What is Sildenafil Citrate?

Sildenafil Citrate is the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) found in popular medicines such as Viagra and its generic versions. It belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which help relax blood vessels and enhance circulation.

What is sildenafil Citate used for

Sildenafil Citrate is a widely prescribed FDA-approved medication in the U.S used to improve blood circulation in specific areas of the body. Its most common use is in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence.

Men suffering from ED, Sildenafil Citrate helps by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection. It belongs to a class of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which relax blood vessels and allow better circulation.

Sildenafil works only when you are sexually aroused, it is not an aphrodisiac and does not create desire on its own. Instead, it supports the body’s natural erection process by temporarily enhancing blood flow to the penile tissue.

Apart from treating erectile dysfunction (ED), Sildenafil Citrate is also used to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), which is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs, making it easier for blood to flow. This lowers the pressure in these arteries and helps the heart pump blood more easily. As a result, people with PAH can breathe better and have more energy for physical activities.

What is the difference between sildenafil and sildenafil citrate

There is no real difference between sildenafil and sildenafil citrate in terms of how the medicine works. Here’s why:

• Sildenafil is the actual drug that treats conditions like erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It largely insoluble in water and difficult to dissolve properly in the body.
• Sildenafil citrate is the chemical form (salt) used to make the tablets. The “citrate” part just helps the drug increase water solubility and allow effective oral absorption to stay stable and dissolve properly in the body.

When you take a tablet of sildenafil citrate, your body simply uses the sildenafil in it. So, whether someone says sildenafil or sildenafil citrate, they are referring to the same medicine.

In short: 
Sildenafil is the active drug, sildenafil citrate is just its full chemical name used in tablets.

How should Sildenafil medicine be used?

For Erectile Dysfunction (ED):

Sildenafil citrate should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. How you take it depends on the condition being treated—Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). Here’s a clear breakdown:

For the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED), sildenafil citrate is typically prescribed at an initial dose of 50 mg, to be taken about one hour before sexual activity. Depending on its effectiveness and how well you tolerate it, your doctor may adjust the dose to either 25 mg or 100 mg. It should not be taken more than once per day, as higher frequency increases the risk of side effects without improving results. The medication can be taken with or without food, but it tends to work faster when taken on an empty stomach, as a heavy or fatty meal may delay its onset of action. It’s important to note that sexual stimulation is required for sildenafil to be effective; the medicine alone will not produce an erection.

For Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH):

For Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), the typical adult dose is 20 mg taken three times daily, with doses spaced about 4 to 6 hours apart. It is important to take the medication on a regular schedule at the same times each day to help maintain steady levels in the body. The medicine can be taken with or without food, making it convenient for daily use.

Side effects of sildenafil

like all medicines, sildenafil can cause side effects, but not everyone experiences them. Here’s a more detailed and structured explanation:

Common side effects (may affect 1 in 10 people):

• Headache – the most frequently reported side effect
• Flushing (warmth or redness in the face, neck, or chest)
• Indigestion or upset stomach
• Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Changes in vision (blurred vision, color tinge such as blue or green)

Less common side effects (may affect 1 in 100 people):

• Vomiting or nausea
• Skin rash
• Eye irritation or watery eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Tiredness or drowsiness
• Palpitations (fast heartbeat)

Rare but serious side effects (seek medical attention immediately):

• Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes (possible sign of NAION, a rare eye condition)
• Sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or fainting
• Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing)
• Priapism – a painful or prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours (requires urgent treatment)

Sildenafil brand name

Sildenafil is sold under several brand names worldwide. The most common ones include:

1. Viagra® – Used primarily for erectile dysfunction (ED).
2. Revatio® – Used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Other generic brands may simply be labeled as Sildenafil Citrate or carry names like:

• Caverta
• Fildena
• Cenforce
• Suhagra
• Kamagra

The active ingredient is the same (sildenafil citrate), but the brand name depends on the manufacturer and intended use (ED vs. PAH).

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