Birds eye view

Main active ingredient: sildenafil citrate, commonly marketed for erectile dysfunction (ED) under several brand names including Viagra and Viagra Professional.

Common tablet strengths associated with professional preparations include 50 mg and 100 mg. The licensed primary indication is treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men. Note: sildenafil is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension under different brand names and dosing schedules; do not swap products without professional advice.

This page contains navigation to statute related information and typical pricing information advice in the UK; see the sections Status of legal standing in the United Kingdom and Prices for goods in the UK review the details.

An explanation of the way it works

Sildenafil is known to inhibit PDE5. When sexual stimulation occurs, nitric oxide is released and leads to relaxation of smooth muscle in the penis. By inhibiting PDE5, sildenafil helps keep cyclic GMP levels higher, which promotes increased blood flow into the corpora cavernosa and supports an erection. Without sexual arousal, the medicine will not be effective.

Guidance on how much to take and a guide to using

The following are general dosing notes; always adhere to the advice given by a prescriber or pharmacist.

If you experience chest pain, pronounced dizziness, or sudden visual problems after taking sildenafil, stop use and seek urgent medical attention.

Risk mitigation steps

Before using sildenafil, inform the pharmacist or prescriber about any medical history and current medicines. Key considerations include:

For tracking interactions helps measure engagement. with specific medicines, consult Pharmacologic contact and responses with others are the core of collaboration..

Cautions against use due to medical reasons

Possible reactions to the medication

The bulk of adverse reactions are mild and transient. Commonly reported reactions include:

If you notice anything out of the ordinary, seek medical care promptly. any serious symptoms such as:

Cooperative exchanges of medications

Certain medicines and substances alter the safety or effect of sildenafil. Remarkable dialogues are:

Always provide a full current medication list to your prescriber and pharmacist.

Dose not taken

Sildenafil for ED is taken on an as-needed basis rather than a fixed daily schedule. Do not take more of the medicine to replace a dose you did not take. Comply with the guidance outlined in How much to take and directions for timing of future doses.

Overdose risk

Signs of the person overdosed can include strong dizziness, fainting, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe nausea, or visual disturbances. If you suspect someone has taken too much sildenafil, seek urgent medical care. In the UK call 999 for emergencies or 111 for non-emergency medical advice.

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Comparable medicines and different choices

Several other licensed options exist for treating ED; choice depends on how long you want the effect to last, how quickly you need onset, side effect profile, and cost. Typical option choices include:

Non-drug options include vacuum erection devices, psychosexual counselling, lifestyle interventions (weight loss, smoking cessation, increased exercise), and management of underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

For pulmonary arterial hypertension, sildenafil is marketed under different names (for example Revatio) and different substitutes such as tadalafil (Adcirca) are used; these require specialist supervision and must not be interchanged without professional leadership.

What things cost in the UK

Prices vary by retailer, pack size, brand, and whether you obtain the drug over the counter, privately by prescription, or on the NHS. The figures below are approximate and intended only as a guide in GBP:

Always compare reputable UK pharmacists and include the cost of any consultation and postage when assessing total price. For safe purchase routes see The status of the law in Great Britain.

Questions people ask most often

How fast does sildenafil act and how long does it last? Many men notice effects within 15 to 60 minutes and benefit may continue for about 4 to 6 hours, although this varies.

Should I take it with meals or with an alcoholic drink? A high-fat meal can delay absorption. Limit alcohol because it can reduce erectile response and increase after effects like dizziness.

Can I combine sildenafil with nitrates? No. Combining with nitrates or "poppers" is dangerous. See Drug the exchange that happens when people meet system monitoring.

Is it safe to take more than one tablet? Only one dose may be taken in a 24-hour period. If the effect is inadequate, discuss dose adjustment or an the other possibility with a clinician.

Are there any differences among Viagra, Viagra Connect and generic sildenafil? The active ingredient is the same: sildenafil. Differences are in branding, available strengths, supply route (pharmacy or prescription) and price. Your pharmacist can advise on suitability.