Sildenafil: What You Need to Know Before You Take It

If you or someone you know has heard about sildenafil, you probably know it’s the active ingredient in Viagra. It’s a popular treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) and is also prescribed for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Below we break down how it works, how to use it safely, and where to buy it without risking scams.

How Sildenafil Works

Sildenafil belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase‑5 (PDE‑5) inhibitors. It relaxes the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow in when you’re sexually aroused. The effect only happens with sexual stimulation – the pill won’t cause an erection on its own.

For pulmonary hypertension, the same blood‑vessel‑relaxing action helps lower the pressure in the lungs, making it easier to breathe during exercise. Because the mechanisms are similar, doctors use different doses for each condition.

Typical Dosage and How to Take It

The most common starting dose for ED is 50 mg taken about an hour before sexual activity. If that works well, you can increase to 100 mg or drop to 25 mg if you experience side effects. The pill can be taken with or without food, but a heavy fatty meal may delay the onset by up to an hour.

For pulmonary hypertension, the brand name Revatio is usually prescribed at 20 mg three times a day. Your doctor will adjust the schedule based on how you feel and any lab results.

Never take more than one dose in 24 hours. If you miss a dose for the hypertension use, take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose – then skip the missed one.

Common Side Effects and When to Seek Help

Most people tolerate sildenafil well. The most frequent side effects are headache, flushing, upset stomach, and mild visual changes like a blue tint. These usually go away within a few hours.

If you notice a painful or prolonged erection lasting longer than four hours (priapism), seek medical help immediately. Sudden vision loss or hearing loss is rare but serious – call a doctor right away.

People with heart problems, low blood pressure, or who take nitrates (often prescribed for chest pain) should avoid sildenafil. The combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Tips for Buying Sildenafil Safely Online

Buying medication online can be convenient, but the market is full of fake pills. Look for pharmacies that require a prescription, display a physical address in the UK, and are licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Check for secure https connections and clear privacy policies. Reputable sites will let you upload a prescription or have a pharmacist verify it before shipping.

Avoid deals that sound too good to be true – extremely low prices often mean counterfeit drugs. Read customer reviews, but focus on those that mention product packaging and effectiveness.

When you receive the medication, inspect the bottle, label, and tablet shape. Genuine sildenafil tablets are usually blue, diamond‑shaped, and marked with “Viagra”. If anything looks off, contact the pharmacy and consider reporting the seller.

Bottom Line

Sildenafil is an effective, well‑studied treatment for ED and pulmonary hypertension when taken correctly. Start with the lowest dose that works, watch for side effects, and never mix it with nitrates. If you decide to purchase online, stick to licensed UK pharmacies that ask for a prescription and protect your personal data. With the right approach, you can enjoy the benefits of sildenafil safely and confidently.