensed by licensed pharmacies are typically labeled as generic sildenafil or Viagra when brand product is supplied. For lawful purchase options see USA status of lawful recognition and buying rules.

USD quotations for United States prices - roughly

Actual retail costs depend on pharmacy, manufacturer coupons, insurance coverage, dose, and quantity. The following are approximate per-tablet cash price spectrum to give a general idea:

Example monthly cost: using generic sildenafil 100 mg once weekly might cost from a few dollars up to $120 or more per month depending on source and discounts. These are estimates and can change; contact local pharmacies or online pharmacy tools for current pricing overview.

Quick Answers

How fast does sildenafil start to work?

Most people experience effects within 30 to 60 minutes, sooner on an empty stomach. A fatty meal can postpone the onset. See How to Dose and Administer.

Can sildenafil be taken every day?

Sildenafil should not be taken more than once in 24 hours. If you require daily treatment for frequent sexual activity, discuss daily tadalafil as an a contingency option in liaison with your clinician. See Other Options for Similar Medications.

Do Cenforce and Viagra share the same active ingredient?

Both Cenforce and Viagra can contain sildenafil citrate, but Cenforce products are typically marketed outside the United States and may not be FDA-approved. In the US, prescription sildenafil is distributed as generic sildenafil or Viagra (brand) through licensed medicine shops.