Sildenafil Citrate – What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know
If you’ve ever heard the name Viagra, you’ve basically heard Sildenafil Citrate. It’s the active ingredient that helps men with erectile dysfunction (ED) get and keep an erection when they’re sexually aroused. The drug works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, letting more blood flow in – that’s why it’s called a PDE5 inhibitor.
In the U.S., the FDA approves Sildenafil for men 18 and older who have trouble with erections. It’s also sold under a lower‑dose brand name for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, but the ED version comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets.
How Does Sildenafil Work?
When you’re sexually stimulated, your body releases nitric oxide. That chemical tells an enzyme called guanylate cyclase to make more cGMP, which relaxes the smooth muscle in the penis and lets blood fill the spongy tissue. Sildenafil blocks an enzyme called PDE5 that would normally break down cGMP, so the buildup stays longer and the erection can last.
The effect starts in about 30‑60 minutes and can last up to four hours. It won’t cause an erection without sexual thoughts, so you don’t have to worry about staying hard all day.
Getting the Right Dose Safely
Most doctors start you on 50 mg about an hour before sex. If that works well, you can keep using it. If you need more effect, you can go up to 100 mg; if you feel side effects, drop to 25 mg. Take it on an empty stomach – a heavy, fatty meal can delay the onset.
People with certain conditions (like severe heart disease, low blood pressure, or who take nitrates for chest pain) should avoid Sildenafil. It can also interact with some antibiotics, antifungals, and HIV meds, raising the drug level and side‑effect risk.
Common side effects are mild: headache, flushing, upset stomach, and a stuffy nose. If you get a painful or prolonged erection lasting more than four hours (priapism), seek medical help right away.
Because the drug is prescription‑only, you’ll need a legit doctor’s note. Online pharmacies can be convenient, but only use FDA‑registered sites that ask for a valid prescription. Buying from gray‑market sources can land you counterfeit pills that may be unsafe.
People often ask if women can use Sildenafil. It’s not approved for women, and the research on female sexual dysfunction is still inconclusive. If you’re a woman looking for help, talk to your doctor about other options.
Remember, Sildenafil isn’t a cure for erectile dysfunction – it’s a tool. Lifestyle changes like exercising, quitting smoking, and managing stress can boost its effectiveness. Combine the pill with a healthy routine for the best results.
Got more questions? Check out our other articles on related topics, such as how other ED meds compare, safe online pharmacy tips, and managing side effects. We keep the info up‑to‑date, so you always get the latest FDA‑approved advice.
