Sildenafil (Viagra) Over The Counter In Canada: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on June 04, 2022

Last Updated on November 08, 2023

Did you know that when sildenafil citrate was first invented, it wasn't designed to treat erectile dysfunction? In fact, this drug was first created back in 1989 to treat high blood pressure and angina! When scientists medically trialled the drug in the 90s, they realized it had one amazing side effect.

Nearly ten years later, sildenafil citrate took center stage as an active ingredient in Viagra and became a global sensation. Now, more than 64 million men worldwide use it to treat erectile dysfunction.

So what exactly is sildenafil, how does this work, and can you buy sildenafil over the counter in Canada? If you are struggling with ED, read on to find out how this drug can help you and where you can buy it!

What is Sildenafil, and What Does It Do?

Sildenafil is a type of oral medication that you can take to treat erectile dysfunction. This affects more than 49% of Canadian men at some point in their lives and can be extremely frustrating to live with.

Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. These work by relaxing the muscles in your corpus cavernosum (the tissue around the outside of your penis). As this relaxes, it encourages blood flow and makes it much easier to achieve and sustain an erection.

It usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour for sildenafil to take effect.

It is worth noting that sildenafil alone will not give you an erection. It just enables your body to achieve one. You also need to be sexually stimulated for this to happen.

UPGUYS Products: Order Sildenafil Online in Canada

Are Sildenafil and Viagra the Same?

Viagra and sildenafil have been treating ED since 1998. In fact, sildenafil or sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient that you will find in every Viagra tablet. This active ingredient also exists in the generic Viagra, sildenafil.

Because these medications include the same active ingredients, you can expect them to deliver the same results. So, if you take 25mg of Viagra, this will have the same effect as a 25mg dose of generic sildenafil.

In fact, the only difference between Sildenafil and Viagra is the manufacturer! So don't let brand names and packaging confuse you.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at buying sildenafil over the counter in Canada.

Can You Buy Sildenafil Over The Counter in Canada?

It is not currently possible to buy any other containing sildenafil, like Viagra, over the counter in Canada. This is because these drugs are not suitable for some people and should not be combined with certain medications.

Because of this, you will need a prescription to buy sildenafil in Canada. If you buy over-the-counter sildenafil in Canada without a valid prescription, you and the pharmacist could be arrested on drug charges under Canadian law.

Read more: Where to buy Viagra

How To Get a Prescription for Sildenafil in Canada

Fortunately, it is easy to get a prescription for sildenafil in Canada. There are several ways that you can do this.

Getting a Prescription From Your Doctor

You can make an appointment with your local doctor or a sexual health clinic to discuss your treatment options.

Once your doctor has assessed you, they can prescribe generic sildenafil or another drug containing sildenafil, such as Viagra. They will only do this if they think that it is safe for you to use this medication. Most men start by taking a 50mg dose of this medication, although many move up to a 100mg dose.

Getting a Prescription Online

You can also organize a prescription online with the help of UPGUYS. We offer a range of products for treating ED, including sildenafil (generic Viagra). You can browse our products and arrange an online consultation with a licensed medical practitioner online.

They will:

Ask about your medical history
Recommend which products will work best for you
Answer any questions that you have

After this, we will ship your medication to you quickly in discreet packaging. So you can access the drugs you need without even having to leave your home!

How Much Does Sildenafil Cost?

While medicines containing sildenafil do the same thing, different brands charge more than others. In general, generic sildenafil costs way less than what branded Viagra costs. Talk to your doctor and see if they recommend the generic version to you, and save a buck.

UPGUYS Products: Order Generic Viagra Online in Canada

How To Use Sildenafil Safely

Once a medical professional has assessed you and prescribed sildenafil, you can start using this. Most people start by taking a 50mg dose, but you can increase or decrease this depending on how effective it is.

When taking sildenafil, you should:

Only ever take one tablet within a 24-hour period
Swallow your tablet whole with water or juice
Never combine them with grapefruit juice, as this contains nitrates
Take your tablet 1-4 hours before sexual activity

You can take sildenafil medication with food or on an empty stomach. If you take your tablets with food, it will take them longer to reach their full effect.

Read more: Unsafe Interactions With Sildenafil

Who Should Not Use Sildenafil?

