Sildenafil

Sildenafil is a generic treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It is commonly known as Viagra, which is the brand name of the first Sildenafil released onto the market by former patent holder, Pfizer.

Those looking to buy Sildenafil online should note that in addition to treating ED, the drug has also been used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Sildenafil relaxes the blood vessels in the lungs, decreasing the pulmonary blood pressure to the heart and improving its function. This is due to cyclic guanosine monophosphate, cGMC, in the body causing relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle of the blood vessels, allowing them to dilate and increase blood flow. Sildenafil inhibits an enzyme that can promote cGMP degradation, therefore leaving more cGMP available to relax the blood vessels. Sildenafil is known as a cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor that causes the blood vessels leading to the penis to dilate, resulting in a firmer erection.

Following the end of the Pfizer patent in 2013, generic Sildenafil is now available by various generic manufacturers around the world.

Manufacturers produce Sildenafil tablets with different size and shape specifications. Despite this variance, it should be noted that each form of Sildenafil possesses the same active ingredient that is capable of treating ED. As a PDE-5 inhibitor, Sildenafil relaxes and widens the blood vessels leading to the penis. It is this dilation which allows more blood to flow into the penis resulting in a successful erection when sexually aroused.

Because it promotes sexual activity, which is beneficial to cardiovascular health, Sildenafil can engender health improvements. Those with cardiovascular disease should consult with their GP on the safety of using Sildenafil. Other potential benefits include increased self-esteem as a result of an active sex life, an increased sense of wellbeing, and an improvement in the relationships of users.

Other examples cited in studies into Sildenafil's potential health benefits include improving heart and lung conditions, fertility, men with heart failure, diabetes and exercise capacity.

It was by accident that Sildenafil was confirmed as being a treatment for ED. Researchers were testing high blood pressure treatments when it was found that the majority of male participants in the study were able to get an erection when they took the drug.

As Sildenafil is an unpatented, generic form of ED treatment, it is typically available at a cheaper price than the Sildenafil sold under the brand name Viagra.

The patent for Viagra was held by Pfizer until 2013, when they lost it. This opened the door for generic manufacturers to start producing their own versions of Sildenafil. As Sildenafil is produced by several competing manufacturers, naturally the price is driven down in order to appeal more to buyers.

In the case of Viagra - which is still sold in its distinctive blue diamond shape that is a registered trademark of Pfizer - its well-known brand name and global recognition allow it to be sold at a higher price. As long as Viagra retains its high level of brand recognition as the commonly known name for Sildenafil, it appears likely that the discrepancy in price will continue to be prevalent.

Sildenafil and Viagra are medically identical, and as such are considered equally effective. It is a requirement that the same levels of the active ingredient (bioequivalence) are contained within the generic version as the branded version.

Both Sildenafil and Viagra are used widely to treat ED. Sildenafil was created by British scientists Peter Dunn, Nicholas Terrett and Albert Wood. It began as a heart medication, but after being proven effective in treating ED, it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States as a treatment for the condition in 1998.

The choice between the generic form of the drug, Sildenafil, and the branded version, Viagra, became available in July 2013 when Pfizer lost its UK patent. Since then, the cheaper price point of Sildenafil has led to the greater accessibility of the treatment to more patients.

While there is no medical difference between Sildenafil and Viagra, patients may have a preference for the shape and texture of the pills themselves. The blue diamond design is a feature which has made the Viagra brand recognisable across the world. Sildenafil is typically sold in white or blue pills, and characteristics can vary according to the brand. Some tablets are scored for simple vision, and others are unscored. Some are given smooth finishes while others are more 'chalky'.

The reason for the difference in appearance is due to the bulking agents or fillers of each brand of Sildenafil. There is only a very small amount of active ingredient, Sildenafil, in each tablet and to make the size more manageable for a patient, it is made bigger by the addition of these fillers. Patients can always check the Product Information Leaflet, PIL, supplied with each product for all ingredients, both active and inactive. This is especially important if you are intolerant or allergic to lactose which is very commonly used as a filler. Our Mylan brand of Sildenafil tablets at Webmed Pharmacy are lactose free.

Viagra contains lactose.

Cialis is the branded version of Tadalafil, and like Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor which is used to treat ED. A point of difference between the two drugs is the length of time that they stay in the system for. Cialis is proven to provide penile hardness - that is, the ability to obtain an erection - for a longer period than Sildenafil. While Sildenafil typically lasts for four to six hours, Cialis can last up to 36 hours.

Like all medicines, Sildenafil and Viagra can cause side effects although not everybody gets them. The side effects reported are usually mild to moderate and of a short duration.

Cialis and Sildenafil share some possible side effects such as facial flushing, indigestion, headaches and flu-like symptoms, back and muscle pain, dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision.

Sildenafil's active ingredient is Sildenafil Citrate, and is commonly available in strengths of 25mg, 50mg or 100mg.

