Sildenafil belongs to a class of medications called PDE5 inhibitors. It is commonly taken about 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to intercourse on an empty stomach. Sildenafil’s peak effect is strongest 2-4 hours after it’s taken, and could last up to 8-12 hours- giving you ample time to have a good time.
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Sildenafil is a well-tolerated drug; however, side effects may occur and differ from person to person. Common side effects include: headaches, facial flushing, light-headedness, blurred vision and/or a tingly feeling in the body. If you have a prolonged erection for more than 4 hours, you must seek immediate medical attention. Be sure to follow the directions provided by your prescriber and become familiar with the important safety information provided to you.
Sildenafil is authorized by Health Canada for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It helps stimulate the body’s normal response to increase blood flow to the penis. Sildenafil is also FDA approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, where it relaxes the blood vessels that are located in the chest near the lungs and heart. This ultimately reduces the workload of the heart by increasing the supply of blood to the lungs.
Sildenafil belongs to a group of medications called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. This class of medications ultimately increases blood flow to the penis by preventing an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type-5 from working too quickly. By controlling the enzyme, Sildenafil helps promotes erections in men who have difficulty getting or staying erect, making it the go to drug for erectile dysfunction.
Typically, the amount of Sildenafil in the bloodstream correlates to how long the effects can last. With that being said, Sildenafil’s effect is strongest 2-4 hours after it’s taken, and could last up to 8-12 hours. Please seek medical attention if you feel like you are experiencing a longer than expected erection that lasts more than 4 hours (priapism).
Sildenafil usually begins to work for erectile dysfunction within 15-30 minutes of taking it on an empty stomach. Taking the medication on an empty stomach is recommended due to the effect food can have on the absorption of Sildenafil. It then continues to work for up to 4 hours, with its peak effect being 1 hour after it’s taken. How long the medication lasts may differ depending on the individual. Keep in mind that Sildenafil makes it easier to get and maintain an erection, but will only work when an individual is sexually aroused.
Sildenafil comes in 3 doses – 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. A starting dose of 25mg is usually prescribed if you have not previously used this medication or if you are taking other medications, which may cause potential side effects. Our clinical team will decide what’s best based on your medical questionnaire. Dosing is increased as needed to achieve the desired effects.
Taking more Sildenafil than prescribed is considered to be too much. Even If you are planning to have sex more than once per day, you should not take more than your prescribed dose in one day. Considering there are a few options in terms of prescription dosage (25mg, 50mg or 100mg), please reach out to our providers if you feel that your prescribed dose is not working effectively.
Absolutely. According to many clinical trials, Sildenafil was seen to improve erections in approximately 2/3 of men. If it does not work for you the first time you take it, don’t be discouraged. Some men stated that they needed to give their body time to get used to the medication, making them try it a few times before they were able to establish whether or not it works for them. Still not satisfied with the effects of Sildenafil after you try it? Please reach out to our providers so that we can work with you to help you get there.
The most common reported side effects of Sildenafil include, but are not limited to, lowered blood pressure, dizziness, back pain, headache, muscle aches, stomach discomfort following meals, blurred vision, flushing, stuffy or running nose, trouble sleeping and diarrhea. If these side effects become persistent and/or bothersome, please contact your provider to discuss whether or not the medication should be stopped. If you start to experience rare, but serious, side effects such as a prolonged painful erection for longer than 4 hours (priapism), sudden loss of vision, double vision, hearing problems, convulsions, trouble breathing or hives- please seek medical attention immediately.
Although Sildenafil has been shown to be safe for most men, it may not be suitable with certain medical conditions, and sometimes it may be used but only if extra care is taken. For these reasons, men with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart conditions or blood vessel disease, any injury or deformity of the penis, low blood pressure or angina, history of stroke or heart attack, liver or kidney problems, bleeding conditions that cause ulcers, and any eye condition causing loss of vision, may be subject to adverse reactions. Please inform our providers if you suffer from any of these conditions or if you are taking any medications (prescribed or over the counter) that may interact with Sildenafil.
Before taking Sildenafil, please inform your provider if you are taking any medications that are known to interact with Sildenafil. Some prescription medications that interact with. Sildenafil include alpha-blockers, other PDE5 inhibitors (tadalafil, vardenafil), oral antifungal medicines (ketoconazole, itraconazole), antibiotics (clarithromycin, erythromycin), nitrates (nitroglycerin), guanylate cyclase stimulators (riociguat) and HIV protease inhibitors (ritonavir, atazanavir sulfate, saquinavir).
