It works for up to 36 hours.

  • Sildenafil is a popular choice for men seeking non-invasive ED therapy.
  • It's important to have realistic expectations about sildenafil's effects.
  • The medication does not increase libido but improves blood flow.
  • Patients should limit alcohol consumption when using sildenafil.
  • It is recommended to consult a doctor if ED persists despite medication.
  • Sildenafil can be used as part of a comprehensive ED treatment plan.
  • The medication should be taken approximately an hour before planned activity.
  • Some patients experience no side effects at prescribed doses.
  • Always confirm that sildenafil is stored properly to maintain efficacy.
  • Report any unusual symptoms, such as chest pain or vision loss, immediately.

You can take it in a small dose daily or in a larger dose as needed. You can take this medicine with or without food 30 minutes before sex, depending on the dose. It lasts 4 to 5 hours, or longer if you have mild to moderate ED.

Chemical synthesis

During surgery or radiation to the pelvic area (including prostate, bladder, and rectal procedures), there can be damage to the nerves that supply the penis. This can lead to either temporary or permanent impotence. Some surgeons perform "nerve-sparing" surgeries to try to preserve erectile function. Even in these cases, however, the nerves will suffer some injury, and it can take 18-24 months or longer for erectile function to return. These men should be treated aggressively with oral or injectable medications for ED in order to speed the recovery of the nerves and to prevent muscle wasting in the penis.

Key takeaways

It should be taken around 60 minutes before sex but can be taken as much as four hours or as few as 30 minutes before sex. It works for up to 4 hours. It can be taken with or without food. Your provider will find the dose that is best for you. Some men need dose changes to find the dose that works best for them. These medicines all work well for ED. When choosing one, tell your doctor or other health care professional what your preferences are, such as cost, ease of use, how long the drug's effects last and side effects.

Product Dosage Quantity + Bonus Price
Kamagra Soft Tabs100mg272 + 12 Pills593.42€ 565.16€
Kamagra100mg60 + 4 Pills201.34€ 191.75€
Viagra Generic25mg30 + 4 Pills47.97€ 45.69€
Viagra Generic150mg60 + 4 Pills111.25€ 105.95€
Kamagra100mg32 Pills121.24€ 115.47€
Kamagra Oral Jelly100mg21 Sachets95.92€ 91.35€
Viagra Generic200mg360 + 10 Pills481.98€ 459.03€
Kamagra Oral Jelly100mg10 Sachets54.55€ 51.95€
Kamagra Polo100mg32 Pills125.88€ 119.89€
Viagra Generic100mg60 + 4 Pills96.36€ 91.77€
Viagra Generic50mg180 + 8 Pills158.82€ 151.26€
Kamagra Soft Tabs100mg12 Pills57.55€ 54.81€
Viagra Generic200mg30 + 2 Pills83.07€ 79.11€
Viagra Generic200mg60 + 4 Pills125.19€ 119.23€
Kamagra Oral Jelly100mg110 + 9 Sachets334.87€ 318.92€

Generic versions of sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil are available. Check with your health care team before you take any medicine for erectile dysfunction. Oral ED medicines might not work or might be dangerous if you also take any of the following: Often, these are prescribed for chest pain called angina. Some examples of nitrates are nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat, others), isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and isosorbide dinitrate (Bidil).

  • Sildenafil is available in different strengths to tailor treatment.
  • It is often used in clinical settings for ED diagnosis and management.
  • Men taking sildenafil should avoid heavy meals shortly before dosing.
  • The drug's effectiveness can be influenced by age and overall health.
  • Combining sildenafil with recreational drugs can be dangerous.
  • Some users report that sildenafil enhances spontaneous sexual activity.
  • It is important to only use sildenafil that has been prescribed by a healthcare provider.
  • The medication’s cost varies based on brand, dosage, and pharmacy.
  • Sildenafil may cause transient eye color changes due to blood vessel effects.
  • Patients should keep track of dosage and side effects experienced.

These are commonly prescribed for an enlarged prostate or male pattern baldness. They include dutasteride (Avodart, Jalyn) and finasteride (Propecia, Proscar). Medicines that block an enzyme called CYP3A4. Oral medicine for ED also might not be safe or work well if you have: Very low blood pressure, called hypotension, or uncontrolled high blood pressure, called hypertension. Kidney disease that needs to be treated with dialysis. These include a heart attack, stroke or a serious heart rhythm disorder in the past six months. An inherited eye disease that affects the retina.

Before Using

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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. You should always consult your doctor or another 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.

The Bottom Line

Sildenafil is a medication that is taken before sexual activity and allows men with erectile dysfunction (ED) to achieve and maintain an erection. ED or impotence happens when a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection long enough for sexual intercourse. ED can be caused by medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, prostate problems, and heart disease. It can also be a side effect of the medications taken for these conditions. Personal lifestyle factors such as stress, alcohol, and/or tobacco use can also play a role. Side effects of oral ED medicines are often mild. Visual changes, such as blue tinge to vision, sensitivity to light or blurred sight.

