Sildenafil Tablet: Your Questions Answered

Sildenafil tablets are a proven treatment for erectile dysfunction, available as both generic sildenafil and branded Viagra. This guide answers common patient questions about how sildenafil works, dosages, side effects, and safety considerations. Our UK-licensed prescribers assess your suitability through a confidential online consultation. EverydayMeds offers both branded and generic options, allowing you to choose based on your preferences and budget.

  • Same active ingredient in both generic sildenafil and Viagra tablets
  • Available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg strengths with flexible dosing
  • Works within 30-60 minutes when sexually aroused
  • Requires prescription following clinical assessment by UK prescriber
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Not sure which one? Here's the honest comparison.

Sildenafil
~60 min
~4 hrs
you like to plan ahead
Tadalafil (as-needed)Most prescribed
~30 min
up to 36 hrs
you want a whole weekend covered
Tadalafil Daily
always active
continuous
you never want to think about timing
Vardenafil
~15–30 min
~8 hrs
you want the fastest onset

How ED treatment works in your body.

Increases blood flow

Increases blood flow

When PDE5 is suppressed, blood is able to flow more freely through the body—including to the (you guessed it) penis.

Increase erections

Increase erections

More blood flow to the penis means harder, more satisfying erections once you're sexually stimulated.

Everything You Need to Know About Sildenafil

How Does Sildenafil Work?

Sildenafil belongs to a class of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis when you become sexually aroused. The medication blocks an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5, which allows blood vessels to relax and widen. It's important to understand that sildenafil doesn't cause automatic erections - sexual stimulation is still required for the medication to be effective.

Dosages and How to Take Sildenafil

Sildenafil tablets are available in three strengths: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. Most men start with 50mg, taken approximately one hour before sexual activity. Your prescriber may adjust this to 25mg if you experience side effects, or increase to 100mg if 50mg isn't sufficiently effective. You should take only one tablet within any 24-hour period. Food, particularly fatty meals, can delay how quickly the medication works.

Branded Viagra vs Generic Sildenafil

Both contain the same active ingredient - sildenafil citrate - and work identically. Viagra is the original branded version manufactured by Pfizer, while generic sildenafil offers the same therapeutic benefits at a lower cost. At EverydayMeds, you can choose between branded Viagra and generic sildenafil during checkout, depending on your preference and budget. Both require the same prescription process and clinical assessment.

Common Side Effects and Safety

Most men tolerate sildenafil well, but some may experience side effects including headaches, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, or dizziness. These are usually mild and temporary. More serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention, such as prolonged erections lasting over four hours, sudden vision or hearing loss, or chest pain. Always inform your prescriber about current medications and medical conditions during your consultation.

Who Cannot Take Sildenafil?

Sildenafil isn't suitable for everyone. You cannot take sildenafil if you're using nitrate medications (such as GTN spray), have severe heart disease, recent heart attack or stroke, severe liver problems, or very low blood pressure. The online consultation process helps identify any contraindications or potential drug interactions to ensure sildenafil is safe for you to use.

What you need to know about erectile dysfunction

It's one of the most common conditions we treat, and one of the most treatable.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?
ED means finding it hard to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. It's not unusual to have an off night; the point at which it's worth doing something is when it's happening regularly, or when it's starting to bother you.
How will I feel when I take ED medication?
For most men, nothing feels different day to day. The medication works in the background — when you're sexually aroused, it helps blood flow where it's needed, so erections come more easily and last longer. It doesn't cause arousal on its own. Some men notice mild, short-lived effects like a headache, facial flushing or a stuffy nose, which usually pass as the dose wears off.
Why do I need a prescription for ED medication?
ED treatments are prescription-only medicines in the UK because they aren't suitable for everyone — for example, alongside certain heart conditions or medications like nitrates. That's why we ask you to complete a short online consultation first. A UK-registered prescriber reviews your answers to make sure your chosen treatment is safe and right for you before it's dispensed.
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