You should not use sildenafil or drugs containing sildenafil if you:

Are allergic to sildenafil
Are currently taking any nitrates for angina (chest pain)
Have a heart or liver problem (or are waiting for a possible diagnosis of one)
Have recently suffered a stroke, heart problem, or heart attack
Have hypotension (low blood pressure)
Have retinitis pigmentosa or another rare inherited eye disease
Have sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or multiple myeloma
Have a curved penis or deformity of your penis
Have a stomach ulcer
Have hemophilia or any other blood disorders

If you have had a stroke, heart problem, or heart attack in the past, you should mention this to a medical professional before taking this medication.

Read more: Sildenafil & Alcohol

Are There Any Side Effects of Taking Sildenafil?

People taking drugs containing sildenafil for ED rarely experience side effects. This is because you do not tend to take medicine for a prolonged period of time. So, it will not have an opportunity to build up in your system.

Common sildenafil and Viagra side effects of sildenafil (affecting more than 1 in 100 people) include:

Headaches
Nausea
Hot flushes
Indigestion
Having a blocked or stuffy nose
Dizziness

If you do notice any annoying side effects, then stop taking the medication immediately and discuss these with your doctor.

Serious side effects of sildenafil are extremely rare. If you are taking medication containing sildenafil, you should visit a doctor straight away if you:

Notice a change in your vision
Develop a rash that could be an allergic reaction
Develop symptoms of anaphylaxis (a serious allergic reaction)
Are experiencing chest pains
Your erection does not subside after 2 hours or becomes painful

It is a good idea to take your medication with you so that they have as much information as possible when treating you.

Read more: Sildenafil Warnings & Precautions

Are There Any Alternatives to Sildenafil That Are Available Over the Counter?

Sildenafil is not the only drug that is used in Canada to treat erectile dysfunction. Other drugs include vardenafil (used in Levitra) and tadalafil (used in Cialis).

None of these medications are available over the counter in Canada. Fortunately, it is now easier than ever before to get a prescription for them from your doctor or online.

You may also find a range of herbal remedies available over the counter for ED treatment. These can help to ease performance anxiety. However, you should be wary about using them.

Most herbal remedies do not require FDA approval or proper medical trials. Because of this, their results (and side effects) can be unpredictable.

Using Sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction

Sildenafil citrate is an active ingredient in a range of medications that treat erectile dysfunction. In spite of its international reputation, Viagra is only one of these medicines (and is the most expensive!)

Generic sildenafil is manufactured by a different company but does the same job as Viagra. It is also available in the same doses.

Side effects of sildenafil are very rare, especially if you are taking the drug for short periods of time.

At the moment, you cannot buy sildenafil or Viagra over the counter in Canada. Fortunately, it is very easy to get a prescription for medication containing sildenafil:

From your doctor
From a specialist health clinic
Online

A licensed medical professional will assess your medical history before prescribing you sildenafil. If they do not think that sildenafil will work for you, they may also prescribe a different medicine, such as Levitra.

Get Help Accessing Your Sildenafil Prescriptions Today

As you can see, sildenafil citrate has made a huge difference in the treatment of erectile dysfunction around the world. This is the key ingredient in several ED medications, including generic sildenafil.

At the moment, you cannot buy any medication containing sildenafil over the counter in Canada. Fortunately, it is quick and easy to get a prescription for these from your doctor or online.

So what are you waiting for? Check out our latest range of treatments for erectile dysfunction now, or get in touch to find out more!

References

UPGUYS has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

Sildenafil citrate 100 mg starting dose in men with erectile dysfunction in an international, double-blind, placebo-controlled study: effect on the sexual experience and reducing feelings of anxiety about the next intercourse attempt, Pubmed
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19817982/
Prescription Drugs, RCMP
https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cycp-cpcj/dr-al/pd-mo-eng.htm#:~:text=It%20is%20illegal%20to%20possess,multiple%20prescriptions%20by%20various%20doctors).
Erectile Dysfunction: A Review of Historical Treatments With a Focus on the Development of the Inflatable Penile Prosthesis, PubMed
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5675239/
Hot topics in erectile dysfunction, BCMJ
https://bcmj.org/articles/hot-topics-erectile-dysfunction#:~:text=A%20cross-sectional%20study%20of,have%20moderate%20to%20severe%20ED.
Three decades of Viagra, The Pharmaceutical Journal
https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/infographics/three-decades-of-viagra#:~:text=Sildenafil%20(Viagra)%20%E2%80%94%20the%20first,pharmacy%20medicine%20in%20the%20UK.
Viagra: The little blue pill that could, CNN
https://edition.cnn.com/2013/03/27/health/viagra-anniversary-timeline/index.html#:~:text=1989%3A%20British%20Pfizer%20scientists%20Peter,associated%20with%20coronary%20heart%20disease.

Disclaimer
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.