Sildenafil Citrate vs. Sildenafil: What's The Difference?
It works by increasing blood flow to your penis.
Detection in biological fluids
There have been reports of heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat, bleeding in the brain or lungs, high blood pressure, and sudden death in men who took sildenafil for erectile dysfunction. Most, but not all, of these people had heart problems before taking sildenafil. It is not known whether these events were caused by sildenafil, sexual activity, heart disease, or a combination of these and other causes. Talk to your doctor about the risks of sildenafil oral jelly 100mg taking sildenafil. Some patients experienced a sudden decrease or loss of hearing after they took sildenafil or other medications that are similar to sildenafil.
How sildenafil is used
It is not known if the hearing loss was caused by the medication. If you experience a sudden loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears or dizziness, while you are taking sildenafil, call your doctor immediately. If you are taking sildenafil (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction, do not take any more doses of sildenafil (Viagra) or similar medications such as tadalafil (Cialis) or vardenafil (Levitra) until you talk to your doctor. If you are taking sildenafil (Liqrev, Revatio) for PAH, do not stop taking your medication until you talk to your doctor. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication. The brand name for this medication is Viagra®.
| Age Group | Approved Usage | Recommended Dose | Additional Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-65 years | Erectile Dysfunction, PAH | 50-100 mg as needed | Adjust based on response |
| Above 65 years | Use with caution, lower doses possibly | Start at 25-50 mg | Monitor for side effects |
| Under 18 years | Not approved | N/A | Not indicated for minors |
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. SILDENAFIL (sil DEN a fil) treats erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which helps to maintain an erection. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions. They need to know if you have sildenafil generic any of these conditions: History of blood diseases, such as sickle cell anemia or leukemia Stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems An unusual or allergic reaction to sildenafil, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives Take this medication by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 180 + 8 Pills | 199.37€ 189.88€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 330.21€ 314.49€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 180 + 6 Pills | 154.93€ 147.55€ | |
| Kamagra | 100mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 330.74€ 314.99€ | |
| Kamagra | 100mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 201.34€ 191.75€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 180 + 8 Pills | 446.52€ 425.26€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 20 Pills | 37.74€ 35.94€ | |
| Kamagra | 100mg | 360 + 6 Pills | 839.95€ 799.95€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 20 Pills | 61.69€ 58.75€ | |
| Kamagra | 100mg | 20 Pills | 86.09€ 81.99€ | |
| Kamagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 84 + 4 Pills | 233.05€ 221.95€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 30 + 4 Pills | 47.97€ 45.69€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 125.56€ 119.58€ | |
| Kamagra | 100mg | 12 Pills | 55.64€ 52.99€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 379.76€ 361.68€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 423.48€ 403.31€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 10 Pills | 40.96€ 39.01€ |
The dose is usually taken 1 hour before sexual activity.
- Sildenafil may interact with other medications, increasing risks.
- Significant interactions include nitrates and alpha-blockers.
- Patients should disclose all medications to their doctor.
- Combining with certain drugs can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure.
- Regular liver function monitoring may be necessary.
- Some herbal supplements also have interaction potential.
- Avoiding certain foods and medications reduces risks.
- Proper management improves treatment efficacy.
You should not take the dose more than once per day. Do not take your medication more often than directed.
Overdose/Missed Dose
Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information. In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children.
What other information should I know?
Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD; blockage of veins in the lungs); a stomach ulcer; heart, kidney, or liver disease; a heart attack; heart failure; angina (chest pain); an irregular heartbeat; a stroke; chest pain; high or low blood pressure; high cholesterol; a bleeding disorder; blood circulation problems; blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia (a disease of the red blood cells), multiple myeloma (cancer of the plasma cells), or leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells); conditions affecting the shape of the penis (e.g., angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie's disease); or diabetes. Also tell your doctor if you or any of your family members have or have ever had an eye disease such as retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited eye condition that causes loss of vision) or if you have ever had sudden severe vision loss, especially if you were told that the vision loss was caused by a blockage of blood flow to the nerves that help you see. if you are a woman and you are taking sildenafil to treat PAH, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking sildenafil, call your doctor. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking sildenafil.
