Sildenafil Citrate vs. Sildenafil: What's The Difference?

Do not take sildenafil with recreational drugs such as "poppers".

• Sildenafil citrate is a medication used primarily to treat erectile dysfunction.
• It belongs to the class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.
• Sildenafil was originally developed to treat angina and hypertension.
• The drug works by increasing blood flow to the penis during stimulation.
• It is commonly sold under the brand name Viagra.
• Sildenafil is available by prescription and as generics.
• The typical dose is 50 mg taken about an hour before activity.
• Common side effects include headaches, flushing, and nasal congestion.

Taking these substances together can cause a sudden and dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Proper Use

Under the Rules of Origin the original foreign country of origin would remain. Animal, Plant, Fish) may require special country importation requirements.USP recommends you contact your country competent authorities to determine if any certifications, permits or licenses may be required prior to ordering.Material Origins are found within the Product under Origin Information. Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in both men and women, depending on the brand. Viagra and Vybrique are used for ED and Revatio is used for PAH. Sildenafil works by blocking the action of an enzyme called cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5).

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking sildenafil?

This enzyme breaks down cGMP, a substance that induces smooth muscles to relax. Blocking PDE-5 means increased levels of cGMP within the smooth muscles which promotes muscle relaxation and vasodilation (a widening of blood vessels). High levels of PDE-5 are found in the penis, lungs, and retina. PDE-5 is also found throughout the body within the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels and muscles. Sildenafil belongs to the drug class called phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 5 inhibitors.

Hypertension pulmonaire

Sildenafil (Viagra, Vybrique brands and generic) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED, impotence). It increases blood flow to the penis following sexual stimulation by blocking the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of cGMP. This allows men to keep an erection hard enough for sex. Sildenafil (Viagra, Vybrique brands and generic) only works following sexual stimulation. It works within 30 to 60 minutes, but may be taken up to four hours before sexual activity. Always buy your ED medications from a reputable supplier as there are a lot of counterfeit products on the market. Certain lifestyle and psychological factors, such as smoking, drinking, and stress, can impact ED. Eliminating these - for example, staying more active, losing weight if you are overweight, reducing alcohol intake, stopping smoking, and reducing stress - may also help improve ED.

Form	Strengths	Route of Administration	Notes
Tablets	25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg	Oral	Most common form
Sublingual Tablets	25 mg, 50 mg	Sublingual	Faster absorption
Extended-release Capsules	100 mg	Oral	Less common
Oral Suspension	Customizable doses	Oral	Experimental/clinical use

Never take other ED medications at the same time as taking sildenafil.

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Viagra Generic	25mg	90 + 6 Pills	105.03€ 100.03€	Buy
Viagra Generic	25mg	120 + 6 Pills	125.56€ 119.58€	Buy
Viagra Generic	200mg	20 Pills	61.69€ 58.75€	Buy
Kamagra Soft Tabs	100mg	180 + 8 Pills	425.45€ 405.19€	Buy
Viagra Generic	50mg	270 + 8 Pills	198.48€ 189.03€	Buy
Kamagra	100mg	32 Pills	121.24€ 115.47€	Buy
Viagra Generic	25mg	20 Pills	37.74€ 35.94€	Buy
Kamagra Soft Tabs	100mg	12 Pills	57.55€ 54.81€	Buy
Kamagra Polo	100mg	84 + 4 Pills	244.49€ 232.85€	Buy
Viagra Generic	25mg	180 + 6 Pills	154.93€ 147.55€	Buy
Kamagra Polo	100mg	12 Pills	60.21€ 57.34€	Buy
Viagra Generic	150mg	10 Pills	36.73€ 34.98€	Buy
Viagra Generic	100mg	120 + 6 Pills	149.50€ 142.38€	Buy
Kamagra Polo	100mg	60 + 4 Pills	189.39€ 180.37€	Buy
Viagra Generic	100mg	90 + 6 Pills	129.02€ 122.88€	Buy

Do not take Viagra while taking Revatio and vice-versa.

The History of Sildenafil Citrate, AKA Viagra

May interact with some medications including certain antibiotics and antifungals, herbal remedies, HIV medicines, nitrates, and drugs used in the treatment of high blood pressure or prostate disorders. Sildenafil should not be taken with other PDE-5 inhibitors. The dosage may need to be reduced in people with kidney or liver disease. More research is needed to establish if sildenafil has a role in sexual dysfunction in women. Sildenafil offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

Before taking sildenafil,

Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. Sildenafil is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) (Viagra, Vybrique brands, generic) and to reduce blood pressure in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (Revatio brand). It is taken when needed for ED approximately 1 hour before sexual stimulation (maximum dose once daily) and daily for PAH. A headache, stomach upsets, and flushing are the main side effects, and it should not be taken within 24 hours of a nitrate. If you are taking sildenafil (Viagra, Vybrique) for ED, do not take it more than once a day.

Less common

Take an hour before sexual stimulation (range 30 minutes to 4 hours). If you take it with a high-fat meal it may delay how quickly it starts working. Place sildenafil film on your tongue and allow it to dissolve. If you are taking sildenafil (Revatio) for PAH, take it as directed (the usual dosage is three times daily). You can take it either with or without food. Seek urgent medical advice if an allergic reaction, sudden vision loss, or painful erections lasting more than four hours occur.

