Sildenafil contains Sildenafil, a selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It is a prescription medicine primarily indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. The medicine works by enhancing the body’s natural erectile response to sexual stimulation. It does not increase sexual desire or cause an erection automatically; physical sexual arousal is required for Sildenafil to be effective. Sildenafil should always be taken under medical supervision.

Sildenafil is a prescription medicine belonging to the class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It is primarily indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men, a condition characterised by difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.

The medicine works by selectively inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, which increases levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in penile tissue. Elevated cGMP promotes relaxation of smooth muscle and enhances blood flow to the penis, thereby facilitating an erection in response to sexual stimulation. Importantly, Sildenafil does not increase sexual desire and will not cause an erection without physical arousal.

Sildenafil is usually taken orally, with onset of action typically within 30 to 60 minutes, and its effects may last up to 4 hours. Absorption can be delayed if taken with a high‑fat meal, which may reduce its effectiveness.

People with heart conditions, those taking nitrate medicines, or anyone with certain health issues should only use Sildenafil if their doctor approves it. Taking Sildenafil exactly as directed by a healthcare professional is the safest way to make sure it works well and avoids unnecessary risks.

This medicine may be prescribed under medical supervision for the following conditions:

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men. It enhances the ability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity, but only in the presence of sexual stimulation.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

Indicated for the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (WHO Group I). It works by relaxing blood vessels in the lungs, improving exercise capacity and slowing disease progression.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) with ED

May be used in men who present with both erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

• High Efficacy: Helps men with varying degrees of erectile dysfunction achieve and maintain firm erections.

• Rapid Onset: Typically begins working within 30 to 60 minutes after oral administration.

• Confidence Restored: Helps improve sexual performance, intimacy, and overall self-esteem.

Sildenafil may cause side effects in some people. Most are mild and temporary, but contact your doctor if they persist, worsen, or if you experience any serious reactions.

Common side effects may include:

• Headache

• Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)

• Dyspepsia (upset stomach or indigestion)

• Nasal congestion or a runny nose

Uncommon side effects may include:

• Mild back pain or muscle pain

• Blurred vision or changes in colour vision (such as seeing a blue tinge on objects)

Stop taking Sildenafil and call your doctor right away if you have:

• Sudden vision loss or blue-tinted vision (cyanopsia).

• Sudden hearing decrease or hearing loss (sometimes accompanied by dizziness or ringing in the ears).

• An erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours.

• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or a severe headache.

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label.

• The usual dose is taken orally approximately 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity. However, it may be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours beforehand.

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

• Sildenafil can be taken with or without food. However, taking it with a heavy or high-fat meal may delay the time it takes for the medication to start working.

• Do not take Sildenafil more than once within a 24-hour period.

Sildenafil is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released in the corpus cavernosum of the penis. This leads to an increase in cGMP levels, relaxing the smooth muscle and allowing blood to flow in. PDE5 is the enzyme responsible for breaking down cGMP. By inhibiting PDE5, Sildenafil keeps cGMP levels elevated, sustaining smooth muscle relaxation and promoting blood flow to maintain an erection.

• Sildenafil does not protect you or your partner from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Use appropriate barrier protection methods.

• It is not an aphrodisiac; it will not work without physical sexual stimulation.

• If 100 milligrams does not produce an erection or if your erection does not last long enough to complete sexual intercourse, do not take more pills. Consult your doctor instead.

Store at controlled room temperature between 15 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius. Keep the container tightly closed and protect it from moisture. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

• Grapefruit: Can slow down the breakdown of Sildenafil in the liver, increasing side effects.
• High-Fat Meals: Can delay the onset of the medication's effects by about 1 hour.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, especially:

• Nitrates: Nitro-dur, Nitro-bid, Isordil, etc. (Contraindicated).

• Alpha-blockers: (e.g., doxazosin, tamsulosin) used for high blood pressure or prostate enlargement. Taking both together may cause very low blood pressure.

• Protease inhibitors: (e.g., ritonavir) used to treat HIV. These heavily increase Sildenafil blood levels.

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin), which slow down the metabolism of Sildenafil.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• Heart disease, a recent heart attack (within the last 6 months), stroke, or life-threatening heart rhythm disorder.

• Resting high blood pressure or resting low blood pressure.

• Retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited eye condition) or a history of vision loss.

• Sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia.

• A physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie's disease).

The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day. The typical prescribed dose for erectile dysfunction is 50 milligrams, but your doctor may increase it to 100 milligrams or decrease it to 25 milligrams based on your individual response and tolerability.

Symptoms of an overdose may include severe dizziness, fainting, or a prolonged and painful erection. If you take more than the prescribed dose of Sildenafil, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Since Sildenafil is used on an as-needed basis before sexual activity, missing a dose is not clinically problematic. Simply take it when you remember before sexual activity. Never take two doses at the same time or within the same 24-hour window.