Sildenafil

Description

Ingredients in Sildenafil

The active ingredient in sildenafil tablets is sildenafil citrate. The tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients:

• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Calcium hydrogen phosphate (anhydrous)
• Croscarmellose sodium
• Magnesium stearate
• Hypromellose
• Titanium dioxide
• Lactose
• Triacetin

Side Effects of Sildenafil

While sildenafil is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects in some people. Common side effects include:

• Headache
• Flushing
• Indigestion
• Nasal congestion
• Dizziness
• Visual disturbances (such as changes in colour vision or blurred vision)
• Back pain

These side effects are often moderate and transient. However, if you develop more serious side effects like as chest pain, a prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism), abrupt eyesight loss, or sudden hearing loss, get medical assistance right once.

Warnings and Precautions

Before taking sildenafil, there are several important warnings and precautions to consider:

1. Heart Conditions: If you have serious heart problems, such as severe heart failure or unstable angina, you should avoid using sildenafil, as sexual activity may strain your heart.
2. Nitrate Medications: Sildenafil should not be taken with any form of nitrates (often prescribed for chest pain), as this combination can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
3. Blood Pressure Issues: If you have low or high blood pressure, consult your doctor before using sildenafil.
4. Allergies: Do not take sildenafil if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
5. Vision Problems: If you have a rare inherited eye disease, such as retinitis pigmentosa, or if you have experienced vision loss due to non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), inform your doctor before using this medication.

How to Take Sildenafil Tablets

Sildenafil tablets should be taken orally, usually 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity. The medication can be taken with or without food, but high-fat meals may delay its effectiveness.

• As Needed: The typical starting dose for erectile dysfunction is 50 mg, but depending on how well it works and if you experience any side effects, your doctor may adjust the dose to either 25 mg or 100 mg.
• Maximum Frequency: Sildenafil should not be taken more than once a day.

For PAH, the dosage regimen is different and is usually prescribed by a doctor specialising in that condition.

How Sildenafil Works

Sildenafil works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme in your body. PDE5 is responsible for regulating blood flow in the penis. When this enzyme is inhibited, blood vessels in the penis can relax and expand more easily, leading to improved blood flow. This increase in blood flow helps to produce an erection when you are sexually aroused.

It’s important to note that sildenafil will not cause an erection on its own; sexual stimulation is still required to trigger the natural release of nitric oxide, a chemical in the body that initiates the erection process.

How Sildenafil Can Help You

Sildenafil is primarily prescribed to men who have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. By enhancing blood flow to the penis, sildenafil enables you to achieve and sustain an erection during sexual activity. It is effective in helping to treat ED, a condition that can result from various factors such as ageing, stress, anxiety, and certain medical conditions.

Is Sildenafil as Strong as Viagra?

Sildenafil and Viagra are chemically identical, with the same active ingredient, sildenafil citrate. Therefore, in terms of effectiveness and strength, they are essentially the same. The difference lies in the brand name (Viagra is a brand name, while sildenafil is the generic version) and, potentially, the price. Both are equally effective for treating erectile dysfunction when taken at the same dosage.

How Long Will Sildenafil Keep You Hard?

The effects of sildenafil typically last for 4 to 6 hours. This does not mean you will have a continuous erection during this time, but rather that you will be able to achieve an erection when sexually stimulated within this window. If an erection lasts longer than 4 hours, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as this can be a sign of priapism, a condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage.

Is 25 mg of Sildenafil Enough?

The effectiveness of 25 mg of sildenafil can vary depending on the individual. For some men, 25 mg may be sufficient to achieve a satisfactory erection, particularly if they are sensitive to the medication or are taking other medications that might increase its effects. However, 50 mg is the standard starting dose for most men, and the dose may be adjusted up to 100 mg or down to 25 mg based on effectiveness and tolerability. If 25 mg is not effective, consult your doctor before increasing the dose.