Revatio for Oral Suspension
if you are taking sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction, tell your doctor if you have ever been advised by a healthcare professional to avoid sexual activity for medical reasons or if you have ever experienced chest pain during sexual activity. Sexual activity may be a strain on your heart, especially if you have heart disease. If you experience chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during sexual activity, call your doctor immediately and avoid sexual activity until your doctor tells you otherwise. tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking sildenafil. If you ever need emergency medical treatment for a heart problem, the healthcare providers who treat you will need to know when you last took sildenafil. This medication is not used in children for this condition. Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you.
- Sildenafil is available in various dosages: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg.
- Starting dose depends on individual health and response.
- Dose adjustments should be done under medical supervision.
- Overuse may lead to increased side effects.
- Missing a dose is generally safe; do not double up.
- The drug may be taken with or without food.
- It’s generally recommended to avoid heavy meals before taking.
- Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance.
Do not share this medicine with others. Do not take double or extra doses. Do not take this medication with any of the following: Nitrates, such as amyl nitrite, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin This medication may also interact with the following: Other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all of the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended. This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use.
Proper Use
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( or by phone (1-800-332-1088). Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Store the suspension at room temperature or in a refrigerator, but do not freeze it. Dispose of any unused suspension after 60 days.
Dosage Modifications
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What is sildenafil?
Talk to your doctor about eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. If you are taking sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, you are unlikely to miss a dose since this medication is taken as needed, not on a regular dosing schedule. If you are taking sildenafil for PAH, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What should I know about sildenafil before taking it?
numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms, hands, feet, or legs pain in muscles, back, arms, or legs changes in color vision (seeing a blue tinge on objects or having difficulty telling the difference between blue and green) sudden severe loss of vision (see below for more information) erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours rash; itching; hives; difficulty breathing or swallowing; swelling of the eyes, face, throat, tongue, or lips Some patients experienced a sudden loss of some or all of their vision after they took sildenafil or other medications that are similar to sildenafil. The vision loss was permanent in some cases. It is not known if the vision loss was caused by the medication. If you experience a sudden loss of vision while you are taking sildenafil, call your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of sildenafil or similar medications such as tadalafil (Cialis) or vardenafil (Levitra) until you talk to your doctor. Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
The Key Differences Between Viagra and Sildenafil
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies. Skip to main content An official website of the United States government Menu Search Search About Cancer Cancer Types Research Grants & Training News & Events About NCI Home Publications NCI Dictionaries NCI Drug Dictionary Publications Patient Education Publications PDQ® Fact Sheets NCI Dictionaries Dictionary of Cancer Terms Drug Dictionary Dictionary of Genetics Terms Blogs and Newsletters Health Communications Publications Reports You need to enable JavaScript to run this app. Sildenafil is a treatment for erectile dysfunction. Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight or hearing.
| Condition | Reason | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrate therapy in patients | Severe hypotension | Absolute contraindication |
| Severe hepatic impairment | Altered metabolism | Use with caution |
| Retinitis pigmentosa | Possible retinal toxicity | Consult ophthalmologist |
| Hypotension (<90/50 mmHg) | Risk of exacerbating low BP | Monitor blood pressure |
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
- Sildenafil citrate’s patent expiration increased market competition.
- Generics help reduce treatment costs globally.
- Pharmaceutical companies conduct clinical trials regularly.
- Safety monitoring continues post-marketing.
- Adverse event reporting is essential for drug safety.
- Patients should only use approved formulations.
- Counterfeit sildenafil products are a concern.
- Purchase from reputable sources is advised.
Contact your care team right away if you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful. This may be a sign of a serious problem and must be treated right away to prevent permanent damage. If you experience symptoms of nausea, dizziness, chest pain or arm pain upon initiation of sexual activity after taking this medication, you should refrain from further activity and call your care team as soon as possible.