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Sildenafil

From: £7.49

Sildenafil is a prescription treatment for adult men with erectile dysfunction. It contains sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor.

Description

Sildenafil is a prescription treatment for adult men with erectile dysfunction. It contains sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor.

How does sildenafil work?

During sexual stimulation, sildenafil helps blood vessels in the penis relax so that blood can flow more easily. It does not create sexual desire and does not cause an automatic erection.

How to take sildenafil

Take sildenafil exactly as prescribed. It is normally used when required rather than every day. Swallow the tablet whole with water.

  • It is usually taken around one hour before anticipated sexual activity.
  • Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.
  • It may take longer to work after food, particularly a heavy or high-fat meal.
  • Avoid grapefruit juice and avoid excessive alcohol, which can increase side effects and make erections more difficult.
  • Do not take another erectile dysfunction treatment at the same time unless specifically instructed by the prescriber.

What to expect

The time taken to work varies. Many people notice an effect in approximately 30 to 60 minutes. It can be taken up to four hours before sex. Sexual stimulation is still required.

If treatment does not work as expected

Do not take an additional tablet on the same day. Check that you followed the instructions and contact the clinical team. The prescriber may review timing, dose, interactions, underlying health factors or another treatment option.

Storage and disposal

Keep the medicine in its original packaging, out of the sight and reach of children, and follow the storage instructions on the supplied pack. Return unwanted medicine to a pharmacy; do not dispose of it in wastewater.

Additional information

Strength

25mg, 50mg, 100mg

Pack Sizes

4 tablets, 8 tablets, 16 tablets, 32 tablets, 64 tablets

Dose and strength explanation

Strength Patient-facing explanation
25mg Lower strength that may be selected when the prescriber considers a reduced dose appropriate.
50mg Common starting strength for many adults, subject to the prescriber’s assessment.
100mg Higher strength that may be considered when a lower strength has not provided an adequate response and it is clinically appropriate.

Safety accordion

Do not take this medicine if

  • You use nitrate medicines for chest pain, nitric oxide donors, recreational poppers containing nitrites or riociguat.
  • A clinician has advised that sexual activity is unsafe for you because of a heart or circulation condition.
  • You have had a serious allergic reaction to the active ingredient or another ingredient in the supplied product.
  • You have certain serious heart, blood-pressure, liver or eye conditions, or a recent heart attack or stroke, unless a prescriber has confirmed treatment is appropriate.

Tell the prescriber before treatment

  • Heart or circulation disease, very high or low blood pressure, kidney or liver problems.
  • A previous prolonged erection, sickle cell disease, leukaemia, multiple myeloma or an anatomical condition affecting the penis.
  • Previous sudden vision loss, serious eye disease, hearing problems, stomach ulcer or bleeding disorder.
  • Any new chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, dizziness on exertion or unexplained change in exercise tolerance.

Medicine and substance interactions

  • Other erectile dysfunction medicines or any medicine containing sildenafil.
  • Alpha-blockers and medicines used for high blood pressure.
  • Some HIV medicines, antifungal medicines, antibiotics and other medicines that affect sildenafil levels.
  • Grapefruit or grapefruit juice, excessive alcohol and recreational drugs.
  • The patient must provide a complete list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, supplements and recreational substances.

Side effects and urgent help

Common side effects

  • Facial flushing or feeling hot.
  • Indigestion or nausea.
  • Blocked or stuffy nose
  • Temporary visual disturbance, such as changes in colour vision or blurred vision.

Get urgent medical help

  • Call 999 for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, seizure or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
  • Seek urgent medical care for an erection lasting four hours or longer, or sooner if it is painful.
  • Get urgent advice for sudden loss or marked reduction of vision or hearing.
  • Do not take a further dose while a serious reaction is being assessed. Tell the healthcare professional what you took and when.
  • Report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme where appropriate.

Patient Leaflet

  • Link the generic page to the Patient Information Leaflet for the actual manufacturer and strength being dispensed.
  • If the dispensing manufacturer can change, do not hard-code one manufacturer’s tablet description or excipients as applying to every order.
  • At approval/dispatch, make the exact supplied leaflet available in the patient account and include it with the medicine.

Clinical source link: Electronic Medicines Compendium – sildenafil search

FAQs

How long does sildenafil take to work?

It commonly starts to work within about 30 to 60 minutes, but timing varies. A heavy meal may delay its effect.

How long does sildenafil last?

Sildenafil remains active for several hours. This does not mean you will have a continuous erection; sexual stimulation is required.

Can I take sildenafil every day?

Use it only as prescribed and do not take more than one dose in 24 hours. The prescriber will decide whether an on-demand or daily treatment approach is suitable.

What is the difference between sildenafil and Viagra?

Viagra is the branded medicine. Generic sildenafil contains the same active ingredient, but the manufacturer, appearance, inactive ingredients and price may differ.

What should I do if it does not work the first time?

Do not repeat the dose on the same day. Follow the instructions carefully and contact the clinical team if the response is not adequate after appropriate attempts.