Approved Uses for Sildenafil Citrate Medication
The main ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil, meaning that the drugs are essentially the same.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Patient resources
However, Viagra is marketed and prescribed strictly for erectile dysfunction, while generic sildenafil can be prescribed for PAH as well. Viagra is also known as “the little blue pill” because of its blue color, while generic sildenafil tends to be a white color.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamagra | 100mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 201.34€ 191.75€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 360 + 10 Pills | 225.33€ 214.60€ | |
| Kamagra | 100mg | 360 + 6 Pills | 839.95€ 799.95€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 180 + 8 Pills | 446.52€ 425.26€ | |
| Kamagra Polo | 100mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 189.39€ 180.37€ | |
| Kamagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 10 Sachets | 54.55€ 51.95€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 20 Pills | 37.74€ 35.94€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 20 Pills | 61.69€ 58.75€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 270 + 8 Pills | 184.26€ 175.49€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 20 Pills | 45.58€ 43.41€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 10 Pills | 40.96€ 39.01€ | |
| Kamagra Soft Tabs | 100mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 180.59€ 171.99€ |
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. Sildenafil (Viagra®) is an oral medication taken as needed to treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in the brand-name medication Viagra®. Sildenafil works the same way as Viagra and has the same benefits and risks, according to the FDA. Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, an oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing blood flow to the penis. It is taken only as needed, usually about an hour before sexual activity, though it can be effective if taken between 30 minutes to four hours prior. It is very important not to take Viagra more than once a day, as exceeding this frequency increases the risk of serious side effects, including vision loss and significant drops in sildenafil 50mg tablet blood pressure. Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is indicated to treat: The cost of sildenafil may vary depending on factors such as your insurance plan, the dosage, the quantity, and where you buy it.
Chemical synthesis
Based on your symptoms and medical history, a healthcare provider will determine if the product is a good fit for your needs. Administration of Viagra to patients using nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form Administration of Viagra to patients using nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any component of tablet Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any component of tablet Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinavir, erythromycin) Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinavir, erythromycin) Patients should not use Viagra if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status Patients should not use Viagra if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours Patients should stop Viagra and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) Patients should stop Viagra and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) Patients should stop Viagra and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing Patients should stop Viagra and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing Caution is advised when Viagra is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives Caution is advised when Viagra is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives Decreased blood pressure, fainting, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures Decreased blood pressure, fainting, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures At any dose, sildenafil takes about 30 to 60 minutes to start working. It’s recommended to take the medication about an hour before sex. Sildenafil’s starting dose is typically 50 mg, but your provider may adjust the dose down to 25 mg or up to 100 mg depending on the severity of your ED and how you respond to the medication. Sildenafil’s effects last for about four hours after taking the medication, meaning you should be able to get and maintain erections hard enough for sex within that four-hour window.
What happens with ED?
Viagra and sildenafil are chemically identical and work exactly the same. Both are effective treatments for ED, but Viagra tends to be more expensive and may differ a bit when it comes to packaging and pill appearance. *This information is from the label for brand name Viagra®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient sildenafil.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
This article is for informational purposes only and tablet sildenafil 50 mg does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Without insurance, the average retail price of sildenafil is about $23 per tablet, but coupons and discount cards may bring the cost to less than $1 per tablet. Insurance may cover all or some of the cost of the drug. Hims offers access to sildenafil starting at $4 per use after a thorough medical consultation. Based on your symptoms and medical history, a healthcare provider will determine if the product is a good fit for your needs. Administration of Viagra to patients using nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form Administration of Viagra to patients using nitric oxide donors, such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any component of tablet Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any component of tablet Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinavir, erythromycin) Drug interactions: Nitrates, alpha blockers, antihypertensives, CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinavir, erythromycin) Patients should not use Viagra if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status Patients should not use Viagra if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours Patients should stop Viagra and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) Patients should stop Viagra and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) Patients should stop Viagra and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing Patients should stop Viagra and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing Caution is advised when Viagra is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives Caution is advised when Viagra is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives Decreased blood pressure, fainting, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures Decreased blood pressure, fainting, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures At any dose, sildenafil takes about 30 to 60 minutes to start working. It’s recommended to take the medication about an hour before sex. Sildenafil’s starting dose is typically 50 mg, but your provider may adjust the dose down to 25 mg or up to 100 mg depending on the severity of your ED and how you respond to the medication. Sildenafil’s effects last for about four hours after taking the medication, meaning you should be able to get and maintain erections hard enough for sex within that four-hour window. Viagra and sildenafil are chemically identical and work exactly the same. Both are effective treatments for ED, but Viagra tends to be more expensive and may differ a bit when it comes to packaging and pill appearance. *This information is from the label for brand name Viagra®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient sildenafil.
