Sildenafil — what it is and why people use it

Sildenafil is a well-known medicine most commonly used for erectile dysfunction (ED). Doctors also prescribe a different formulation of sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It helps relax blood vessels so blood flows more easily, which is why it works for both conditions.

If you’re thinking about sildenafil, this page gives short, practical facts: how people normally take it, what to watch for, and how to buy it safely online without taking unnecessary risks.

Quick facts & typical dosing

For ED, common starting dose is 50 mg taken about an hour before sex. Doctors may adjust this between 25 mg and 100 mg depending on how you respond and any other medicines you take. For PAH, the prescription form (brand name Revatio) is usually dosed at 20 mg three times a day — but follow your doctor’s plan.

Timing matters. Sildenafil works best if you take it on an empty or light stomach. Heavy meals can delay the effect. Alcohol lowers performance and raises the chance of side effects, so limit drinking when you plan to use it.

Safety, side effects, and serious warnings

Common side effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, and temporary changes in vision like blue tint or blurriness. Most are short-lived and mild.

There are a few non-negotiable safety rules. Never take sildenafil with nitrates (meds used for chest pain) — the combo can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Be careful if you take alpha-blockers, certain antifungals, or HIV protease inhibitors; these can change sildenafil levels in your blood. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can also raise drug levels.

If you get a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism), sudden loss of vision, or severe chest pain, get emergency help immediately.

Older adults and people with heart disease, low blood pressure, or severe liver problems need special dosing and monitoring. Always tell your doctor about every medicine and supplement you take.

Storing sildenafil is simple: keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.

Buying sildenafil online — smart tips

Only buy sildenafil from pharmacies that require a prescription and show clear contact info. Look for a licensed pharmacy seal, secure checkout (https), and real customer reviews. Avoid sites that offer large discounts without a prescription or that use aggressive pop-ups. If a price looks too good to be true, it probably is.

When ordering, check shipping times and return policies. Keep the packaging and compare the pills to photos or descriptions on the manufacturer’s site. If something seems off — odd packaging, different pill color, or no leaflet — stop using it and contact the seller or your doctor.

Sildenafil can work well when used correctly. Get a proper diagnosis, follow your prescriber’s advice, and use safe online buying practices to stay protected.