Understanding Sildenafil Citrate

Sildenafil works the same way as Viagra and has the same benefits and risks, according to the FDA.

Dosages of Sildenafil

Viagra is also known as “the little blue pill” because of its blue color, while generic sildenafil tends to be a white color. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. Sildenafil (Viagra®) is an oral medication taken as needed to treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in the brand-name medication Viagra®. Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, an oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing blood flow to the penis. It blue sildenafil is taken only as needed, usually about an hour before sexual activity, though it can be effective if taken between 30 minutes to four hours prior. It is very important not to take Viagra more than once a day, as exceeding this frequency increases the risk of serious side effects, including vision loss and significant drops in blood pressure. Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is indicated to treat: The cost of sildenafil may vary depending on factors such as your insurance plan, the dosage, the quantity, and where you buy it. Without insurance, the average retail price of sildenafil is about $23 per tablet, but coupons and discount cards may bring the cost to less than $1 per tablet.

Insurance may cover all or some of the cost of the drug.

Hims offers access to sildenafil starting at $4 per use after a thorough medical consultation.

• Sildenafil citrate is a medication used primarily for erectile dysfunction.
• It works by relaxing blood vessels to increase blood flow.
• Sildenafil is also prescribed for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
• Common side effects include headache, flushing, and nasal congestion.
• It should be taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.
• Alcohol and high-fat meals can reduce its effectiveness.
• Do not take with nitrate medications due to risk of severe hypotension.

Based on your symptoms and medical history, a healthcare provider will determine if the product is a good fit for your needs.

Administration of Viagra to patients using nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form Administration of Viagra to patients using nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any component of tablet Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any component of tablet Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinavir, erythromycin) Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinavir, erythromycin) Patients should not use Viagra if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status Patients should not use Viagra if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours Patients should stop Viagra and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) Patients should stop Viagra and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) Patients should stop Viagra and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing Patients should stop Viagra and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing Caution is advised when Viagra is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives Caution is advised when Viagra is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives Decreased blood pressure, fainting, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures Decreased blood pressure, fainting, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures At any dose, sildenafil takes about 30 to 60 minutes to start working. It’s recommended to take the medication about an hour before sex. Sildenafil’s starting dose is typically 50 mg, but your provider may adjust the dose down to 25 mg or up to 100 mg depending on the severity of your ED and how you respond to the medication. Sildenafil’s effects last for about four hours after taking the medication, meaning you should be able to get and maintain erections hard enough for sex within that four-hour window.

Adverse Reactions

Sildenafil under the brand name Viagra is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis during arousal. Sildenafil under the brand name Revatio is often prescribed to help adults with PAH get more exercise by treating their condition. What if I forget to take it? If you are taking Revatio and you forget to take your scheduled dose, take it as soon as possible. However, you should never double your dosage.

Can you take Viagra if you have high blood pressure?

If you completely miss a dose and it’s time for the next dose, skip the one you missed. Are there any safety measures I should take before using this drug? Like most medications, there are precautions you should take before using this drug. Make sure you talk with your doctor about: any other drugs, medications, herbs, or supplements you take or plan to take any medical conditions or surgeries you have or plan to have if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Viagra and sildenafil are chemically identical and work exactly the same. Both are effective treatments for ED, but Viagra tends to be more expensive and may differ a bit when it comes to packaging and pill appearance. *This information is from the label for brand name Viagra®.

• Sildenafil binds to phosphodiesterase type 5 enzymes in tissues.
• It was initially developed by Pfizer.
• The drug’s patent expired in many countries, increasing generic availability.
• It can improve quality of life for men with ED and pulmonary hypertension.
• Discuss potential interactions and health conditions with your doctor.
• Usage guidelines differ for ED and pulmonary hypertension treatment.
• Follow the prescribed dose and avoid exceeding recommended limits.

See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information.

What is sildenafil?

When you take the drug depends on the condition being treated:For ED: You can take this drug at any time of day.For PAH: Take this drug three times per day about 4–6 hours apart. Take it at the same time every day. For ED: You can take this drug at any time of day. For PAH: Take this drug three times per day about 4–6 hours apart. Store sildenafil tablets at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).

Can women take Viagra?

Don’t store this medication in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms. A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient sildenafil. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

What other drugs will affect sildenafil?

Because of the “as needed” version of tadalafil, some users may find this option more convenient. The downside, however, is that side effects tend to last longer too. The main difference between generic sildenafil and Viagra is marketing. The main ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil, meaning that the drugs are essentially the same. However, Viagra is marketed and prescribed strictly for erectile dysfunction, while generic sildenafil can be prescribed for PAH as well. Learn more about our editorial standards here.

