ED Treatment: How To Use Sildenafil For Erectile Dysfunction

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on July 04, 2022

More than 50% of Canadian adults used a prescription medication at least once during the past month. Many people may wonder if they are taking their prescription correctly. 

If you are taking sildenafil and are wondering how to use this medication, keep reading this article.

If this is your first time using a PDE5 inhibitor, there are a couple of things you need to be aware of. As a sneak peek: did you know that grapefruit juice can exacerbate adverse effects?

At UPGUYS, we have put together a complete guide that will go over sildenafil, how to use it, and what to avoid. Lastly, we will include ways you can save money today on your prescription, so keep reading for more information!

Read more: Your Guide To Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction And Premature Ejaculation

In this article, we talk about the following:

1. What is sildenafil?
2. Sildenafil dosages
3. What to take with sildenafil
4. What not to take with sildenafil
5. Best time to take sildenafil for erectile dysfunction
6. Is sildenafil available over-the-counter?
7. How to use sildenafil for erectile dysfunction and save money

What Is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra and the active ingredient in both drugs. It is a prescription medication that falls under a classification of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. 

Sildenafil works through a few simple steps, with most of its effects on the penile arteries that help with vasodilation and erection quality. PDE5 is an enzyme that degrades cGMP and leads to vasoconstriction. 

When PDE5 inhibitors enter the bloodstream, they block cGMP and increase its availability. In return, it promotes:

1. Smooth muscle cell vessel relaxation
2. Vasodilation

Most PDE5 inhibitors, like sildenafil, are taken before sexual intercourse and require physical stimulation. 

UPGUYS Products: Order Sildenafil Online in Canada

Sildenafil Dosages

Sildenafil is only available in tablet form, including dosages such as:

1. 20 mg
2. 25 mg
3. 50 mg
4. 100 mg

The dosage between Viagra and sildenafil is the same, and you should never crush or break it in half. To start, most physicians will prescribe a lower dosage, around 25 mg to 50 mg. If you don't notice positive results, you can ask about an increase. 

Most side effects are dose-dependent, meaning you have a higher likelihood of experiencing adverse reactions with higher dosages. 

What To Take With Sildenafil

Have you wondered how to use sildenafil? Sildenafil is best used for men with underlying physical causes of erection difficulties. However, some medications like nitrates are contraindicated or should be used with medical guidance if you have cardiovascular disease or other chronic illnesses. 

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.

Like many prescription medications, you should take sildenafil with a full glass of water. Sildenafil is best used 30 minutes to two hours before sexual intercourse. 

Why? It only has a half-life of four hours, and you want to try and time it with peak production. Also, try taking it with a light meal or only liquids, and remember, sildenafil is only effective when combined with physical stimulation. 

Read more: Understanding & Conquering ED: From Science To Solutions

What Not To Take With Sildenafil

Now that you know more about how to take sildenafil, here are some things you should avoid combining it with:

1. Fatty meals
2. High-fat liquids (e.g., whole milk)
3. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice
4. Alcohol

When you take sildenafil with high-fat meals, it will take longer to metabolize. While it shouldn't render it entirely ineffective, sildenafil is best taken with light and easily digestible foods. 

Also, avoid taking sildenafil with grapefruit juice or grapefruits. Grapefruits prolong sildenafil's half-life and could increase the availability of the drug in your bloodstream, resulting in adverse reactions. One of those reactions could be priapism, a painful erection lasting longer than four hours. 

Combining sildenafil dosages or taking it with other PDE5 inhibitors increases your risk for priapism and should be avoided! If you aren't noticing positive effects, talk to your doctor about controlled dosage increases instead. Lastly, alcohol could exacerbate some of the sildenafil's side effects like:

1. Dizziness
2. Lightheadedness
3. Headache

An occasional drink shouldn't make too big of a difference, but heavy drinking should be avoided. 

UPGUYS Products: Order Generic Viagra Online in Canada

Best Time to Take Sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction

The best time to take sildenafil is right before sexual intercourse. Remember it takes at least thirty minutes to start working, which is more likely with low-fat meals. 

If you have a rich meal at dinner with your partner, it could take closer to two hours, so plan ahead! Sildenafil and Viagra are both "as-needed" medications. 

What this entails is that you won't need to time your dosage daily or even take it every day. It does not cure underlying physical comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. You will still need to talk to your doctor about chronic illness management. 

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.

Is Sildenafil Available Over the Counter?

In short: no. Sildenafil prescription is only available through a qualified physician. Most erectile dysfunction medication options need prescriptions. You should avoid consuming herbal supplements or over-the-counter products without consulting your doctor first. 

If you find that this erectile dysfunction treatment isn't working for you, there are other prescriptions out there, such as:

1. Levitra
2. Cialis

Treating ED can also be multi-causal and have mental barriers such as stress, anxiety, or recent changes in relationships. If you and your doctor feel that you need long-term management, Cialis might be better. It is a PDE5 inhibitor that comes in a daily tablet. 

It is not dependent on time or food as much as sildenafil or Levitra. Additionally, since you will need it for long-term treatment, it usually comes at a lower price tag. 

How To Use Sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction and Save Money

Now that you have a prescription for sildenafil and know how to use sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, it is time to find affordable pricing. First, Viagra will cost more than sildenafil since it is a brand-name medication.

You can save money by shopping for generic versions. At UPGUYS, we can help you get a prescription, upload your current one, or refill orders. 

We have three main medications used for treating difficulties with erections, and sildenafil is one of them. Check out our products list and talk to one of our Canadian doctors to get your prescription!

Read more: When Desire Falters: A Closer Look At ED & Relationship Attraction