Sildenafil for ED

Less frequent side effects include blurry vision, a bluish hue to the field of vision, difficulty telling the difference between the colors blue and green, sensitivity to light, or a sudden loss of vision or hearing. If you experience any of the following while using sildenafil, you should seek immediate medical attention: An erection lasting more than 4 hours. Chest, arm or neck pain, or nausea during sexual activity. Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, loss of hearing, ringing in the ears, or dizziness. Remember, sildenafil does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, nor does it prevent pregnancy.

Revatio for Oral Suspension

Effective birth control is recommended during cancer treatment. Even if you are not producing sperm, you could still be fertile and conceive. Medicines that you take by mouth are called oral medicines. They're often the first line of treatment for trouble getting or keeping an erection, called erectile dysfunction (ED). Oral medicines for ED usually work well and cause few side effects. Rarely, more-serious side effects can happen, including: Some people have suddenly lost some of their hearing or vision after taking one of these medicines.

Route of administration

As with sildenafil, a high-fat meal or alcohol keep the body from absorbing it as quickly. Vardenafil usually works for 4 to 5 hours. Its effects might last longer if you have mild to moderate ED. A newer form of the medicine that dissolves on the tongue might work faster than the pill that you swallow. This medication is taken with or without food an hour before sex. But it isn't clear whether these side effects were caused by the medicine or by health conditions that the people already had.

  • Sildenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men.
  • It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during arousal.
  • Sildenafil is commonly sold under the brand name Viagra.
  • The typical dose ranges from 25 mg to 100 mg, taken before sexual activity.
  • It usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes to work after ingestion.
  • Sildenafil's effects can last for up to 4-6 hours.
  • It can cause side effects like headaches, flushing, and nasal congestion.
  • Sildenafil should not be used with nitrate medications due to risk of dangerous drops in blood pressure.
  • It is available by prescription from a healthcare provider.
  • Do not take sildenafil more than once a day to avoid adverse effects.

Get medical care right away if you take oral ED medicine and have sudden loss of hearing or vision. An erection that doesn't go away on its own. Called priapism, this rare condition can be painful.

  • Sildenafil can sometimes cause flushing and nasal congestion.
  • It is not a cure for erectile dysfunction, only a treatment option.
  • Psychological factors can also affect erectile performance alongside medication.
  • Sildenafil may sometimes interact with foods that contain high fat content.
  • Regular exercise and stress management can complement treatment with sildenafil.
  • The medication should be stored safely out of children's reach.
  • Reporting side effects to a healthcare provider is important for safety.
  • Sildenafil is typically started at a low dose, gradually increased if needed.
  • It is important to follow the prescribed timing for medication intake.
  • Discontinuing sildenafil should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

You need to get treatment for it as soon as possible to help prevent damage to your penis. If you have an erection that lasts more than four hours, call your care team right away. Treatments for erectile dysfunction are big business, and online scams abound. If you do buy medicines over the internet: Check to see if an online pharmacy is legitimate. Never order medicines from an online pharmacy that doesn't list its phone number and physical address, has prices that seem too good to be true, or tells you that no prescription is needed. Also stay away from ones that don't have a licensed pharmacist on staff to answer your questions. Some illegal businesses sell fake versions of real medicines, which can be dangerous or might not work. In the United States, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy can tell you whether an online pharmacy is licensed and in good standing. If you live in another country, check to see if pharmacy association or regulation agencies offer services like these.

Country Status Remarks
USA Prescription-only Approved for ED
UK Prescription-only Licensed medication
India OTC (some brands) Available with or without prescription
Australia Prescription required Controlled substance

Make sure you get the right prescription and dose. When you order medicines and when you receive them in the mail, make sure they're the exact dose and type prescribed by your doctor or other health care professional.

Drug Usage Statistics, United States, 2014 - 2023

The four main medicines taken by mouth for erectile dysfunction are: They enhance the effects of a chemical the sildenafil 200 mg body makes that relaxes muscles in the penis, called nitric oxide. This boosts blood flow and helps you get an erection from sexual activity. Each oral medicine for ED has a slightly different chemical makeup. These small differences affect the way each medication works, such as how quickly it takes effect and wears off, and the possible side effects. Your doctor or other health care professional can recommend one for you based on these factors, other health conditions you have and any other medicines you take.

Are you currently using Sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio)?

This medicine works best when you take it on an empty stomach an hour before sex. The body takes longer to absorb it after a high-fat meal or alcohol. Its effects often last for 4 to 5 hours. It might work longer if you have mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. This medicine also works best when you take it an hour before sex on an empty stomach. The dose is the amount of medicine you take.

Sildenafil Dosage for Erectile Dysfunction

Keep containers out of reach of children and pets. Ask your care team where to return any unused medication for disposal. Do not flush down the toilet or throw it in the trash. This medication may be covered under your prescription drug plan. Patient assistance may be available to qualifying individuals without prescription drug coverage through the pharmaceutical company that makes the medication.

Who should not take sildenafil?