• Sildenafil can enhance the effects of other blood pressure medications.
• The drug’s safety profile is well-studied with many clinical trials.
• Cardiovascular health is an important consideration when taking sildenafil.
• Long-term use requires monitoring for adverse reactions.
• Patient education helps reduce risks and optimize dosage.
• Generic sildenafil offers a cost-effective alternative to branded Viagra.
• Regular health assessments can ensure safe usage.

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For PAH: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects. How to tell if the drug is working: For ED: You should be able to get and maintain an erection when sexually aroused.

Does Viagra work the first time you use it?

For PAH: You should be able to exercise more easily. Your doctor will also check you to determine if this drug is working. Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes sildenafil for you. You can take this drug with or without food. You can cut or crush the tablet. Use of third-party trademarks is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with Hims, Inc.

Use in Specific Populations

Keep it in your carry-on bag. Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you. Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car.

What is sildenafil, and what is it used for?

Be sure to avoid sildenafil tablets lp 100 mg doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold. If you’re taking this drug for PAH, your doctor may monitor your blood pressure and pulse regularly. When filling your prescription, be sure to call ahead to make sure your pharmacy carries it. Many insurance companies require prior authorization for this drug. This means your doctor may need to get approval from your insurance company before your insurance company will pay for the prescription. An official website of the United States government Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website.

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Continuing Education Activity

Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you. Sildenafil and tadalafil are alike because they both can treat ED and PAH. However, tadalafil has a few distinctions from sildenafil. Tadalafil is the generic name for the erectile dysfunction drug Cialis. There are two versions of the drug: a version that can be taken as needed Cialis 5-mg daily dosing is the only PDE5 inhibitor dose approved for treating an enlarged prostate; improving ED symptoms is an added benefit of the daily dose. Please check your network connection and refresh this page Sildenafil citrate potentiates the hypotensive effects of nitric oxide donor drugs in male patients with stable angina 50 mg PO ~1 hr before sexual activity; however, may be taken anywhere from 30 min to 4 hr before sexual activity Maximum dosing frequency is once per day Based on effectiveness and toleration, may increase dose to maximum of 100 mg or decrease to 25 mg Indicated for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (World Health Organization [WHO] Group I) to improve exercise ability and delay clinical worsening Revatio (PO), Liqrev: 20 mg PO TID; may titrate up to 80 mg TID, if required, based on symptoms and tolerability Revatio (IV): 10 mg IV bolus TID 10-mg IV predicted to provide pharmacologic effect equivalent to 10-mg oral dose Do not exceed recommended PO/IV dose Viagra, VibriqueSevere (eg, cirrhosis): Consider initial dose of 25 mg Severe (eg, cirrhosis): Consider initial dose of 25 mg RevatioMild or moderate (Child-Pugh A or B): No dose adjustment requiredSevere (Child-Pugh C): Not studied Mild or moderate (Child-Pugh A or B): No dose adjustment required Viagra, VibriqueMild or moderate (CrCl 30-80 mL/min): No dose adjustment requiredSevere (CrCl <30 mL/min): Consider initial dose of 25 mg Mild or moderate (CrCl 30-80 mL/min): No dose adjustment required Severe (CrCl <30 mL/min): Consider initial dose of 25 mg RevatioAny severity, including severe (CrCl <30 mL/min): No dose adjustment required Any severity, including severe (CrCl <30 mL/min): No dose adjustment required Indicated in children aged 1-17 years for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group I) to improve exercise ability and, in pediatric patients too young to perform standard exercise testing, pulmonary hemodynamics thought to underly improvements in exercise 20-45 kg: 20 mg PO TID Maximum dose in pediatric patients not identified Based on experience in adults, dose may be titrated up to 40 mg TID, if required, based on symptoms and tolerability Mild or moderate (Child-Pugh A or B): No dose adjustment required Any severity, including severe (CrCl <30 mL/min): No dose adjustment required ≥65 years: 25 mg PO initially ~1 hr before sexual activity; however, may be taken anywhere from 30 min to 4 hr before sexual activity Maximum dosing frequency is once per day Based on effectiveness and toleration, may increase dose to maximum of 100 mg or decrease to 25 mg Indicated for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (World Health Organization [WHO] Group I) to improve exercise ability and delay clinical worsening PO: 20 mg PO TID; may titrate up to 80 mg TID, if required , based on symptoms and tolerability 10-mg IV predicted to provide pharmacologic effect equivalent to 10-mg oral dose Recommended PO/IV dose not to be exceeded Adding Revatio to bosentan does not have any beneficial effect on exercise capacity Clinical trials found no significant difference in response between elderly patients and younger adults; however, cautious dose selection should be considered in elderly because of greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, and cardiac function, as well as comorbid condi