Sildenafil

Sildenafil is a popular medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), taken by over 20 million men worldwide. It is also known under the brand name Viagra by Pfizer. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, making it easier for men to get and sustain an erection. It has been proven to work within 30-60 minutes of taking the pill and can last up to five hours.

You can order Sildenafil online at euroClinix.

ED in men occurs when blood flow to the penis is limited which prevents a strong enough erection for sexual activity. This is due to an abundance of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5). Sildenafil (which contains the active ingredient sildenafil citrate) belongs to a group of medicines called (PDE-5) inhibitors alongside Cialis (Tadalafil) and Levitra (Vardenafil). This group of medicines work by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow through more freely when you get sexually aroused.

Sildenafil interacts with chemical messengers, known as cyclic GMP (cGMP). This means you will need to be aroused within the first five hours of taking the tablet to experience an erection. Taking ED medication like Sildenafil doesn't mean you will be erect for five hours continually, it simply allows you to get and maintain an erection through sexual stimulation.

Pulmonary hypertension

Because of how it works as well as being a treatment of erectile dysfunction, Sildenafil is also sometimes used to treat a lung condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is a serious condition where blood pressure is too high in the blood vessels that supply to the lungs. In this case, Sildenafil is often referred to by the brand name Revatio and cannot be prescribed through euroClinix.

Most men over the age of 18 can take Sildenafil for ED. However, there are some groups of people who should not take this medication including those who:

• have recently had a stroke or heart attack
• have liver or heart problems
• have low blood pressure
• are taking nitrates for chest pain
• have a rare inherited eye disease like retinitis pigmentosa

Women and children should also not take Sildenafil, as well as those who have previously had an allergic reaction to Sildenafil or the branded form Viagra.

There are some other groups of men that should take caution when taking Sildenafil such as those who have:

• sickle cell anaemia, leukemia (cancer of the blood) or multiple myeloma (cancer of the bone marrow)
• any heart or cardiovascular problems
• a stomach ulcer or bleeding problem like haemophilia
• a penis deformity or Peyronie’s disease (curved penis)

It’s important you fill out the online consultation form correctly so our doctors can make sure Sildenafil is right for you. If you’re not sure whether you fall under one of these groups, speak to your GP

There are three doses of Sildenafil tablets available (25mg, 50mg and 100mg) and you can buy all three here at euroClinix. 50mg is the recommended starting dose, proven to produce desired results with minimal side effects. If you find the 50mg is ineffective, you can buy the higher dosage of 100mg. On the other end of the spectrum, if you have experienced side effects with the 50mg dose, you may be prescribed 25mg.

You should take Sildenafil about one hour before you plan to have sexual intercourse. You should swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

You should not take more than one tablet a day. If you find that, once taken, it does not help you get an erection or it does not last long enough for you to complete sexual activity, then speak to your doctor as you may need a stronger dose. Equally, if you find you have any adverse effects from taking it, then your dose may need to be lowered or a different medication may be more suitable for you.

Diet & alcohol

It is not advised to drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit with Sildenafil. This is because it can increase sildenafil citrate levels in your blood and significantly lower your blood pressure; this could cause more severe side effects.

You do not need to take Sildenafil with food, although eating before taking it can reduce your risk of side effects. However, it is recommended that you avoid high-fat meals as these can alter the effectiveness.

You should avoid drinking alcohol before taking Sildenafil. Not only does it increase the risk of side effects, but alcohol can affect testosterone levels, your central nervous system and cause dehydration which are all linked to temporary ED and long-termsexual dysfunction.

Sildenafil may interfere with other medicines. It’s important to always check with your doctor if it is suitable for you to take it.

Some medicines, if taken with Sildenafil, can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. These include:

• nitrates - these are often prescribed for relief of angina or chest pain
• nitric oxide donors such as amyl nitrite, often referred to by the slang term “poppers” - recreational drugs that also cause blood vessels to dilate, specifically in the smooth muscles like the anus or vagina
• alpha-blockers - used to treat high blood pressure and prostate enlargement. Those who take alpha-blockers may experience dizziness and light-headedness if taken with Sildenafil

Sildenafil can also react with protease inhibitors, which are antiretroviral medicines usually used to treat HIV. You should also inform your doctor if you’re taking riociguat, a medicine used for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

You should speak to a healthcare professional if you are not sure whether you take any of these medicines.

As Sildenafil is only taken when needed, there is a very small chance that you will experience side effects, however if you do, these are often temporary and highly manageable. Some common side effects (affecting 1 in 10 people) include:

Taking Sildenafil can have some rarer side effects, affecting up to 1 in 1,000 people. For a more comprehensive list of side effects please refer to the medicines information leaflet that can be found at the top right of this page.

If you are experiencing particularly serious side effects, it is advised to stop taking the medication and contact your doctor or seek medical attention if needed.

To buy any medication in the UK, you will require a prescription. Traditionally done through booking a doctor's appointment face-to-face, you can now order Sildenafil online after completing a consultation. At euroClinix, this is free without obligation and can be filled-out within minutes. Sent to one of our UK-registered doctors, Sildenafil can be ordered online today and delivered as early as tomorrow. All our delivery and packaging options are 100% confidential, so you can get your medication delivered wherever with complete peace of mind.

Is it safe to buy Sildenafil online?

euroClinix only works with registered doctors and pharmacies so we can guarantee Sildenafil purchased through us is genuine prescription medication. Your order for Sildenafil will only be dispatched once it has been individually reviewed by one of our registered doctors to ensure the dosage, quantity and treatment. All of our doctors are registered with the GMC (General Medical Council) and we are fully monitored by the CQC (Care Quality Commission).

Can I buy Sildenafil over the counter?

No, you cannot buy Sildenafil or the branded equivalent Viagra over the counter. It is a prescription-only medicine. However, you are able to buy Viagra Connect, which contains the same active ingredient as Viagra or Sildenafil, over the counter in UK pharmacies without a prescription. You will have to fill out a simple health questionnaire to see whether you are suitable. The main difference between generic Sildenafil or Viagra and Viagra Connect is that Viagra Connect only comes in 50mg tablets, unlike Sildenafil and Viagra which can come in 25g, 50mg and 100mg.