Sildenafil: what it does, how to use it safely
Sildenafil (brand name Viagra) is a medicine that helps many men with erectile dysfunction (ED) get and keep an erection. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis after sexual stimulation. People also use lower doses for pulmonary arterial hypertension, but most readers look for info about ED, so this guide focuses on that.
How sildenafil works, doses, and common side effects
Typical ED doses are 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg taken about 30–60 minutes before sex. Start with 50 mg if you’re unsure, then adjust up or down based on effects and side effects. Older adults or people on certain medicines often start at 25 mg.
Common side effects are headache, flushing, upset stomach, nasal congestion, and temporary changes in vision (blue tinge or blurred vision). Serious but rare problems include sudden vision or hearing loss, chest pain, or an erection lasting more than 4 hours (seek emergency care for priapism).
Sildenafil is broken down by the liver enzyme CYP3A4. That means some medicines and grapefruit juice can raise sildenafil levels and increase side effects. Don’t take sildenafil with nitrates (nitroglycerin) — combining them can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Be careful with alpha-blockers and some antifungals or HIV meds; talk to your doctor or pharmacist about interactions.
Practical tips for using sildenafil and buying it online
Want it to work better? Avoid heavy meals high in fat right before taking sildenafil — they can slow absorption and delay the effect. Limit alcohol; drinking too much reduces the drug’s effect and can worsen dizziness.
If you’re thinking about buying sildenafil online, follow simple safety checks: choose pharmacies that require a prescription, show a physical address and phone, and have clear privacy and return policies. Be skeptical of ultra-low prices or sites that ship without a prescription. Read recent reviews and look for verified third-party seals when possible.
Alternatives include tadalafil (Cialis) which lasts much longer and vardenafil (Levitra), which acts similarly to sildenafil. Lifestyle changes — quitting smoking, losing weight, improving sleep, and treating high blood pressure or diabetes — can improve results with any ED drug.
See a doctor if you have heart disease, take nitrates, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, or experience sudden vision or hearing changes. A quick check with a clinician can also find underlying causes of ED and help you pick the safest option.
Sildenafil works well for many people when used correctly. Know the dose, watch for interactions, follow safe buying rules online, and get medical advice if you have other health issues or severe side effects.
