Want straight talk about sildenafil? This pill helped millions regain sexual function and treats pulmonary hypertension too, but it isn't one-size-fits-all. Read the key facts so you use it safely, avoid common mistakes, and spot fakes when shopping online.
Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor. It relaxes blood vessels in the penis to help get and keep an erection when you're sexually excited. For erectile dysfunction (ED) the usual starting dose is 50 mg taken 30–60 minutes before sex. If that’s too strong or causes side effects, doctors often drop it to 25 mg. If it’s not enough, they may raise to 100 mg. The effect usually peaks around an hour and can last up to 4 hours.
For pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), sildenafil is prescribed differently — typically 20 mg three times a day under brand names like Revatio. Don’t swap doses between conditions without a doctor’s guidance. If you have liver or kidney issues, or you’re older, clinicians often recommend lower doses and closer monitoring.
Big safety rule: never take sildenafil with nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide). The combo can drop blood pressure dangerously low. Also be careful with alpha-blockers (for prostate or blood pressure) — your doctor may space doses or choose another medicine. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, ritonavir, or certain antibiotics can raise sildenafil levels; your provider may lower your dose.
Food matters. A heavy, fatty meal can delay sildenafil’s start. A small snack or taking it on an emptier stomach usually works better. Drinking a lot of alcohol can blunt the response and increase side effects like dizziness and low blood pressure.
Watch for common side effects: headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, and mild changes in vision (blue tint or light sensitivity). Rare but serious problems include priapism (an erection lasting over 4 hours) and sudden vision or hearing loss — get immediate medical help if those happen.
Buying tips: sildenafil is widely available as a generic, which cuts cost. But you need a prescription in many countries. If buying online, choose licensed pharmacies with clear contact info, pharmacist access, and positive reviews. Avoid sites that sell huge quantities with no prescription or offer suspiciously low prices — counterfeits are common and can be dangerous.
If ED is new, sudden, or linked to chest pain, fainting, or shortness of breath, see a doctor before trying sildenafil. That could be a sign of heart issues. If you already take medicines for heart disease, high blood pressure, or prostate problems, get medical advice first. If you want help comparing brands, doses, interactions, or how to buy safely online, check related articles on this site tagged 'Sildenafil' for deeper, practical reads.
