Description
Sildenafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It helps relax blood vessels in the penis, allowing increased blood flow during sexual stimulation. It does not increase sexual desire or cause an erection without stimulation.
What it is used for
UK-authorised sildenafil tablets are used to treat erectile dysfunction—the difficulty getting or keeping an erection sufficient for sexual activity.
Side effects
Headache is very common. Common effects include flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, dizziness, nausea and visual disturbances.
Seek urgent medical attention for chest pain, a prolonged or painful erection lasting more than four hours, sudden loss of vision or hearing, or a severe allergic reaction. If chest pain occurs, do not take nitrates; tell the treating clinician when sildenafil was taken. This list is not exhaustive.
Do not combine sildenafil with nitrate medicines, recreational nitrites (“poppers”) or riociguat. Certain heart conditions, recent stroke or heart attack, low blood pressure and severe liver disease can make it unsuitable. Alpha-blockers and some other medicines require an interaction check. Do not combine it with other erectile dysfunction treatments.
Recommended dosage
The usual adult starting dose in UK guidance is 50 mg approximately one hour before sexual activity. Depending on response and tolerability, a prescriber may adjust this to 25 mg or 100 mg. Do not exceed 100 mg or take more than once daily.
A heavy meal may delay its effect. Follow the prescription and exact product leaflet; kidney or liver problems and interacting medicines may require a lower dose.
Storage guidelines
Sore in a cool, dark place. Keep out of children’s sight and reach and do not use after expiry.
