Sildenafil is an erectile dysfunction (ED) medication known as the active ingredient in the “little blue pill,” known the world over by its branded version, Viagra®.
Sildenafil belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which includes tadalafil (marketed as Cialis®), vardenafil (marketed as Levitra®), and avanafil (marketed as Stendra®). They treat erectile dysfunction through their vasodilatory action that relaxes blood vessels and allows greater blood flow to the penis – consequently leading to an erection.
While sildenafil isn’t a permanent solution to ED, it’s a well-regarded first-line treatment that’s safe to take daily under a doctor’s prescription.
Once taking sildenafil, most men will be able to produce and maintain an erection for around two to three hours – upon sexual stimulation and arousal – before its effects subside.
Generic sildenafil requires a prescription since it isn’t an over-the-counter pill. Pfizer’s patent on Viagra® expired in 2017, opening the doors for pharmaceutical manufacturers to distribute generic versions of the drug. The key difference between generic sildenafil and Viagra® is merely the brand name and, more importantly, the price – generic sildenafil costs just a fraction of branded Viagra®, without being any less effective.
How long does it take for sildenafil to kick in?
Sildenafil generally kicks in between 30 to 60 minutes after taking it. However, different individuals may experience different time frames when they start feeling its effects. Some might feel it kick in less than 30 minutes after taking it, while others might take a little over an hour before they start feeling its effects. It usually delivers its full effect by the 1 to 2-hour mark, unless you’ve had a few drinks or a heavy meal before taking it.
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How much sildenafil should I take?
Generic sildenafil for the purpose of treating erectile dysfunction is available in three doses – 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.
Most individuals diagnosed with ED are usually started on a 50 mg dosage, and higher doses may extend the effects of sildenafil. Moreover, older men and men with liver or kidney ailments may take longer to expel sildenafil from their system fully.
Depending on how well you respond to your prescribed dosage and any possible side effects you might develop, your doctor may give you a reduced dose (25 mg) or the maximum daily dose (100 mg).
Three things to remember about taking sildenafil:
- Don’t take sildenafil more than once daily.
- Don’t take sildenafil unless you have a prescription.
- Don’t increase your dosage without consulting your doctor.
Why should I follow my doctor’s dosage instructions?
Professional healthcare providers seek to use the smallest possible dose that will work for you when they prescribe medicine for any condition, mainly because the higher your doses, the higher the risk of developing side effects. The same is true for sildenafil. For instance, it was reported in a 2020 study that 16% of individuals taking 25 mg of sildenafil reported headaches, while 28% of individuals taking 100 mg of sildenafil reported experiencing them – demonstrating the dramatic increase in the likelihood of developing side effects.
Side effects you might feel may include flushing, headaches, nasal congestion, muscle and back pain, light-headedness and dizziness, or a rash, to name a few.
Priapism is another rare but painful side effect of taking too much sildenafil. This side effect manifests itself as an erection lasting for more than 4 hours – and that’s NOT a good thing. Priapism requires immediate professional medical attention since it can cause permanent, irreversible damage to the penis.
Is sildenafil safe to take?
Sildenafil is well-regarded as a safe medicine taken as prescribed by your doctor. Millions of men worldwide have taken sildenafil, with no significant risks reported as of this writing. However, as with anything, taking too much sildenafil does pose its risks, such as extremely low blood pressure or priapism, which we have earlier mentioned. Taking more than the prescribed dose may lead to heart problems such as developing heart arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), chest pain (angina), or a heart attack. Always remember the adage – less is more. And that is certainly the case with sildenafil!
What will happen if I take too much sildenafil?
There are cases wherein men who haven’t been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction take sildenafil for a bachelor’s party or a wedding anniversary. This is a risky endeavor that may lead to disaster, especially if someone who does so is already dealing with a hitherto unknown or already existing cardiovascular ailment. Don’t take sildenafil without a doctor’s prescription, and take only the prescribed dosage. Never take matters into your own hands and take more than one dose of sildenafil per 24-hour period. If you feel as though the dosage isn’t enough for you, talk to your doctor so he can either bump your dosage a notch higher or recommend another ED medication or treatment.
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Key takeaways
- You need to feel sexually aroused in order for sildenafil to help you produce an erection.
- Taking generic sildenafil on its own will not generally cause an erection immediately.
- Sildenafil may not work as expected the first time you take it; you may need to take it several days (once a day) to determine the extent of your response to it.
- Sildenafil may not be suitable for everyone. If you feel no effects after taking it once a day for several days, consult your doctor about exploring a higher dosage or another ED medication such as tadalafil or vardenafil.
- If your erection lasts longer than 4 hours, seek immediate medical attention. Priapism is a painful, persistent condition that causes an erection lasting over 4 hours and may cause irreversible damage if not urgently addressed.
- You can take sildenafil from 30 minutes to 4 hours before engaging in sexual activity, but you should never take it more than once a day.
Lastly, always remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to erectile dysfunction, and what may work for one individual might not work for you. However, with proper medical attention and guidance from your doctor, you will find the right approach for your particular case. ED is one of the most common health problems men face, and it’s perfectly manageable, whether it means taking sildenafil, another PDE5 inhibitor, or making lifestyle changes that contribute to your ED.
