Sildenafil: clear facts you can use

Sildenafil, often called Viagra, helps men with erectile dysfunction (ED) get an erection when they're sexually aroused. It doesn’t cause desire — it improves the physical response by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis. That simple action is what makes it effective for many men.

Most people notice sildenafil working in 30–60 minutes, and a single dose can help for up to about four hours. If you eat a greasy, heavy meal first, expect a slower start. It’s usually taken as needed, not every day, unless a doctor prescribes daily dosing for a specific reason.

Practical dosing and safety notes

Typical starting dose is 50 mg for most men, with adjustments to 25 mg or 100 mg depending on how you respond and what side effects you get. Older adults or people with liver or kidney problems often start lower. Never exceed the prescribed dose. If one PDE5 inhibitor doesn’t work well, a doctor may try a different one or adjust timing.

Big red flag: do not take sildenafil with nitrates used for chest pain (nitroglycerin, isosorbide). That combo can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Other interactions to watch for include some blood pressure drugs, certain HIV meds, and grapefruit products that raise sildenafil levels. Tell your doctor every medicine and supplement you use.

Common side effects are headache, flushing, blocked nose, and an upset stomach. Rare but serious issues include sudden vision or hearing changes, chest pain, or a painful erection lasting more than four hours (priapism). Get medical help fast for those.

Buying, storage, and smart use

If you’re buying sildenafil online, use a licensed pharmacy that asks for a prescription. Websites that sell without a prescription or offer suspiciously low prices often sell fake or unsafe pills. Our site outlines safe shopping practices and points to trustworthy resources. Store tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Avoid mixing sildenafil with heavy alcohol or recreational drugs like “poppers” (amyl nitrite) — those combos can be dangerous. If you have heart disease, recent stroke, severe liver disease, or uncontrolled low blood pressure, check with a clinician before trying sildenafil. Also consider lifestyle fixes: losing weight, quitting smoking, and controlling diabetes or high blood pressure can improve ED and make drugs work better.

Curious about other options? Tadalafil (Cialis) lasts longer and may be a better fit for some lifestyles. We also have articles about Cialis Black deals and sexual health after cancer treatment. If sildenafil doesn’t work or causes bothersome side effects, talk to a clinician — there are safe alternatives and strategies to try.

Questions or concerns? Use our contact page to reach out, and check the privacy and terms pages to see how we handle your info. Use medicines safely, follow medical advice, and stop and seek care if anything feels wrong.