Sildenafil: What It Does, How to Use It, and How to Stay Safe

Want clear, practical info on sildenafil? You’re in the right place. Sildenafil (brand name Viagra) is a common medicine for erectile dysfunction (ED) and, in different doses, for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It helps blood flow to the right places so erections work better or lungs get less pressure. Below you’ll find simple dosing tips, safety warnings, and quick buying pointers so you can make smart choices.

Quick Dosing Guide

For ED: common doses are 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg. Take it 30–60 minutes before sex. Don’t take more than one dose a day. If food is heavy or fatty, expect a slower start — take it on an emptier stomach for faster action.

For PAH: doses and schedules differ and your doctor will guide you. Never switch doses used for PAH without medical advice.

If you’re older, have liver or kidney problems, or take certain medicines, your doctor may start lower. Always follow the prescription, don’t guess.

Safety, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common side effects are headache, flushing, stuffy nose, indigestion, and mild dizziness. These usually pass in a few hours. Serious problems are rare but need immediate care: sudden vision loss, sudden hearing loss, severe chest pain, or an erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism).

Big safety rule: never take sildenafil with nitrates (nitroglycerin, isosorbide). That combo can drop blood pressure dangerously low. Also be cautious with alpha-blockers for prostate or blood pressure — spacing doses and medical review are needed. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (like ritonavir) can raise sildenafil levels and increase side effects; doctors often lower the dose.

Tell your provider about heart disease, recent stroke, low blood pressure, severe liver or kidney disease, and eye problems (like retinitis pigmentosa). These conditions affect whether sildenafil is safe for you.

Buying tips: sildenafil is a prescription medicine. If a site sells it without asking for a prescription, be suspicious. Look for a licensed pharmacy, clear contact info, and pharmacist access. Avoid deals that seem too cheap — counterfeit pills are common and unsafe. Generic sildenafil citrate is widely available and works the same as brand-name versions when it comes from a trusted source.

Storage and practical tips: keep pills in their original packaging, store at room temperature away from moisture, and don’t crush extended-release forms. If a dose doesn’t work, don’t double up the next time. Talk to your doctor about trying a different dose or alternative treatments like tadalafil or lifestyle changes that support sexual health.

Questions? Ask your prescriber about how sildenafil fits with your heart health and other drugs. When used correctly, sildenafil is effective and safe for many people — but the right dose and medical check are key.