Sildenafil 50mg: General Information, Precautions and Frequently Asked Questions

Sildenafil was the first tablet of its kind for erectile dysfunction, and it is still one of the most widely used. Viagra 50mg is the strength many doctors choose as a starting point. Below you will find what it does, how it is normally taken, what to watch for and the questions people ask most. It is general information and does not replace a conversation with your doctor.

What Is Viagra 50mg Used For?

Viagra 50mg contains sildenafil citrate and is prescribed for erectile dysfunction, meaning difficulty getting or keeping an erection suitable for sex. Sildenafil comes in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg strengths. The 50 mg tablet sits in the middle, which is why it is a common first prescription.

One small warning: sildenafil is also sold at a 20 mg strength under another name for pulmonary arterial hypertension. That is a different medicine with a different purpose, so never swap one for the other.

How Do Sildenafil 50mg Tablets Work?

Sildenafil blocks an enzyme called PDE5. That enzyme normally clears away the chemical that relaxes blood vessels in the penis. With the enzyme blocked, blood flows in more easily when you are aroused and the erection can be kept for longer.

It will not work without sexual stimulation. It also will not raise libido or cure the underlying cause of ED. Think of sildenafil 50mg tablets as support that helps your body do what it already tries to do.

Is Generic Viagra 50 Mg as Good as the Brand?

Generic viagra 50 mg contains the same active ingredient at the same strength. Regulators ask generic makers to prove their tablet behaves in the body in the same way as the original. Price is usually the main difference, along with the look of the tablet.

If you switch from one to the other and notice something different, mention it to your pharmacist. Check each pack for the manufacturer name, batch number and expiry date.

How Long Does a Viagra 50mg Tablet Take to Work?

A viagra 50mg tablet is normally taken about one hour before sex, although it can work from around 30 minutes to four hours after taking it. The effect generally lasts about four hours.

Food makes a difference. A heavy, fatty meal can delay the effect by an hour or more, so many people take it on a lighter stomach. Do not take more than one tablet in 24 hours unless your doctor says otherwise.

What Are the Common Side Effects?

Most side effects are mild and short lived. Expect these most often:

• Headache

• Facial flushing

• Indigestion or heartburn

• Stuffy nose

• Dizziness

• Temporary changes in vision, such as a blue tint or blurred sight

Stop the medicine and seek urgent help if you have an erection that will not go away after four hours, sudden loss of vision or hearing, or chest pain.

Who Should Avoid Sildenafil?

Sildenafil is not for everyone. Do not use it if you:

• Take nitrates in any form, including GTN spray and "poppers"

• Take riociguat

• Have been told not to have sex because of a heart condition

• Have had a recent stroke or heart attack, or have very low blood pressure

• Have severe liver problems

• Have a rare inherited eye disease such as retinitis pigmentosa

• Are allergic to sildenafil

Precautions apply with alpha blockers, certain antifungals, HIV medicines, and some antibiotics. Men over 65, and those with kidney or liver problems, may be started on a lower dose.

Can You Drink Alcohol With Viagra 50mg?

Moderate amounts are usually fine. Too much alcohol makes erections harder to get and can add to dizziness and low blood pressure when combined with sildenafil. Grapefruit juice in large amounts may also affect how much drug reaches your blood.

Is It Safe to Buy Sildenafil Online?

It can be, but only from a pharmacy that is properly registered and asks for a prescription or a clinical review. Fake and counterfeit ED tablets are a real problem. Warning signs include no questions about your health, unusually low prices, no pharmacist contact details and tablets with no batch information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 50 mg the same as half of 100 mg? The active ingredient is the same, but dose decisions belong to your prescriber. Do not split tablets unless told to.

Can I take viagra 50mg every day? It is designed for use when needed, no more than once a day.

Does it work the first time? Not always. Nerves, stress and food can get in the way. Do not increase the dose without medical advice.

Does sildenafil affect fertility? It is not known to reduce fertility.

Key Takeaways

Viagra 50mg is a well studied prescription treatment for ED. It works with arousal, lasts around four hours, and should never be combined with nitrates. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor about your health, your other medicines and whether sildenafil 50mg tablets fit your situation.

This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Always read the patient leaflet and follow your healthcare professional's guidance.