What Is Sildenafil? How To Use Sildenafil For Erectile Dysfunction

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on June 14, 2022

Did you know that 74% of sampled herbal dietary supplements contained sildenafil? Many herbal supplements don't list these hidden ingredients, posing an increased risk for your health and wellness. 

Taking sildenafil without medical guidance could lead to several adverse effects. For those who take nitrates, it can result in severe hypotension and fainting. 

But what is sildenafil for as a prescription? You might recognize it by its more popular name: Viagra. The "little blue pill" has made headlines for decades, but is there any truth behind its effects on erection quality?

Luckily, we have put together a complete guide that goes over everything you need to know about sildenafil, including alternatives. Keep reading on for more information!

In this article, we talk about the following:

1. What is sildenafil?
2. What is sildenafil taken for?
3. How sildenafil works for erectile dysfunction
4. Sildenafil side effects
5. Sildenafil for erectile dysfunction dosages
6. Sildenafil erectile dysfunction cost
7. How to store sildenafil
8. Alternative to sildenafil for erectile dysfunction
9. Sildenafil for men with erectile dysfunction FAQs
10. Is sildenafil good for erectile dysfunction?
11. Does sildenafil cure erectile dysfunction?
12. Is sildenafil the same as Viagra?
13. Can you combine sildenafil and alcohol?
14. Does insurance cover sildenafil?
15. How to get the best results with sildenafil

What Is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil is a prescription medication that acts as vasodilating agent. It falls under the classification of PDE5 inhibitors, along with other similar drugs, such as:

1. Tadalafil
2. Vardenafil

Initially, sildenafil (Viagra) was used in studies in the late 1990s to see how it impacted hypertensive patients. Instead, they found that it affected patients who had difficulties maintaining or getting an erection. 

What Is Sildenafil Taken For?

What is the drug sildenafil used for? Patients primarily use sildenafil as prescribed for erection quality. Sildenafil can help men who have problems getting or maintaining an erection. 

Now that you can answer the commonly searched question, "what is sildenafil used to treat," you may wonder how it works and if it is right for you. 

This article is written for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided in the articles cannot and should not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Talk to your healthcare provider about any physical or mental health concerns or the risks and benefits of any treatment or medication.

How Sildenafil Works for Erectile Dysfunction

Knowing more about "what sildenafil is used for" helps you understand its mechanism of action. As mentioned earlier, sildenafil works as a PDE5 inhibitor and has various effects on the body. Primarily, it works within the corpus cavernosum and penile arteries through a few simple steps:

1. Blocks PDE5 enzymes
2. Increases cGMP availability
3. Enhances blood vessel dilation

The PDE5 enzyme degrades cGMP, leading to higher amounts in penile arteries and vasoconstriction. Since PDE5 inhibitors block this initial process, it helps with blood flow and smooth muscle cell vessel relaxation. 

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Sildenafil Side Effects

Like other prescription medications and PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil has some common side effects. Luckily, these should be mild and not cause any long-term complications. 

If you experience an allergic reaction, stop taking the medication and talk to your provider or visit a medical center. Here are some of the most common sildenafil side effects:

1. Flushing
2. Headache
3. Dizziness
4. Heartburn
5. Nausea
6. Blurred vision
7. Nasal congestion
8. Sleep problems
9. Muscle pain

Very common side effects that occurred in over 10% of study participants were:

1. Flushed skin
2. Diarrhea
3. Pain in extremity
4. Headache
5. Abnormal vision

While this may just be a nuisance for some, talk to your doctor if it becomes a problem. 

Read more: Sildenafil Warnings & Precautions

Sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction Dosages

Sildenafil comes in an oral tablet form that should be taken with a full glass of water. There are three sildenafil dosages available:

1. 25 mg
2. 50 mg
3. 100 mg

Typically, your physician will start you at a lower dosage. You should take it approximately 30 minutes to two hours before sexual intercourse.

Remember, you need physical stimulation for an erection to occur. Sildenafil does not cause spontaneous erections. Additionally, you should only take sildenafil once daily or as needed. 

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Do not increase your dose or frequency or combine it with other PDE5 inhibitors without consulting your physician. Unfortunately, combining or taking too much sildenafil can cause priapism.

Priapism is a long-lasting and painful erection that lasts more than four hours. It requires immediate medical attention and could potentially lead to long-term complications. 

Do not increase your sildenafil dose or frequency or combine it with other PDE5 inhibitors without consulting your physician. Unfortunately, combining or taking too much sildenafil can cause priapism.

