Sildenafil

What is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil (the generic version of the erectile dysfunction treatment more commonly known as Viagra) has revolutionised the way ED is treated around the world. It’s effectiveness, combined with the few side effects associated with the treatment, is the main reason for its popularity. Following the end of the UK patent protection on Viagra, cheaper generic versions of the drug are now available. The active ingredient is sildenafil citrate, a PDE5 inhibitor. It works by inhibiting an enzyme which regulates the blood flow to the penis, which in turn increases the blood flow to the area and multiplies sexual stimulation. PDE5 inhibitors use natural arousal as a trigger to help achieve and maintain an erection.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

There are a range of medical and lifestyle issues which can lead to ED. Common health-related causes include diabetes and heart disease, while common lifestyle issues like smoking, excess alcohol consumption, obesity and stress can cause problems. Those with issues should schedule an appointment with their GP to have the potential causes investigated.

Why Choose Sildenafil?

Viagra and the generic equivalent are well-known and widely used treatments for erectile dysfunction, and they are highly effective for many people. The side effects are fairly uncommon, and the action of the treatment tends to be consistent and reliable. While other treatments like Levitra and Spedra are also effective, this is one of the most widely prescribed. The drug takes effect fairly quickly, usually within an hour of being consumed, after which it should help achieve and maintain an erection for up to 6 hours. These times can be influenced by various factors, including the amount of food or alcohol consumed during the time beforehand. Ideally it should be taken without food (or with a small meal) and without alcohol in the system.

How Effective Is The Treatment?

Like most medications, it may not work for everyone. The success will depend on the underlying cause of the erectile dysfunction, and the treatment will require:

Sufficient blood supply to the penis

Sexual arousal

A healthy nervous system

Some causes of ED may require additional or supplementary treatments. These can include issues with nerve damage or those with underlying psychological reasons. You should work with your GP to find the cause of the issue before taking any ED treatment.

Taking It for the First Time

The typical initial dose will be a single 50mg tablet. If this is effective then the dose may be reduced to 25mg to see if the same results can be achieved with the smaller dose. If the 50mg has little to no effect, or if the effects last less than 4 hours, the dose may be increased to a single 100mg tablet.

Alternatives Treatments

The main alternative ED treatments include Cialis, Spedra and Levitra, and are available through the Dr.Felix website following a consultation with our GP’s. They also come in various dosages and packet sizes to suit your requirements.

What Dosages Are Available?

Generic Viagra in three different strengths, 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.

Each tablet contains the active ingredient at the indicated strength amount.

How Should It Be Taken?

How you can take the treatment is dependent on factors like your age, medical history and other prescription medicine you are on. The common recommended dosage for is 50mg consumed anywhere between half hour to four hours prior to sexual intercourse. However, the dosage can be adjusted depending on the individual and how they react to it.

You should not take it more than once daily, preferably on an empty stomach since it can slow down the effect if taken with a meal. They should be taken whole with a full glass of water.

Side Effects

These side effects should be reported to a doctor immediately, and alternative treatment method should be sought in case of the occurrence of these side effects.

Uncommon Side Effects

Less common side effects which have been reported in less than 10% of the consumers include feeling of tenderness in the stomach region, pain or upset stomach, pain during urination, and bladder pain. Also consumers have reported heartburn, feeling of tingling in the body, blood or mucus in the urine, faintness and increased frequency of urination.

Rare Side Effects

These side effects are rarely recorded, with their frequency being reported less than 0.1%. However, just because a side effect is rare doesn’t mean it cannot occur. These side effects include decrease in vision and abnormal eyesight; feeling of being high on alcohol or caffeine; eye bleeds, pain in chest and bone, increase in breast size, and loss in hearing. Feeling of confusion, cold sweats, chills, seizures and paleness of skin has also been reported in rare cases.

Records of pain in the back, pupil dilation, dehydration, severe headaches, fever, heart palpitations, dry eyes and mouth, orthostatic hypotension, and eye irritation have also been mentioned. Skin irritation including peeling, scaling, rash and dryness has also been recorded. Some users have also recorded feeling of extreme hunger and loss of concentration.

Other rare side effects include feeling of weakness, sore throat, slurry speech, and skin problems such as ulcers, hives, itching and lesions. Attention has also been brought to side effects of shakiness, light sensitivity, altered perception of colours, insomnia, prolonged penile erection, swollen and painful joints, nervousness and nightmares. Rare incidence of temporary vision loss, breathing problems, body swelling and muscle twitching has also been recorded.

Side Effects That Do Not Require Medical Attention

These side effects might occur in the beginning at the initial use of sildenafil based medication, but go away with the regular usage of the medicine. While these side effects go away, if they remain consistent, then they need to be brought into medical attention.

Common Side Effects

More than 10% of users report initial side effects of red and warm skin, trouble sleeping properly, runny or stuffed nose, feeling of indigestion after eating something, and pain around the cheekbones and eyes. Users have also complained of headaches, flushing, short breathing, diarrhoea, nose bleeds and muscle pain.

Rare Side Effects

Less than 1% people have complained about side effects after initial usage of sildenafil based medicines. These side effects include a feeling of buzzing or ringing in the ears and ear pain; gum soreness, swelling, redness or bleeding; haemorrhoids or rectal pain; tongue irritation and redness and increased amount of saliva production. Other side effects include stomach pain, vivid dreams, unstable balance, difficulty in swallowing, depression, incontinence, vertigo, excessive sleepiness, lip and mouth ulcers, tremors and worsened asthma.