Sildenafil tablets
"Sildenafil is a popular tablet for treating erectile dysfunction. It contains the same active ingredient as Viagra (sildenafil citrate) for firmer, longer-lasting erections when you’re sexually aroused."
What is sildenafil?
Sildenafil is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), where men sometimes have issues getting or keeping an erection.
How does it work?
Sildenafil helps you to get firmer, longer lasting erections when you’re sexually aroused. It contains the active ingredient sildenafil citrate.
How long does sildenafil last?
The effects can last for up to 4 hours, depending on your age, health and the dosage taken.
Like all erectile dysfunction treatments, sildenafil won’t resolve any underlying physical cause of your ED or increase the intensity of sexual desire.
How to use sildenafil
You can take sildenafil once a day. Take the tablet an hour before sex. It works best on an empty stomach.
Don’t split the tablets or combine this medication with other ED medicines.
Never take more than one Sildenafil tablet in 24 hours.
Treatment results
Sildenafil works for up to two-thirds of men. It can be less effective if you’ve eaten a heavy meal or drunk more than 1-2 units of alcohol.
Some men find that sildenafil doesn’t work the first time they take it. Before you consider a higher dose or look at other options, we recommend you try an ED treatment on at least eight separate occasions.
If sildenafil doesn’t have the desired effect, we might prescribe an alternative like tadalafil.
Side effects of Sildenafil
It’s not common to get side effects from sildenafil, but for some men these can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Back pain
- Diarrhoea
- An allergic rash
- Facial flushing
- Headaches
- Light-headedness
- Nasal congestion
- Indigestion
- Racing heartbeat (palpitations)
A rarer side effect of sildenafil is changes in your vision. If you experience a sudden decrease or loss of vision, speak to your doctor or call 111 straight away.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the sildenafil patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, please contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
Works just like branded Viagra
Effective for 62-82% of men
Takes effect in 1 hour, lasts up to 4 hours
What is sildenafil?
Sildenafil is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), where men sometimes have issues getting or keeping an erection.
How does it work?
Sildenafil helps you to get firmer, longer lasting erections when you’re sexually aroused. It contains the active ingredient sildenafil citrate.
How long does sildenafil last?
The effects can last for up to 4 hours, depending on your age, health and the dosage taken.
Like all erectile dysfunction treatments, sildenafil won’t resolve any underlying physical cause of your ED or increase the intensity of sexual desire.
How to use sildenafil
You can take sildenafil once a day. Take the tablet an hour before sex. It works best on an empty stomach.
Don’t split the tablets or combine this medication with other ED medicines.
Never take more than one Sildenafil tablet in 24 hours.
Treatment results
Sildenafil works for up to two-thirds of men. It can be less effective if you’ve eaten a heavy meal or drunk more than 1-2 units of alcohol.
Some men find that sildenafil doesn’t work the first time they take it. Before you consider a higher dose or look at other options, we recommend you try an ED treatment on at least eight separate occasions.
If sildenafil doesn’t have the desired effect, we might prescribe an alternative like tadalafil.
Side effects of Sildenafil
It’s not common to get side effects from sildenafil, but for some men these can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Back pain
- Diarrhoea
- An allergic rash
- Facial flushing
- Headaches
- Light-headedness
- Nasal congestion
- Indigestion
- Racing heartbeat (palpitations)
A rarer side effect of sildenafil is changes in your vision. If you experience a sudden decrease or loss of vision, speak to your doctor or call 111 straight away.
For full details of side effects and correct use, please see the sildenafil patient information leaflet. And if you’re worried about side effects, please contact us in your Patient Record.
Select a medication and complete our simple, confidential online consultation
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Sildenafil tablets FAQs
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How long does sildenafil take to work?
Sildenafil usually starts to work within 60 minutes, but you also need to be aroused.
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When to take sildenafil
An hour before having sex, take one sildenafil tablet.
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How often should I take sildenafil?
You should only take sildenafil once a day.
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Sildenafil dosages
Sildenafil is available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg doses. The standard dose is 50mg. Depending on your age, height and weight, the cause and the severity of your ED, you may be prescribed a lower dose of 25mg, or a higher one of 100mg.
While a higher dosage can be more effective, it can also mean you’re more likely to experience side effects. Your doctor will be able to work out the safest dose to prescribe for you.
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Where can I buy sildenafil?
You can buy sildenafil with and without a prescription from a pharmacy or online. But make sure you’re using:
- An online pharmacy that’s registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
- An online doctor service regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
- A doctor who is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).
Our online service meets all these standards. You complete a simple, confidential consultation, and we can prescribe the right erectile dysfunction treatment for your own personal needs. Once approved, you can pay for your prescription online. Then get it delivered discreetly, or pick it up from any of our 700 Well Pharmacies.
Can I buy sildenafil over the counter?
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra Connect. It’s an ED medication you can buy without a prescription. However, you’ll need to answer some questions about your health and medical history before you can buy it.
We can confirm the medication is right for you with a quick and simple online consultation.
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What to do if I get sildenafil side effects
A rare side effect of sildenafil is changes in your vision. If you experience a sudden decrease or loss of vision, please speak to your doctor or call 111 straight away.
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Sildenafil warnings
If you take more than the recommended amount of sildenafil, you may increase your risk of side effects and their severity.
You should talk to your doctor before taking sildenafil, letting them know if you have:
- Sickle cell anaemia (abnormal red blood cells)
- Multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer)
- Leukaemia (cancer of the blood cells)
- Any deformity of your penis or Peyronie’s Disease
If you have heart problems, your doctor should make sure it can take any additional strain from having sex.
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Sildenafil drug interactions
Most men aged over 18 can take sildenafil. But it’s not safe to take it if you’re already taking certain other medications. These include:
- Nicorandil or nitrates, such as GTN spray
- Isosorbide mononitrate tablets, which are used to treat angina
If you’re already using alpha-blockers like doxazosin or tamsulosin, wait at least 6 hours after a dose of those before taking sildenafil.
As with all medications, sildenafil can interact with other medicines which could be dangerous. So that we can prescribe it safely, you’ll need to let us know which prescription and over-the-counter medicines or recreational drugs you’re taking regularly.
Important: Sildenafil is not suitable for women.
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Alternative sildenafil treatments
If sildenafil doesn’t work for you, please contact us in your Patient Record so we can discuss your other options.
See our full range of ED treatments.
Alternative sildenafil medication
Sildenafil is just one of many treatments your doctor could recommend for ED. Alternative tablets and creams include:
Natural and non-drug treatments
The root of ED can be psychological, meaning counselling may be as effective as medication. You can improve ED that’s caused by physical injury or an underlying condition with focused treatment, or by making lifestyle changes like losing weight and exercising more.
