SEXUAL HEALTH
Sildenafil
for erectile dysfunction.
Sildenafil helps support erections during sexual stimulation and is the active ingredient in Viagra. Understand how it works, how food can affect onset, and which interactions and warnings need attention.
Sildenafil vs. tadalafil: what’s different?
Sildenafil and tadalafil are different PDE5 inhibitors. Their duration and dosing instructions differ. Do not combine them unless specifically directed by your prescriber.
Explore tadalafil treatment information.
Sources: DailyMed Viagra prescribing information · DailyMed Cialis prescribing information.
What is sildenafil?
Sildenafil is a prescription PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction. A clinician reviews your symptoms, cardiovascular health and other medicines before deciding whether treatment is appropriate. Viagra is a brand name; the dispensed product must be confirmed.
Do not combine sildenafil with tadalafil or other erectile dysfunction medicines unless specifically directed by your prescriber. Review the full labeling for side effects and interactions.
How sildenafil supports erectile function
Sildenafil inhibits phosphodiesterase type 5, or PDE5. For erectile dysfunction, it supports blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It does not automatically cause an erection, cure every cause of ED or increase sexual desire.
That distinction matters when comparing erectile difficulties with low libido or other sexual-health concerns. Erectile function and desire are related but different. Sildenafil also does not prevent pregnancy or protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Timing, food and why instructions differ
Sildenafil for ED is generally used as needed, following the prescription. Food can affect the experience: a high-fat meal can delay the onset of its effect. Taking additional doses to compensate for a delayed response is not a substitute for following the prescribed instructions.
Sildenafil is also used in medicines for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Those products and schedules should not be confused with an ED prescription. The active ingredient name alone does not tell you the intended indication, strength or dosing schedule.
Interactions and symptoms that need urgent attention
Nitrates, recreational nitrites and riociguat must not be combined with sildenafil. Blood pressure medicines and other drugs can also affect its safety. Do not combine ED medicines or change the schedule without specific prescriber direction.
An erection lasting more than four hours requires urgent medical attention. Sudden loss of vision or hearing also needs prompt care. If emergency treatment is needed, tell the medical team that sildenafil was taken and when it was last used.
What to discuss before treatment.
Do not use sildenafil with nitrates, recreational nitrites such as poppers, or riociguat. These combinations can dangerously lower blood pressure. Seek urgent care for an erection lasting more than four hours or sudden vision or hearing loss. Discuss whether sexual activity is safe for your cardiovascular health.
This overview does not include every risk, contraindication or interaction. Read the full information for the exact product and discuss questions with your clinician.
Continue exploring sexual health.
Frequently asked questions
Is sildenafil the same ingredient as Viagra?
Yes. Viagra contains sildenafil. The brand, formulation, strength and instructions of the actual product should be confirmed with your prescriber.
Who should not take sildenafil?
Sildenafil must not be used with nitrates, recreational nitrites or riociguat. Your clinician must also assess cardiovascular suitability, allergies and other medicines.
Which sildenafil symptoms need urgent medical attention?
Seek urgent care for an erection lasting more than four hours or sudden vision or hearing loss. Read the full prescribing information before use.
Sources: DailyMed Viagra prescribing information · NIH erectile dysfunction treatment
Does sildenafil increase sexual desire?
No. It supports erectile function during sexual stimulation but is not a treatment that increases sexual desire.
Can food affect sildenafil?
A high-fat meal can delay its onset. Follow the directions for your prescription rather than taking extra medication.
Is every sildenafil product an ED product?
No. Sildenafil is also used for pulmonary arterial hypertension. The exact medicine and prescribed indication must be confirmed.