Sildenafil Citrate: Quick Guide to Use, Dosage, and Safety

If you’ve heard the name sildenafil citrate, you probably wonder what it actually does and whether it’s right for you. In plain terms, it’s a pill that helps men get and keep an erection when they’re sexually aroused. It works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, letting more blood flow in. Below you’ll find the basics you need to know before you try it.

How It Works and When to Use It

Sildenafil belongs to a class called PDE5 inhibitors. Those drugs block an enzyme that normally narrows blood vessels. By blocking that enzyme, the blood vessels stay wider, and blood can fill the spongy tissue in the penis more easily. You only need to take it when you plan to be sexually active – it’s not a daily medication for most men.

Typical Dosage and Timing

The most common starting dose is 50 mg taken about an hour before sex. Some doctors start you at 25 mg if you’re older or have health issues, while others may go up to 100 mg if the lower dose isn’t enough. The pill can work for up to four hours, but you don’t have to stay active the whole time – the effect just stays around in case you need it.

Take the tablet with a glass of water, and try not to have a big, fatty meal right before. Heavy food can slow down how fast the drug kicks in. If you do eat a big dinner, you might need to wait a bit longer for the effect.

Don’t take more than one dose in a 24‑hour period. Taking extra pills won’t make the erection last longer, and it can raise the risk of side effects.

Common Side Effects You Might Feel

Most men experience mild side effects, like a headache, flushing, or a warm feeling in the face. Some people get a stuffy nose or mild stomach upset. These usually go away on their own within a few hours.

If you notice a painful or prolonged erection lasting more than four hours, call a doctor right away. That condition, called priapism, needs quick treatment to avoid damage.

Things to Watch Out For

Never mix sildenafil with nitrate medicines (often used for chest pain) – the combo can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Also be careful with certain blood pressure drugs, alpha‑blockers, and some antifungals; they can boost the effect of sildenafil and raise side‑effect risk.

If you have heart disease, low blood pressure, or a recent stroke, discuss the drug with your doctor first. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Buying and Using Safely

Only get sildenafil from a licensed pharmacy with a prescription. Online sources that don’t require a prescription may sell fake pills, which can be unsafe. Keep the medication out of reach of kids and store it in a cool, dry place.

When you start, keep a note of the dose, how you feel, and any side effects. That information helps your doctor adjust the dose if needed.

Overall, sildenafil citrate is a reliable option for many men dealing with erectile dysfunction. By following the dosage rules, watching for interactions, and talking to a health professional, you can use it safely and get the results you want.