Sildenafil (Generic Viagra) Sildenafil is the generic name given to the more widely known drug; Viagra. It belongs to a group of medicines classed as Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5) inhibitors. They work by increasing blood flow to the penis when sexually aroused. It does this by relaxing the walls of the blood vessels. Sildenafil is a more cost effective way of dealing with issues of erectile dysfunction than Viagra, they have the same profile and work in exactly the same way. Some people prefer to use the Viagra brand and there is no issue with that, it’s all down to personal choice. Rest assured they will have the exact same effect and length of action whichever one you decide to go for. What Causes Erectile Dysfunction? There are many causes for Erectile Dysfunction (ED). The most common causes are listed here below:  (These will help you to understand why you may be suffering with ED.) Lifestyle – Quite often our lifestyle choices can impact our sexual health. Obesity, alcohol and smoking can affect the ability to achieve and sustain an erection. Narrowing Blood Vessels – Health conditions such as Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol can all lead to narrowed vessels, leading to an insufficient blood supply to the penis. Medicinal - There are some medications which may be prescribed to you by your doctor that can cause ED as a side effect. These include medications for depression, prostate illness, psychotic illness and some heart medication. Nerve Problems – Some conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis which affect the nervous system in the body can also lead to ED. Psychological Conditions – Not all causes are physical in nature, sometimes it can be associated with the mental health of the person. Anxiety and stress can affect libido, therefore affecting the ability to sustain an erection. How is it used? Sildenafil and Viagra are to be taken 30-60 minutes before planned sexual activity. It should be noted that they work along with sexual stimulation and arousal. They do not simply give you an erection without stimulation. One dose will stay in your body for around 4-6 hours, whereby any sexual stimulation will lead to an erection. Do note that this doesn’t mean you’ll have an erection for 4-6 hours. If your erection lasts 4 hours or longer you must seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY. You should not be taking this medication more than once in a 24 hour period as this is when the side effects can become more noticeable and the dosage is regarded as unsafe. If you have just had a heavy meal you may notice that it takes longer for it to work than it normally would, a full stomach can slow down the drugs normal activity. Which strength should I start with? Sildenafil and Viagra come in three strengths, these are; 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. It can be confusing to decide which strength to start with especially if you’ve never taken it before. The recommendation is that you start with the 50mg tablets. This is a good place to start, for most the 50mg dose will be sufficient, however if you realise that it’s not giving you the desired effect then you can always increase to the 100mg tablets. If you feel that you are experiencing side effects at 50mg but still getting the desired effect then you can reduce to the 25mg tablet. If the side effects continue or the 25mg dose is not effective there are other options available. It is important to note that taking more than the daily max of 100mg will not increase its effectiveness, it will only lead to a higher incidence of side effects. If you have taken more than you should, visit your local emergency centre immediately. Can I use Sildenafil or Viagra after I’ve had a drink? As with any medication, alcohol is not advised. However we understand that sometimes situations regarding erectile dysfunction are such that alcohol can be involved. If you do plan on drinking try to limit your alcohol intake to 2-3 units, which is a pint of medium strength larger or two 25ml (40%) measures of a spirit. If you have consumed more than this then the drug may not work as well or not work at all. Please bear this in mind when using alcohol and this medication together, also the incidence of side effects may increase. It is important to remember that alcohol use is one of the triggers of erectile dysfunction itself. What are the side effects, is it safe to use long term? Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) - Headache Common (May affect more that 1 in 10 people but not more than 1 in 100) - Facial Flushing - Hot Flush (sudden feeling of heat in the upper body) - Indigestion / Reflux - Blurred Vision - Stuffy Nose - Dizziness Viagra and Sildenafil are safe to use long term, there doesn’t seem to be any lasting harmful effects from using it for extended periods of time. If you experience any side effects from using Sildenafil or Viagra it is important to consult your Doctor, Pharmacist or Nurse. There is a full list of side effects which will come inside each box of Sildenafil and Viagra, please read this before use.