Sildenafil

What is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil is an active ingredient from the group of so-called selective PDE5 inhibitors, which are taken to treat erectile dysfunction, amongst other things. PDE5 inhibitors are classified as particularly effective and are therefore drugs of the first choice for the drug treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Effect of Sildenafil

Sildenafil reduces the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the vessel walls by the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5). This ensures better blood circulation and promotes the development of erections. The signal is maintained and the penis remains erect.

It should be noted that Sildenafil only promotes the development of erections or prolongs existing erections. The drug cannot induce an erection, for this, it requires a sexual stimulus.

Sildenafil is available in doses of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg. The tablets take effect approximately 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion. A maximum of one tablet should be taken a day.

Applications of Sildenafil

Sexual enhancers containing sildenafil make it easier to achieve an erection and prolong its duration when sexual stimulation occurs. The active ingredient relaxes the vascular muscles. The dilated vessels allow more blood to flow into the cavernous bodies of the penis.

Due to its vasodilating effect, Sildenafil is also used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs.

Other uses

Amongst other things, sildenafil is also used to treat patients with pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation). Normally, PDE-5 causes vasoconstriction in the lungs, i.e. narrowing of the blood vessels. If PDE-5 is inhibited in turn, the blood vessels dilate, causing blood pressure to drop.

Side effects

When taking Sildenafil, the following side effects may occur:

• Headache
• Skin redness
• Nasal congestion
• Pain in the upper abdomen
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Hot flashes
• Visual disturbances

Before taking sildenafil or other sexual enhancers, you should always consult a doctor. Patients with a known cardiovascular disease in particular should first be examined by specialists.

Ingestion is contraindicated in patients treated with nitrates. In this case, sildenafil can lead to life-threatening drops in blood pressure.

Dialysis patients or patients with severe insufficiency of the kidneys or liver are not advised to take it, since the organs are not good at breaking down and excreting sildenafil.

Can you buy Sildenafil without a prescription?

Sildenafil is subject to a prescription in the UK. This means that it cannot be purchased without a prescription. The medication must be prescribed by a doctor.

Sildenafil and other sexual enhancers are often offered for sale without a prescription, especially on the Internet. These offers are classified as highly dubious.

The preparations are often counterfeits, which – in contrast to the original products – can contain other and possibly harmful active ingredients. They are not subject to any medical quality control.

Side effects and interactions are therefore not known and can pose a considerable risk to health. Amongst other things, the sildenafil should not be taken at the same time as nitrates, certain antibiotics, and antiviral drugs in the case of HIV infections or in the presence of severe heart and liver diseases and certain eye diseases.