Your care team can help you find these resources if they are available. There are a few side effects you may have while taking sildenafil. Talk to your providers if you have concerns about these side effects. Do not take a higher dose of sildenafil than your provider orders for you. Headache, facial flushing, stuffy or runny nose, and upset stomach can occur. Don't be fooled into buying "herbal viagra." Never take any medicines that claim to be the "herbal" or nonprescription version of an oral medicine for ED. These aren't an effective option, and some contain harmful substances. Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your health concerns.

Advancing Effective Research Policy

Men who take sildenafil will not have an erection without sexual stimulation. This drug is not an aphrodisiac and does not affect libido or desire. Having multiple intercourse sessions with one dose has not been studied. You should not adjust your dose without talking to your provider first. Men who take nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, Nitro-Bid, Isordil, or Deponit should not take sildenafil.

What should I do if I accidentally use too much sildenafil?

Men who take Cardura, Flomax, or Hytrin for urinary symptoms should not take sildenafil. This medication can affect how other medications work. Be sure your provider and pharmacist know all the medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and supplements you take. Store your medication in the original, labeled container at room temperature and in a dry location (unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider or pharmacist). This medication should not be stored in a pillbox since it should only be taken prior to sexual activity.

Scroll to top

Dr. med. Fabienne Gretener

Werdegang

Januar 2024 bis heute
Oberärztin SenoMed AG
Schwerpunktsweiterbildung gynäkologische Senology

März 2023 – Dezember 2023
Oberärztin, SenoMed AG Bern 20%

Januar 2023 – November 2023
Assistenzärztin Psychiatrie, Klinik Meissenberg Zug

Januar 2021 – November 2022
Assistenzärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Bürgerspital Solothurn

November 2019 – Oktober 2020
Assistenzärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Kantonsspital Aarau

Januar 2017 – Juli 2019
Assistenzärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Kantonsspital Olten

Paul Laszlo Bernhard

Werdegang

Jan 2024 bis heute
Facharzt SenoMed AG – Brustzentrum Bern Biel

Aug 2019 – Dez 2023
Oberarzt Frauenklinik und Brustzentrum Bürgerspital, Solothurn, Schwerpunktweiterbildung operative Gynecology und Geburtshilfe sowie Senology

Mai 2019 Facharzttitel Gynecology & Geburtshilfe

Apr 2016 – Jul 2019
Arzt in Weiterbildung, Inselspital Bern, Universitätsklinik für Frauenheilkunde

Dez 2014 – Apr 2016
Arzt in Weiterbildung, Kantonsspital Baden

Sep 2012 – Sep 2014
Arzt in Weiterbildung, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden

Feb 2012 – Sep 2012
Arzt in Weiterbildung, Universitätsfrauenklinik Leipzig

Nov 2011 Approbation zum Arzt

2005 – 2011
Studium der Humanmedizin an der Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Dr. med. Patrizia Sager

Werdegang

Okt 2023 bis heute
Leiterin Weiterbildungsstätte gynäkologische Senology

Feb 2018 – bis heute
Leiterin Brustzentrum Bern Biel
Practiceinhaberin SenoMed AG

Nov 2017 – bis heute
Belegärztin Salem-Spital Bern

Jan 2013 – Okt 2017
Leitung Senology Brustzentrum Frauenklinik Universitätsspital Insel, Bern

Jan 2012 – Dez 2012
Oberärztin Gynecology / Geburtshilfe, Frauenklinik Universitätsspital Insel, Bern

Nov 2010 – Dez 2011
Leitende Ärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Frauenklinik Rheinfelden (DE)

Nov 2009 – Okt 2010
Oberärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Kantonsspital Liestal

Jan 2009 – Okt 2009
Oberärztin i.V. Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Regionalspital Interlaken

Jun 2008 – Dez 2008
Assistenzärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Regionalspital Interlaken

Aug 2007 – Mai 2008
Assistenzärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsspital Zürich

Feb 2007 – Jun 2007
Oberärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsspital Groote Schuur, Kapstadt, Südafrika

Jan 2004 – Dez 2006
Assistenzärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Regionalspital Thun

Jan 2003 – Dez 2003
Assistenzärztin Chirurgie und Orthopädie, Regionalspital Thun

Schulen, Studium & Diplome

2023
Schwerpunkt gynäkologische Senology

2014
Diplom Senology SGGG

2013
Diplom Senology: European Academy of Senology

2010
FMH Gynecology und Geburtshilfe inkl. Schwerpunkt operative Gynecology

2003
Promotion

2002
Staatsexamen in Humanmedizin

1996 – 2002
Humanmedizinstudium Universitätsspital Basel

Mitglied- und Partnerschaften

  • Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Gynecology und Geburtshilfe SGGG
  • Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Senology SGS
  • Mitglieder Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynäkologische Onkologie AGO, Schweiz
  • European Academy of Senology EAoS
  • SAKK Project-Group breast cancer
  • Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Ultraschall in der Medizin SGUM
  • Verbindung der Schweizer Ärzte und Ärztinnen FMH
  • Society of women in senology SWIS
  • Vorstandsmitglied Ärztenetzwerk Bern