• Sildenafil citrate can also treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.
• It enhances exercise capacity in patients with this condition.
• The drug’s effects usually last 4-6 hours.
• Taking it with a high-fat meal can delay absorption.
• Sildenafil should not be used with nitrate medications.
• Serious side effects include vision changes and priapism.
• It is contraindicated in individuals with certain heart conditions.
• Patients should inform their doctor about all medications.

Drinking alcohol after taking sildenafil may lower blood pressure and decrease sexual performance.

Viagra et environnement

Sildenafil (Revatio brand) reduces high blood pressure associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This improves the ability to exercise in people with PAH and delays any worsening of their symptoms. When used to treat PAH, sildenafil is available as tablets (20 mg) for and an IV injection. When used for ED, sildenafil is available as oral tablets of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg strengths, or an oral film (Vybrique brand) of 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg strengths. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Dyspepsia, flushing, headache, indigestion, muscle or back pain, and visual disturbances are the most common side effects reported.

Sildenafil vs. tadalafil

Other side effects include a drop in blood pressure, insomnia, nasal congestion, or a runny nose and nosebleeds. Sudden hearing loss has also been reported. Some people taking sildenafil have had bleeding sildenafil citrate chewable tablets events; however, it has not been established if this is related to sildenafil use. Rarely, may decrease blood flow to the optic nerve causing sudden vision loss. The risk is greater in people aged older than 50, with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, who smoke, or with certain pre-existing eye problems.

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Rarely, may cause other side effects or lead to painful erections lasting longer than four hours. See your doctor immediately if this happens. May not be suitable for some people including those with angina, chest pain, other heart conditions, liver or kidney problems, blood or bleeding disorders, stomach ulcers, certain eye conditions, or a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie's disease). Higher dosages of sildenafil are associated with a higher risk of death in children with PAH. For this reason, the FDA does not recommend use in children aged less than 18 years. If you are a woman of childbearing age taking sildenafil (brand Revatio) for PAH, then tell your doctor if you become pregnant or are intending to become pregnant. It is not known if sildenafil is distributed into breast milk. Peak plasma concentrations of sildenafil are reached within 30 to 120 minutes of a single dose.

Country	Legal Status	Prescription Requirement	Notes
USA	Prescription-only medication	Yes	FDA approved
UK	Prescription-only	Yes	MHRA regulated
India	Over-the-counter and prescription	Both are possible	Varies by state
Australia	Prescription only	Yes	TGA regulated

Effects of sildenafil, when used for ED, are usually noticeable within 30 to 60 minutes of a single dose. When used to treat PAH, blood pressure-lowering effects are noticeable within one to two hours. Medicines that interact with sildenafil may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with sildenafil. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does.

Are There Any Side Effects?

The main ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil, meaning that the drugs are essentially the same. However, Viagra is marketed and prescribed strictly for erectile dysfunction, while generic sildenafil can be prescribed for PAH as well. Viagra is also known as “the little blue pill” because of its blue color, while generic sildenafil tends to be a white color. Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional.

Does sildenafil interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses. USP Certificates/Product Information Sheets and Valid Use Dates View the USP Certificate or Product Information Sheet in the table above to view additional product details, including available label text and storage information. View the USP Certificate or Product Information Sheet in the table above to view additional product details, including available label text and storage information.

Sildenafil Tablets or Oral Suspension for PAH

1The Harmonized System (HS) code provided on this webpage is for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. The exporter and/or importer of record is responsible for determining the accuracy of items at the time of export/import per U.S. regulations. USP is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information furnished. 2USP procures materials worldwide and most foreign materials do not undergo a fundamental change during the packaging process at USP that would substantially transform the item resulting in a country of origin change from the foreign origin to the United States. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.

Side Effect	Frequency	Severity	Management Tips
Headache	Very common	Mild to moderate	Analgesics if needed
Flushing	Common	Mild	Cool environment, hydration
Dyspepsia	Common	Mild	Dietary adjustments
Nasal Congestion	Less common	Mild	Decongestants if necessary
Dizziness	Less common	Mild	Avoid sudden movements

Sildenafil is metabolized mainly by CYP3A4 and to some extent by CYP2C9. It also weakly inhibits CYP1A2, 2C(, 2C19, 2D^, 2E1, and 3A4.

• Sildenafil molecules work by relaxing smooth muscle tissue.
• This relaxation allows increased blood flow in blood vessels.
• It is less effective without sexual arousal.
• Some common brand names include Viagra, Revatio, and Kamagra.
• Sildenafil's patent expired, leading to numerous generics.
• Generic versions are usually more affordable.
• It’s important to follow prescription instructions strictly.
• Using more than the recommended dose can be dangerous.

Any drug that is a substrate of one of these enzymes could potentially interact with sildenafil.

5. Tips

Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit products while taking sildenafil. Always talk to your doctor before taking ANY medication for ED. Some ED medications are not suitable for men with certain medical conditions, and your doctor can advise you on an alternative. Call your doctor immediately if you experience dizziness or feel nauseous during sexual activity, or develop pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw. Do not take sildenafil if you are also taking a nitrate drug (such as nitroglycerin or isosorbide dinitrate/mononitrate) for chest pain or heart problems. In addition, taking sildenafil with too much alcohol can lead to orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when you go from a sitting or lying down position to standing.

• Sildenafil works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme.
• This inhibition increases cGMP levels in the body.
• Elevated cGMP leads to smooth muscle relaxation.
• It promotes vasodilation in the corpus cavernosum.
• This process facilitates an erection during sexual activity.
• The drug’s pharmacokinetics allow for rapid absorption.
• Food intake can influence absorption rate.
• It is effective in men of various ages.