Sildenafil vs Other Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
If you live in another country, check to see if pharmacy association or regulation agencies offer services like these. Make sure you get the right prescription and dose. When you order medicines and when you receive them in the mail, make sure they're the exact dose and type prescribed by your doctor or other health care professional. The dose is the amount of medicine you take.
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Medicines that block an enzyme called CYP3A4. Oral medicine for ED also might not be safe or work well if you have: Very low blood pressure, called hypotension, or uncontrolled high blood pressure, called hypertension. Kidney disease that needs to be treated with dialysis. These include a heart attack, stroke or a serious heart rhythm disorder in the past six months. An inherited eye disease that affects the retina.
If you were to talk to a doctor about sildenafil, what would you ask first?
Side effects of oral ED medicines are often mild. Visual changes, such as blue tinge to vision, sensitivity to light or blurred sight. Rarely, more-serious side effects can happen, including: Some people have suddenly lost some of their hearing or vision after taking one of these medicines. But it isn't clear whether these side effects were caused by the medicine or by health conditions that the people already had. Get medical care right away if you take oral ED medicine and have sudden loss of hearing or vision. Don't be fooled into buying "herbal viagra." Never take any medicines that claim to be the "herbal" or nonprescription version of an oral medicine for ED. These aren't an effective option, and some contain harmful substances. Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your health concerns. Visit Mayo Clinic Men's Health to get started. Sildenafil is used to treat male sexual function problems (impotence or erectile dysfunction-ED). In combination with sexual stimulation, sildenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis to help a person get and keep an erection. This drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). Using an effective barrier method (latex or polyurethane condom/dental dams) during sexual activity will help to decrease your risk of infection. This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional.
| Dose (mg) | Typical Usage | Onset Time (minutes) | Duration (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | Mild ED | 30 | 4 |
| 50 | Moderate ED | 30-60 | 4-6 |
| 100 | Severe ED | 30-60 | 4-6 |
| 20 | Off-label use | 45 | 4 |
Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
- Sildenafil is available in different strengths to tailor treatment.
- It is often used in clinical settings for ED diagnosis and management.
- Men taking sildenafil should avoid heavy meals shortly before dosing.
- The drug's effectiveness can be influenced by age and overall health.
- Combining sildenafil with recreational drugs can be dangerous.
- Some users report that sildenafil enhances spontaneous sexual activity.
- It is important to only use sildenafil that has been prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- The medication’s cost varies based on brand, dosage, and pharmacy.
- Sildenafil may cause transient eye color changes due to blood vessel effects.
- Patients should keep track of dosage and side effects experienced.
Sildenafil is also available in other brands and strengths for high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension). Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking sildenafil and each time you get a refill.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 125.56€ 119.58€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 270.47€ 257.59€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 170.79€ 162.66€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 10 Pills | 40.96€ 39.01€ | |
| Kamagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 32 Pills | 120.11€ 114.39€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 180 + 10 Pills | 236.46€ 225.20€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 30 + 2 Pills | 83.07€ 79.11€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 180 + 8 Pills | 446.52€ 425.26€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 12 Pills | 60.21€ 57.34€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 270 + 10 Pills | 326.61€ 311.06€ | |
| Kamagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 90 + 8 Sachets | 303.56€ 289.10€ |
If you have any questions, liquid sildenafil citrate ask your doctor or pharmacist. To treat erectile dysfunction-ED, take this drug by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually as needed.
Sildenafil vs Tadalafil for Erectile Dysfunction
Medicines that you take by mouth are called oral medicines. They're often the first line of treatment for trouble getting or keeping an erection, called erectile dysfunction (ED). Oral medicines for ED usually work well and cause few side effects. The four main medicines taken by mouth for erectile dysfunction are: They enhance the effects of a chemical the body makes that relaxes muscles in the penis, called nitric oxide. This boosts blood flow and helps you get an erection from sexual activity.
Antihypertensive and α-Adrenergic Blocking Agents
Each oral medicine for ED has a slightly different chemical makeup. These small differences affect the way each medication works, such as how quickly it takes effect and wears off, and the possible side effects. Your doctor or other health care professional can recommend one for you based on these factors, other health conditions you have and any other medicines you take. This medicine works best when you take it on an empty stomach an hour before sex. The body takes longer to absorb it after a high-fat meal or alcohol. Take sildenafil at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours, before sexual activity (1 hour before works best). This medication may take longer to start working if you take it with a high-fat meal.
- Sildenafil has been shown to aid men with diabetes-related ED.
- The drug may also reduce blood pressure temporarily.
- Some men may not respond to sildenafil due to various health factors.
- It is recommended to take sildenafil on an empty stomach for faster effects.
- Overdose symptoms include dizziness, fainting, and pain in the chest.
- Sildenafil should not be used with other erectile dysfunction medications simultaneously.
- Patients should inform their doctor if they experience prolonged erections.
- Certain medical conditions require cautious use of sildenafil.
- The medication can sometimes cause changes in color perception.
