Sildenafil: What It Does and How to Use It Safely
Sildenafil is a widely used medicine for erectile dysfunction (ED) and certain types of high blood pressure in the lungs. Many people know it by brand names like Viagra or Revatio. It can help you get and keep an erection when you are sexually stimulated, and on the pulmonary side it lowers lung blood pressure to ease symptoms.
Sildenafil works by relaxing blood vessels, which increases blood flow to the penis or lungs. For ED, it boosts the natural response to sexual arousal. For pulmonary arterial hypertension, doctors prescribe different doses and expect different treatment goals. Always follow the specific indication your provider gives.
Typical ED doses are 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg taken about 30 to 60 minutes before sex. Food, especially heavy or fatty meals, can slow how fast it starts working. Effects usually last three to five hours but can vary by person. For pulmonary hypertension, doses and frequency differ - follow your prescription.
Common side effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and upset stomach. Less common but serious problems are sudden vision or hearing loss, chest pain, or a long painful erection lasting more than four hours (priapism). If you get severe symptoms or priapism, get emergency care right away.
Major interactions matter. Never take sildenafil with nitrate medicines (often used for chest pain) - that combo can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Be careful with alpha-blockers, some HIV or hepatitis drugs, and strong grapefruit juice. Tell your prescriber about heart disease, low blood pressure, recent stroke, or severe liver or kidney problems.
Buying sildenafil online is common, but do it safely. Use pharmacies that require a prescription, show contact info, and have clear privacy and shipping policies. Avoid sites that sell without a prescription or offer suspiciously low prices. If unsure, check pharmacy accreditation or ask your doctor before ordering.
Practical tips: start with a lower dose if you are new or have health issues, avoid heavy meals and excessive alcohol before use, and don't mix with recreational drugs like nitrates. Keep a medication list so providers can spot interactions. If side effects persist or the drug doesn't work after several tries, talk to your prescriber - dosage or another medicine might suit you better.
Sildenafil can be effective when used correctly. Work with your healthcare provider, follow safe buying practices, and pay attention to warning signs. That approach keeps you safer and helps the medicine do its job.
Generic sildenafil contains the same active ingredient as brand drugs but costs less. Generics usually meet quality checks in many countries, yet you should inspect the seller and packaging. Store tablets in a cool, dry place away from children. If you miss a dose for pulmonary hypertension, follow your doctor's instructions - don't double up. For ED there is usually no daily dose; timing matters. If erections change suddenly or problems persist, see a doctor to check your heart and hormones tests.
