Think sildenafil citrate is just a brand name medicine? It isn’t. Sildenafil is the active drug found in Viagra and several generics. It helps increase blood flow to the penis to produce and maintain an erection when you’re sexually stimulated. Quick fact: many people notice effects in 30–60 minutes, but timing can vary with food, alcohol, and metabolism.
Sildenafil blocks an enzyme (PDE5) so blood vessels relax and fill more easily during arousal. Take it as a single dose before sex. If taken on an empty stomach you’ll usually feel it faster; a heavy meal—especially fatty food—can slow absorption by an hour or more. Expect effects to last around 4 hours for most men, though benefits can persist longer in some people.
If you try it and don’t notice a change, don’t double the dose the next time. Talk with a doctor about adjusting the dose or trying another option. There are also fast-acting forms like oral jelly that some users prefer for quicker onset.
Common side effects are headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, and sometimes visual changes (blue tint or blurred vision). These usually pass in a few hours. Seek immediate help if you get chest pain, sudden vision loss, or an erection lasting longer than four hours—those are medical emergencies.
Never mix sildenafil with nitrates (often prescribed for chest pain). The combo can crash your blood pressure. Also be cautious with alpha-blockers, some blood pressure meds, and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like certain antifungals or HIV drugs—these can increase sildenafil levels and side effects. Ask your pharmacist if you’re on multiple meds.
Typical starting doses are 25–50 mg for many men, adjusted up to 100 mg or down to 25 mg depending on effects and side effects. For pulmonary arterial hypertension, different dosing rules apply—follow a specialist’s instructions.
Buying online? Use reputable pharmacies. Look for a licensed pharmacy site, clear contact info, and a requirement for a prescription where required. Beware of deals that seem too good—fake pills can be dangerous or contain wrong ingredients. If you’re unsure, consult a pharmacist or your doctor before ordering.
Simple lifestyle moves help too: reduce heavy drinking, quit smoking, and get weight under control. Those things can improve erectile function and make meds work better. If sildenafil doesn’t help after a few tries, your doctor can check for underlying causes like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, or low testosterone.
Want a quick takeaway? Sildenafil citrate is effective for many men, but timing, drug interactions, and correct dosing matter. Use it with care, buy from trustworthy sources, and talk to a clinician if problems continue.