Sildenafil Erectile Dysfunction Cost

How much will you end up paying for sildenafil? It depends on a few factors, such as:

1. Dosage
2. Frequency
3. Pharmacy
4. Generic vs. brand-name

You are already saving money choosing sildenafil over Viagra. Brand-name prescription medications can cost upwards of 70% more than generic versions. Higher dosages might also cost more, including using local pharmacies. 

Instead, online pharmacies such as UPGUYS help you save money and streamlines the process of prescription refills and scripts. 

How To Store Sildenafil

Sildenafil storage is similar to other prescription medications. Avoid exposing it to sunlight, humidity, or hot environments. Instead, store sildenafil in a cool, dark, and dry environment such as a kitchen cabinet or drawer. 

Ensure you keep sildenafil away from pets, children, or vulnerable adults.

Alternative to Sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction

Is there a sildenafil alternative for erectile dysfunction? Yes! For starters, you could opt for the brand-name version, Viagra. 

Although Viagra will cost more, it contains different inactive ingredients. If you have an allergic reaction to sildenafil, consider swapping to Viagra. Otherwise, there are other PDE5 inhibitors, such as:

1. Cialis (tadalafil)
2. Levitra (vardenafil)
3. Stendra (avanafil)

Currently, there is not a Stendra generic version available for purchase. It is a newer PDE5 inhibitor and will likely cost much more. Instead, Cialis, Levitra, and their generic versions are excellent alternatives. 

They have similar mechanisms of action but different active ingredients. Levitra is the most similar to sildenafil, with nearly identical half-lives. They are both designed to be taken as needed.

Cialis is a bit different from Levitra and Viagra. There are two types of Cialis:

1. Daily
2. As-needed

Daily Cialis is meant for long-term erection difficulties and does not require you to take it right before sexual intercourse. Instead, you will take it at the same each day, and it has a much longer half-life of nearly 36 hours. 

Read more: Unsafe Interactions With Sildenafil (Viagra) 

Sildenafil for Men With Erectile Dysfunction FAQs

The "little blue pill" has created a lot of hype over the years. Rather than turning to the internet for your most pressing questions, UPGUYS has you covered. Here are five common FAQs regarding sildenafil.

1- Is Sildenafil Good for Erectile Dysfunction?

Yes. Sildenafil, or Viagra, was the first PDE5 inhibitor with excellent success rates. Studies show that it is a front-line treatment for helping men with difficulties getting or maintaining an erection. 

PDE5 drugs like sildenafil also showed improvements in patients' depression scores. 

2- Does Sildenafil Cure Erectile Dysfunction?

Does sildenafil work, and can it cure erectile dysfunction? The answer is more convoluted than that. There are several causes for difficulties getting an erection, although the two primary ones are:

1. Physical
2. Psychological

Stress, anxiety, and relationship challenges can affect erection quality. These issues are closely tied to psychological causes and are best handled with therapy or stress-reducing activities. 

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction include:

1. Cardiovascular disease
2. Diabetes
3. Obesity
4. Neurological conditions

In cases where there is limited blood flow to the penile arteries, PDE5 inhibitors could help reduce symptoms.

3- Is Sildenafil the Same as Viagra?

Yes, sildenafil and Viagra contain the same active ingredient. They are both PDE5 inhibitors and result in similar mechanisms of action. 

The primary difference between them is the inactive ingredients. Sildenafil contains different additives that may cause an allergic reaction. If you have an adverse outcome with sildenafil, Viagra could still be a viable option. 

4- Can You Combine Sildenafil and Alcohol?

Talk to your doctor first about drinking while on sildenafil. In many cases, drinking alcohol while taking PDE5 inhibitors could exacerbate side effects like:

1. Lightheadedness
2. Flushed skin
3. Headaches

These three side effects are common with sildenafil and alcohol and may increase their likelihood or severity. Excessive drinking can also negatively impact erection quality and negate sildenafil's effects. 

5- Does Insurance Cover Sildenafil?

Typically, insurance does not cover PDE5 inhibitors for men who have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. However, it depends on your coverage and insurance provider. For the best results, save your receipt from UPGUYS and submit it to your insurance.

Although insurance usually won't cover PDE5 inhibitors, it doesn't mean you should let your sexual intimacy suffer. Talk to your doctor about cost-savings options, switching to generic versions, or purchasing in bulk. 

How to Get the Best Results With Sildenafil

Have you been curious about sildenafil and what it is used for? Now that you know more about sildenafil and its function, it is time to get started with a prescription. 

You won't be able to purchase sildenafil over the counter, but UPGUYS is here to help. First, schedule an appointment for a free consultation with one of our qualified Canadian Physicians. 

They will talk to you about your symptoms and other medical conditions. Afterward, they will prescribe you the best medication. It will be delivered right to your doorstep!

Get started today by checking out our website!