The other ingredients (excipients) in the Mylan brand of Sildenafil tablets are:

Tablet Core - Cellulose Microcrystalline, Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate Anhydrous, Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate - Film Coating - Hypromellose (E464), Titanium Dioxide (E171), Indigo Carmine Aluminium Lake (E132), Triacetin

The inactive ingredients (excipients) used by other manufacturers of Sildenafil tablets may vary.  Those manufacturers include Actavis, Accord, Dr Reddy's, Teva, Sandoz and Bristol Labs. Ltd.

One Sildenafil should be taken at a time, at least one hour before sex. Sildenafil can produce an effect for four to six hours, and typically takes up to one hour to take effect. It varies from person to person and some men have reported that the drug takes just 20 minutes to take effect.

No more than one Sildenafil tablet for ED should be taken in a 24-hour period. Sildenafil should be taken on an empty stomach as the presence of food in the stomach may reduce its effect. Also, too much alcohol can decrease the effect of Sildenafil.

Sildenafil does not work the first time for everyone. If Sildenafil does not work for you initially, you should try the same dose several times before changing to a a higher dose. Those who find Sildenafil ineffective after trying 50mg and 100mg doses might choose to try a different ED treatment like Cialis, Levitra or Spedra.

If any of the following conditions apply to you, Sildenafil might not be a suitable treatment:

• You have suffered a stroke or heart attack in the previous six months
• You currently suffer from kidney or liver disease
• You currently suffer from irregular heart rhythm or heart disease problems
• You have low or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• You currently suffer from leukaemia or sickle cell anaemia
• You currently suffer from retinitis pigmentosa(an inherited disease of the eye)
• You currently suffer from haemophilia
• Your penis is physically deformed as in Peyronies disease
• You currently suffer from a stomach or duodenal ulcer

You should let your doctor know if you have experienced any of the above. They will be able to judge if Sildenafil is safe for you to use.

As Sildenafil is capable of lowering blood pressure, the effect can be fatal if a nitrate drug (used to prevent or treat angina) is taken with it, for example  GTN spray, nitrate tablets, patches, gel or ointment or nicorandil. These are usually prescribed for heart conditions and you should consult your GP for other options.

If alpha blockers (used for an enlarged prostate) are used in combination with Sildenafil tablets, caution should be exercised because of the potential hypotensive effects.

Alpha blockers should not be taken within 6 hours of Sildenafil.

Among the common side effects of Sildenafil are facial flushing, indigestion, headaches and flu-like symptoms, back and muscle pain, dizziness, nausea and blurred vision.

You should exercise caution if you have any form of cardiovascular disease. Serious side effects which are rare include sudden hearing problems and prolonged erections which can cause damage to the penis. Nitrates should not be taken with Sildenafil to avoid the risk of a fatal drop in blood pressure.

Yes, you can buy Sildenafil online. It should always be bought from a GPhC registered online pharmacy. This can be verified by checking for the GPhC link in the footer on the website. Advantages of buying online from a registered pharmacy include buying genuine, effective medication, competitive pricing, fast discreet delivery, with added convenience.

Sildenafil currently requires a prescription to buy online. All doses of Sildenafil are available from Webmed Pharmacy, including a prescription free of charge.

Sildenafil 50mg is available in the form of Viagra Connect, without a prescription, both from Webmed Pharmacy and high street pharmacies.

We supply by courier, and guarantee next working day delivery if ordered by 4pm.

When taken as a treatment for ED, Sildenafil's predominant benefit is improving the ability to achieve and maintain an erection. As Sildenafil encourages sexual activity, it can be beneficial to cardiovascular health. An active sex life can also increase wellbeing and self-esteem, and lead to improvements in your relationships.

For most men, the effects of Sildenafil will start to be felt around half an hour after the drug is taken. It should be noted that some men have reported the drug taking effect in as little as 20 minutes, all the way up to 60 minutes. If Sildenafil is taken after a large meal, it may be longer before it takes effect. If more than one or two alcoholic drinks are taken, then the effect may be reduced. The length of time it takes for Sildenafil to work can vary according to the individual.

On average, Sildenafil typically lasts between four to six hours. The length of Sildenafil's effect can depend on the dosage, the metabolism of the individual, and other variables.

How effective Sildenafil is in comparison to alternative medication will vary according to the individual. Sildenafil takes about 30-60mins to be effective. Other treatments, such as Cialis and Spedra, can take effect in a smaller time frame of 15 minutes. Cialis also has a longer window of effectiveness, lasting up to 36 hours. Whereas most of the other ED medications only last 4-6 hours.

It’s basically a case of trying different treatments to find the one that suits you best.

Sildenafil contains the same active ingredient as Viagra (Sildenafil citrate), and is medically identical to Viagra. The wide availability of Sildenafil, and its typically lower price point, are reasons why people may believe it is better than Viagra.

Sildenafil can vary in cost, according to the pharmacy's pricing and the brand. Sildenafil, or generic Viagra, is now available in the UK from as little as £1.98 per tablet.