- Sildenafil citrate is manufactured by several pharmaceutical companies.
- Its chemical formula is C22H30N6O4S.
- It has a half-life of approximately 4 hours in the body.
- The drug enhances nitric oxide activity in the corpus cavernosum.
- It’s important to follow prescribed dosing to avoid adverse effects.
- It is classified as a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor.
- Sildenafil was initially researched for angina before ED use.
This article is for informational purposes only and tablet sildenafil 50 mg does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.
| Storage Condition | Details | Temperature Range | Light Exposure | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preferred Storage | Cool, dry place | 15-30°C | Keep in original container | Avoid humidity |
| Keep away from light | Protect from direct sunlight | N/A | Yes | N/A |
| Out of reach of children | Safety precaution | N/A | N/A | N/A |
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Use of third-party trademarks is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with Hims, Inc.
| Condition | Description | Recommended Dosage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erectile Dysfunction (ED) | Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection | 50 mg before activity | Can be adjusted based on response |
| Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension | High blood pressure in lungs | 20 mg three times daily | Prescribed under medical supervision |
| Off-label uses | Other potential uses | Varies | Use under healthcare provider guidance |
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| Side Effect | Severity | Common Symptoms | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headache | Mild to Moderate | Throbbing pain, sensation of pressure | Very common |
| Flushing | Mild | Skin redness, warmth | Common |
| Dyspepsia (Indigestion) | Mild | Burning sensation in stomach | Common |
| Visual disturbances | Mild to moderate | Blue tint, blurred vision | Less common |
| Priapism | Severe | Prolonged and painful erection | Rare |
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Society and culture
The main ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil, meaning that the drugs are essentially the same. However, Viagra is marketed and prescribed strictly for erectile dysfunction, while generic sildenafil can be prescribed for PAH as well. Viagra is also known as “the little blue pill” because of its blue color, while generic sildenafil tends to be a white color. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication.
What is sildenafil, and what is it used for?
Sildenafil (Viagra®) is an oral medication taken as needed to treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in the brand-name medication Viagra®. Sildenafil works the same way as Viagra and has the same benefits and risks, according to the FDA. Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, an oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing blood flow to the penis. It is taken only as needed, usually about an hour before sexual activity, though it can be effective if taken between 30 minutes to four hours prior.
