Sildenafil is the active ingredient behind the popular brand Viagra. It’s prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and is also used in some cases of pulmonary hypertension. If you’ve heard the name and wonder what it actually does, you’re in the right place.
Sildenafil belongs to a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. By blocking the enzyme phosphodiesterase‑5, it helps relax blood vessels in the penis and improves blood flow when you’re sexually aroused. The result is a firmer, longer‑lasting erection.
The medication is meant for adult men who have trouble achieving or maintaining an erection. A doctor should approve it, especially if you have heart disease, low blood pressure, or are taking nitrate medicines (like nitroglycerin). Those conditions can make sildenafil dangerous.
Typical starting doses are 25 mg or 50 mg taken about 30‑60 minutes before sexual activity. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on how well it works and any side effects you notice. Most men find the effect lasts 4‑5 hours, giving a flexible window for intimacy.
Common side effects include headache, facial flushing, upset stomach, and mild vision changes. They’re usually short‑lived and go away on their own. Rare but serious reactions can be sudden vision loss, hearing loss, or a painful erection lasting more than four hours (priapism). Seek medical help right away if any of these happen.
Because sildenafil interacts with certain medications, always tell your pharmacist or doctor about other drugs you take. Nitrates, some blood pressure meds, and certain antibiotics can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure when combined with sildenafil.
Many people shop for sildenafil on the internet to save money or avoid a pharmacy visit. That can work, but only if you pick a reputable source. Look for online pharmacies that require a valid prescription, list a physical address, and are certified by a recognized pharmacy board.
Generic sildenafil is legally identical to the brand version and costs much less. Check the price, but be wary of offers that sound too good to be true. Extremely low prices often mean counterfeit pills that can be ineffective or risky.
Red flags include websites that sell the drug without asking for a prescription, lack clear contact information, or have poor website design and countless spelling errors. If you see any of these signs, skip that seller.When you find a trusted online pharmacy, follow the same dosing instructions you got from your doctor. Don’t double‑dose to make up for a missed pill and store the medication in a cool, dry place.
In short, sildenafil can help many men regain confidence, but it works best when you use it responsibly and buy it from a legitimate source. Talk to your healthcare provider, get a prescription, and then shop online with the safety checklist in mind.
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