Sildenafil typically has a lower price point than the Viagra-branded form of the drug. Sildenafil is also normally priced much lower than Levitra, Cialis and Spedra and marginally lower than Tadalafil.

Sildenafil is normally available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg doses. The usual starting dose is 50mg. The time which Sildenafil takes to work will vary according to the individual. Sildenafil typically starts to work in a time frame of 30 to 60 minutes, and may be taken at any time up to four hours before sex.

The strength of Sildenafil needed to treat ED will vary from individual to individual. It is recommended to begin with the normal dose for men, which is 50mg. Depending on the effect which is experienced, this can either be increased to 100mg or decreased to 25mg. It is recommended that 50mg Sildenafil tablets are tried at least eight times without the desired effect before increasing the strength of the dosage

Cialis or generic Cialis called Tadalafil is another treatment for ED. Unlike Sildenafil, it comes in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets, and typically lasts for longer.

The lower strengths of 2.5mg and 5mg can be taken continuously so that you don’t need to plan ahead as you will be ready to respond to any sexual stimulation spontaneously.

Cialis 10mg and 20mg can  be taken as long as 24 hours before sexual activity as it’s active for 36 hours.

Yes, Sildenafil, in all doses, can be bought in the UK, from registered online pharmacies and as Viagra Connect, from online pharmacies and over the counter at high street pharmacies.

There is nothing wrong with taking Sildenafil as often as every day, but if you find that you are sexually active every day then you would be better with Tadalafil Daily.

Sildenafil and most other ED treatments are typically taken no more than once in a 24 hour period.

Yes, Sildenafil is available over the counter in the UK. Viagra Connect, the branded form of Sildenafil 50mg, was recently made available in the UK without prescription. However, the advantage of buying online means that you don’t need a prescription as our GMC registered doctor provides you with a prescription for the dose and amount of Sildenfil or Viagra that you require.

There are several medicines which should not be taken concurrently with Sildenafil. Medicines which can have potentially serious interactions with Sildenafil include

• Any alpha-blocker medicines e.g. doxazosin (Cardura), alfuzosin (Xatral), tamsulosin, terazosin, or Flomax, that you can buy in the pharmacy.
  These medicines may be used to treat prostate problems or high blood pressure
• Isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, or use a GTN spray or tablets for chest pain or use Rectogesic ointment
• Nicorandil (Ikorel), used to treat angina
• Cimetidine, used to treat stomach or duodenal (peptic) ulcers
• Theophylline, used to treat asthma
• Antibiotics:- Clarithromycin, Erythromycin and Telithromycin
• Anti-fungals such as itraconazole and ketoconazole
• Seizure medication:- carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin and primidone
• Heart or blood pressure medication:- disopyramide, amiodarone, quinidine and procainamide
• Anti-viral medication:- telaprevir, atazanavir, retonavir, indinavir, saquinavir and cobicistat
• Recreational drugs:- amyl nitrate (poppers)

Also, it is recommended that those who feel any serious side effects should seek immediate medical attention.

There are potential negative effects which can be brought about by drinking grapefruit juice at the same time as Sildenafil. The juice is recognised as preventing the breakdown of Sildenafil, in the body and allowing greater absorption of Sildenafil from the gut into the bloodstream. This has the unwanted effect of increasing side effects.

There is no problem in having one or two units of alcohol (a glass of wine or a small beer) with Sildenafil but any more than that will counteract the effects of the Sildenafil and you may be disappointed with your performance.

Furthermore, Sildenafil can cause low blood pressure and dizziness which alcohol can also cause, increasing the likelihood of these side-effects.  

Also, taking both together may result in heart palpitations where the heart beats irregularly.

Therefore, drinking alcohol can not only be potentially dangerous but can ruin your sexual experience.

Yes. if an order is placed online before 4pm on a working day then it will be received by tracked delivery the next working day.  If an order is placed online before 4pm on a Friday then it can be delivered at the weekend for a small additional charge.

Webmed  delivers within an allocated one-hour time slot, which means you don't need to wait around a long time for a delivery to arrive.

Normally, Sildenafil lasts for between 4-6 hours before the effect begins to diminish. The length of time Sildenafil lasts for will vary according to the individual,  the dosage  taken and whether any food has been consumed beforehand.

Your overall health, any medications you’re taking, your diet, underlying health conditions, can all affect the amount of time Sildenafil takes to work in your body and how long it lasts.

Sildenafil has a half-life of 4 hours, meaning that every four hours after taking it, there's only half as much of the drug left. After 8 hours, a quarter and so on.

This means that the Sildenafil is active for between 4-6 hours and shouldn’t be taken more than once every 24 hours.

For many men, Sildenafil is entirely safe. However, there are a number of conditions which can make Sildenafil an unsuitable treatment. These include some heart conditions, liver and kidney disease and low or high blood pressure. Also, it’s not suitable if you take certain medications. For more information, see the Product Information section on this Sildenafil page.

Patient Information Leaflet for Sildenafil 25mg, 50mg & 100mg