Sildenafil

What is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil can treat erectile dysfunction and is a cheaper alternative to Viagra. Sildenafil generic tablets contain the active ingredient, sildenafil citrate. The same ingredient you get in Viagra too. It’s a type of drug that helps to relax your blood vessels around your penis.

Erectile dysfunction happens when blood flow is restricted into your penis. It’s understood it affects around half of all men aged between 40 and 70 to some extent. [1] So it’s more common than you might think (and if you do experience it, you’re definitely not alone). In most cases, it's also not much to worry about, but it does make getting an erection difficult.

The culprit is tight blood vessels, which stop blood flow in your penis. An enzyme called PDE5 is what causes this. Sildenafil counters the effects of this enzyme, so blood can reach the penis. And then, hey presto - a firmer and longer-lasting erection.

Because Sildenafil tablets are generic, it’s cheaper than Viagra. But it contains the same drug, so it shouldn’t be any less effective.

How does Sildenafil work?

The process of getting erect is relaxing the smooth muscles in the penis to allow more blood flow, which causes the penis to get hard. When you have erectile dysfunction, this process is flawed. Instead of smooth blood flow, the tightening of the smooth muscles makes it restricted.

Sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Sildenafil, is a type of drug called a PDE5 inhibitor, which just means that it stops the PDE5 enzyme from tightening up blood vessels in your penis. This allows for more blood flow into your penis and makes it easier for you to get a harder, longer lasting erection.

So Sildenafil looks after your physical needs. It does fall short of being an aphrodisiac though, so you’ll have to be sexually aroused for it to work.

What Sildenafil dosage is right for me?

Sildenafil tablets come in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg doses. So exactly the same doses as Viagra.

If you’re taking it for the first time, you’ll normally start on Sildenafil 50mg. If you take this dose and it works well but you get mild side effects, our clinician will suggest lowering your dose to 25mg.

Starting on a 25mg dose may also be recommended if you have any risk factors which make you more prone to side effects (like diabetes or low blood pressure for example).

Sildenafil 100mg is only for when you’ve tried 50mg and it hasn’t been strong enough. It’s the absolute maximum dose.

How to take Sildenafil

Take one Sildenafil tablet an hour before you plan to have sex, and swallow your tablet whole with water. It's best to take it on an empty stomach, as food can interfere with its absorption. It should take no more than between half an hour and an hour to work. Never take more than one Sildenafil tablet in any 24-hour period.

Stick to the dose prescribed for you by our clinician. If you take more Sildenafil tablets than you should, seek medical attention.

If you get any serious side effects, go to your nearest hospital as soon as possible. This includes any signs of an allergic reaction, chest pain, or an erection that lasts for four hours or more and won’t go away on its own. For more information on the side effects, check the patient information leaflet.

How long does it take for Sildenafil to work?

Studies have shown Sildenafil can work in as little as 12 minutes, with the average being 30 minutes. This means after taking your tablet, within 30 minutes there should be an increased blood flow to your penis, allowing you to achieve an erection.

What should I do if Sildenafil doesn’t work for me?

If you have taken Sildenafil tablets on an empty stomach and it still doesn’t work for you, get in touch with your clinician. They’ll be able to suggest a different dose or an alternative medication. You just need to log into your account and send our clinician a message. Adjusting your subscription plan is really easy if you want to switch to a different ED treatment.