Sildenafil is a type of medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, a condition where men find it difficult to get or maintain an erection. It is the generic version of the brand name drug Viagra.

Sildenafil increases blood flow to the penis so you can get and keep an erection.

You can take Sildenafil as needed although you should only use it once in any 24 hour period. Sildenafil is available as a pill in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg, depending on what you and your doctor determine to be most suitable for your needs.

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Usually, Sildenafil will start to work within 30 to 60 minutes. If you’re wondering when to take Sildenafil, you can take it up to four hours before sexual activity.

If you have erectile dysfunction and normally find it difficult to get or maintain an erection, Sildenafil might cause your erection to feel bigger but it will not make your penis physically larger than its regular size.

Sildenafil is not a treatment for premature ejaculation, so it usually won’t impact the amount of time you can have sex for before you ejaculate.

Sildenafil won’t make you hornier or help you feel sexually aroused when you otherwise wouldn’t be interested in sex. Sildenafil simply makes it easier to get an erection when you’re already sexually aroused.

Sildenafil isn’t for everyone. You should not take Sildenafil if any of the following conditions apply to you:

• You have previously experienced an allergic reaction to Sildenafil (Viagra) or any other medicines in the past
• You are taking medicines called nitrates for chest pain
• You are currently taking take any guanylate cyclase stimulators, like riociguat (adempas)
• You are using drugs such as amyl nitrate or amyl nitrite, and butyl nitrate, also known as poppers. 
• You have a serious liver or heart problem
• You have low blood pressure or a condition that may lower blood pressure like aortic stenosis or hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy
• You have recently had a heart attack or stroke
• You are taking other medication for erectile dysfunction, such as Cialis.

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In Canada, Sildenafil is not available over the counter, so you will always need a prescription from a doctor first.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction and are seeking a prescription for Sildenafil, talk to a doctor about whether it is the right solution for you.

There are other medication options besides Sildenafil such as Tadalafil, also known as Cialis.

Beyond medication, consider address potential lifestyle causes of erectile dysfunction, including diet, alcohol consumption and exercise levels.

Yes, Sildenafil does expire. Once a year has passed since your prescription was dispensed, the Sildenafil is considered to have expired. After this time it starts to become less effective, and is therefore not recommended.

Common Sildenafil side effects include flushing, lightheadedness, headache, runny nose, or nausea.

If you develop an erection that lasts longer than 3 hours please go to the emergency department - this is a rare but dangerous side effect called priapism.

There have been exceedingly rare reports of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy - a condition that impacts sight - although most experts do not believe this to be related to ED medications.

It is recommended that you see a doctor in person for this issue, for a full physical exam and blood work to determine if there is an underlying cause like diabetes, vascular disease or low testosterone