How sildenafil is used
It is very important not to take Viagra more than once a day, as exceeding this frequency increases the risk of serious side effects, including vision loss and significant drops in sildenafil 50mg tablet blood pressure. Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is indicated to treat: The cost of sildenafil may vary depending on factors such as your insurance plan, the dosage, the quantity, and where you buy it. Without insurance, the average retail price of sildenafil is about $23 per tablet, but coupons and discount cards may bring the cost to less than $1 per tablet. Insurance may cover all or some of the cost of the drug. Hims offers access to sildenafil starting at $4 per use after a thorough medical consultation. Please check your network connection and refresh this page Sildenafil citrate potentiates the hypotensive effects of nitric oxide donor drugs in male patients with stable angina 50 mg PO ~1 hr before sexual activity; however, may be taken anywhere from 30 min to 4 hr before sexual activity Maximum dosing frequency is once per day Based on effectiveness and toleration, may increase dose to maximum of 100 mg or decrease to 25 mg Indicated for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (World Health Organization [WHO] Group I) to improve exercise ability and delay clinical worsening Revatio (PO), Liqrev: 20 mg PO TID; may titrate up to 80 mg TID, if required, based on symptoms and tolerability Revatio (IV): 10 mg IV bolus TID 10-mg IV predicted to provide pharmacologic effect equivalent to 10-mg oral dose Do not exceed recommended PO/IV dose Viagra, VibriqueSevere (eg, cirrhosis): Consider initial dose of 25 mg Severe (eg, cirrhosis): Consider initial dose of 25 mg RevatioMild or moderate (Child-Pugh A or B): No dose adjustment requiredSevere (Child-Pugh C): Not studied Mild or moderate (Child-Pugh A or B): No dose adjustment required Viagra, VibriqueMild or moderate (CrCl 30-80 mL/min): No dose adjustment requiredSevere (CrCl <30 mL/min): Consider initial dose of 25 mg Mild or moderate (CrCl 30-80 mL/min): No dose adjustment required Severe (CrCl <30 mL/min): Consider initial dose of 25 mg RevatioAny severity, including severe (CrCl <30 mL/min): No dose adjustment required Any severity, including severe (CrCl <30 mL/min): No dose adjustment required Indicated in children aged 1-17 years for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group I) to improve exercise ability and, in pediatric patients too young to perform standard exercise testing, pulmonary hemodynamics thought to underly improvements in exercise 20-45 kg: 20 mg PO TID Maximum dose in pediatric patients not identified Based on experience in adults, dose may be titrated up to 40 mg TID, if required, based on symptoms and tolerability Mild or moderate (Child-Pugh A or B): No dose adjustment required Any severity, including severe (CrCl <30 mL/min): No dose adjustment required ≥65 years: 25 mg PO initially ~1 hr before sexual activity; however, may be taken anywhere from 30 min to 4 hr before sexual activity Maximum dosing frequency is once per day Based on effectiveness and toleration, may increase dose to maximum of 100 mg or decrease to 25 mg Indicated for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (World Health Organization [WHO] Group I) to improve exercise ability and delay clinical worsening PO: 20 mg PO TID; may titrate up to 80 mg TID, if required , based on symptoms and tolerability 10-mg IV predicted to provide pharmacologic effect equivalent to 10-mg oral dose Recommended PO/IV dose not to be exceeded Adding Revatio to bosentan does not have any beneficial effect on exercise capacity Clinical trials found no significant difference in response between elderly patients and younger adults; however, cautious dose selection should be considered in elderly because of greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, and cardiac function, as well as comorbid conditions and concomitant pharmacotherapy Compared with healthy younger volunteers, healthy elderly volunteers (≥65 years) had reduced clearance of sildenafil, resulting in approximately 84% and 107% higher plasma concentrations of sildenafil and its active N-desmethyl metabolite, respectively atazanaviratazanavir will increase the level or effect of sildenafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism.
- Some users report headaches and dizziness after taking sildenafil.
- A common side effect is facial flushing and nasal congestion.
- Rare side effects include sudden hearing loss or vision loss.
- Priapism requires urgent medical attention to prevent tissue damage.
- Sudden vision loss should be immediately evaluated by a doctor.
- Allergic reactions such as rash, hives, or swelling are possible.
- Discontinue use and seek medical help if serious side effects occur.
Never use combination with chronic sildenafil for PAH cobicistatcobicistat will increase the level or effect of sildenafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism.