- Always check the expiration date before using sildenafil pills.
Do not take more than once daily as needed. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking.
| Year | Milestone | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Discovery of Sildenafil | Originally researched for angina |
| 1996 | First clinical trials for ED | Revealed benefits for erectile function |
| 1998 | FDA approval for erectile dysfunction treatment | First oral pill approved |
| 2003 | Launch of generic sildenafil in various markets | Increased accessibility |
Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better. Dizziness, headache, flushing, or stomach upset may occur. Vision changes such as increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or trouble telling blue and green colors apart may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
What happens if I miss a dose?
You can take this medicine with or without food 30 minutes before sex, depending on the dose. It lasts 4 to 5 hours, or longer if you have mild to moderate ED. These medicines all work well for ED. When choosing one, tell your doctor or other health care professional what your preferences are, such as cost, ease of use, how long the drug's effects last and side effects. Generic versions of sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil are available.
Distribution of Days Supplied (2023)
Check with your health care team before you take any medicine for erectile dysfunction. Oral ED medicines might not work or might be dangerous if you also take any of the following: Often, these are prescribed for chest pain called angina. Some examples of nitrates are nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat, others), isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and isosorbide dinitrate (Bidil). These are commonly sildenafil 100g prescribed for an enlarged prostate or male pattern baldness. They include dutasteride (Avodart, Jalyn) and finasteride (Propecia, Proscar). To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Start your treatment journey
An erection that doesn't go away on its own. Called priapism, this rare condition can be painful. You need to get treatment for it as soon as possible to help prevent damage to your penis. If you have an erection that sildenafil pricing lasts more than four hours, call your care team right away. Treatments for erectile dysfunction are big business, and online scams abound.
Distribution of Dispensed Dosage Forms (2023)
If you do buy medicines over the internet: Check to see if an online pharmacy is legitimate. Never order medicines from an online pharmacy that doesn't list its phone number and physical address, has prices that seem too good to be true, or tells you that no prescription is needed. Also stay away from ones that don't have a licensed pharmacist on staff to answer your questions. Some illegal businesses sell fake versions of real medicines, which can be dangerous or might not work. In the United States, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy can tell you whether an online pharmacy is licensed and in good standing. Sexual activity may put extra strain on your heart, especially if you have heart problems. If you have heart problems and experience any of these serious side effects while having sex, stop and get medical help right away: Rarely, sudden decreased vision, or even permanent blindness, may occur in one or both eyes (NAION).
- Sildenafil is a popular choice for men seeking non-invasive ED therapy.
- It's important to have realistic expectations about sildenafil's effects.
- The medication does not increase libido but improves blood flow.
- Patients should limit alcohol consumption when using sildenafil.
- It is recommended to consult a doctor if ED persists despite medication.
- Sildenafil can be used as part of a comprehensive ED treatment plan.
- The medication should be taken approximately an hour before planned activity.
- Some patients experience no side effects at prescribed doses.
- Always confirm that sildenafil is stored properly to maintain efficacy.
- Report any unusual symptoms, such as chest pain or vision loss, immediately.
If this serious problem occurs, stop taking sildenafil and get medical help right away. You have a slightly greater chance of developing NAION if you have heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, certain other eye problems ("crowded disk"), high blood pressure, if you are over 50, or if you smoke. Rarely, a sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears and dizziness, may occur. Stop taking sildenafil and get medical help right away if these effects occur. Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat) This is not a complete list of possible side effects.
How should I take sildenafil?
Its effects often last for 4 to 5 hours. It might work longer if you have mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. This medicine also works best when you take it an hour before sex on an empty stomach. As with sildenafil, a high-fat meal or alcohol keep the body from absorbing it as quickly. Vardenafil usually works for 4 to 5 hours.
Last Reviewed Date
Its effects might last longer if you have mild to moderate ED. A newer form of the medicine that dissolves on the tongue might work faster than the pill that you swallow. This medication is taken with or without food an hour before sex. It works for up to 36 hours. You can take it in a small dose daily or in a larger dose as needed. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. Before taking sildenafil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
- Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.
- The drug was first approved by the FDA in 1998.
- It can be purchased online but requires a prescription in most countries.
- Generic versions of sildenafil are typically cheaper than brand-name Viagra.
- Proper storage involves keeping it at room temperature away from moisture.
- Sildenafil does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
- Lifestyle changes like exercise and healthy eating can enhance results.
- Combining sildenafil with other ED treatments should be discussed with a doctor.
- It's important to inform your doctor about all medications you take.
- Sildenafil is not an aphrodisiac and requires sexual stimulation to work.
Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as heart attack or life-threatening irregular heartbeat in the past 6 months, chest pain/angina, heart failure) penis conditions (such as angulation, fibrosis/scarring, Peyronie's disease) conditions that may increase the risk of priapism (such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia, multiple myeloma) eye problems (such as retinitis pigmentosa, sudden decreased vision, NAION) This drug may make you dizzy or cause vision problems.