Non-medical use
Use of third-party trademarks is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with Hims, Inc. An official website of the United States government Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Please check your network connection and refresh this page Sildenafil citrate potentiates the hypotensive effects of nitric oxide donor drugs in male patients with stable angina 50 mg PO ~1 hr before sexual activity; however, may be taken anywhere from 30 min to 4 hr before sexual activity Maximum dosing frequency is once per day Based on effectiveness and toleration, may increase dose to maximum of 100 mg or decrease to 25 mg Indicated for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (World Health Organization [WHO] Group I) to improve exercise ability and delay clinical worsening Revatio (PO), Liqrev: 20 mg PO TID; may titrate up to 80 mg TID, if required, based on symptoms and tolerability Revatio (IV): 10 mg IV bolus TID 10-mg IV predicted to provide pharmacologic effect equivalent to 10-mg oral dose Do not exceed recommended PO/IV dose Viagra, VibriqueSevere (eg, cirrhosis): Consider initial dose of 25 mg Severe (eg, cirrhosis): Consider initial dose of 25 mg RevatioMild or moderate (Child-Pugh A or B): No dose adjustment requiredSevere (Child-Pugh C): Not studied Mild or moderate (Child-Pugh A or B): No dose adjustment required Viagra, VibriqueMild or moderate (CrCl 30-80 mL/min): No dose adjustment requiredSevere (CrCl <30 mL/min): Consider initial dose of 25 mg Mild or moderate (CrCl 30-80 mL/min): No dose adjustment required Severe (CrCl <30 mL/min): Consider initial dose of 25 mg RevatioAny severity, including severe (CrCl <30 mL/min): No dose adjustment required Any severity, including severe (CrCl <30 mL/min): No dose adjustment required Indicated in children aged 1-17 years for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (WHO Group I) to improve exercise ability and, in pediatric patients too young to perform standard exercise testing, pulmonary hemodynamics thought to underly improvements in exercise 20-45 kg: 20 mg PO TID Maximum dose in pediatric patients not identified Based on experience in adults, dose may be titrated up to 40 mg TID, if required, based on symptoms and tolerability Mild or moderate (Child-Pugh A or B): No dose adjustment required Any severity, including severe (CrCl <30 mL/min): No dose adjustment required ≥65 years: 25 mg PO initially ~1 hr before sexual activity; however, may be taken anywhere from 30 min to 4 hr before sexual activity Maximum dosing frequency is once per day Based on effectiveness and toleration, may increase dose to maximum of 100 mg or decrease to 25 mg Indicated for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (World Health Organization [WHO] Group I) to improve exercise ability and delay clinical worsening PO: 20 mg PO TID; may titrate up to 80 mg TID, if required , based on symptoms and tolerability 10-mg IV predicted to provide pharmacologic effect equivalent to 10-mg oral dose Recommended PO/IV dose not to be exceeded Adding Revatio to bosentan does not have any beneficial effect on exercise capacity Clinical trials found no significant difference in response between elderly patients and younger adults; however, cautious dose selection should be considered in elderly because of greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, and cardiac function, as well as comorbid conditions and concomitant pharmacotherapy Compared with healthy younger volunteers, healthy elderly volunteers (≥65 years) had reduced clearance of sildenafil, resulting in approximately 84% and 107% higher plasma concentrations of sildenafil and its active N-desmethyl metabolite, respectively atazanaviratazanavir will increase the level or effect of sildenafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism.
Does Viagra increase a man’s sex drive?
Never use combination with chronic sildenafil for PAH cobicistatcobicistat will increase the level or effect of sildenafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. When used chronically for PAH, sildenafil is contraindicated for use with cobicistat; if used for erectile dysfunction, do not exceed sildenafil 25 mg q48hr cobicistat will increase the level or effect of sildenafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Cobicistat is a CYP3A4 inhibitor; contraindicated with CYP3A4 substrates for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events; contraindication applies to chronic administration of sildenafil for PAH; for ED, not to exceed 25 mg in 48 hr.
What can I do to make Viagra work faster?
When used chronically for PAH, sildenafil is contraindicated for use with cobicistat; if used for erectile dysfunction, do not exceed sildenafil 25 mg q48hr cobicistat will increase the level or effect of sildenafil by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Cobicistat is a CYP3A4 inhibitor; contraindicated with CYP3A4 substrates for which elevated plasma concentrations are associated with serious and/or life-threatening events; contraindication applies to chronic administration of sildenafil for PAH; for ED, not to exceed 25 mg in 48 hr.