Online Release: Fildena Now Accessible - in the UK

Context and purpose

Fildena contains the active drug sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor. It is marketed in a number of countries and may have formulations or strengths that differ from medicines licensed in the UK.

The main use for sildenafil is to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It enhances the normal erectile response to sexual stimulation but does not itself produce sexual desire, provide contraception, nor protect against sexually transmitted infections.

For an explanation of how sildenafil produces its effects, see The big picture view of the way it works. To compare other treatment options and approximate UK costs, go to Online price comparison alongside more options in the UK.

The operation method

Sildenafil reduces the activity of the PDE-5 enzyme in penile smooth muscle. During sexual arousal nitric oxide is released locally, which raises cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels and causes relaxation of the blood vessel walls in the penis. By slowing cGMP breakdown sildenafil helps maintain blood flow into the erectile tissues so an erection can develop and be sustained while sexual stimulation continues.

Options for strength and pharmacologic dosing guidance

Internationally available Fildena tablets may come in a range of doses. Typical marketed strengths include 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. Some non-UK suppliers also offer larger tablets; such products may not align with usual UK prescribing practice.

In the UK, sildenafil is normally supplied in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg strengths. The usual maximum single dose advised for most men is 100 mg; higher single doses are uncommon and should only be used with specialist medical supervision.

General adult safe dosing recommendations (informational only):

• Common starting dose: 50 mg, taken roughly one hour before sexual activity.
• If 50 mg is well tolerated but the response is insufficient, a prescriber may recommend increasing to 100 mg.
• Reduce to 25 mg for increased sensitivity to indirect effects, older age, or in the presence of interacting medicines or certain health problems.
• Limit to one dose in any 24 hour period.

How to take action Fildena according to directions

• Down the pill with water. Take it on an empty stomach or after a light, low-fat meal for a quicker onset; large fatty meals can delay absorption.
• Take the medicine 30 to 60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity. Some people notice benefits in about 30 minutes; effects commonly last up to around four hours.
• Avoid excessive alcohol when using sildenafil; heavy drinking can reduce effectiveness and increase collateral effects such as dizziness.
• Remember that sexual stimulation is necessary for the drug to work; it is not an aphrodisiac on its own.

For more practical details, see Storage area tips and recommendations and Not recommended: contraindifications and cautions.

Disk digital storage enables saving files on disks, drives, or in the cloud. solutions and recommendations

• Keep tablets at normal room temperature, below 30 C, in a dry place.
• Store in the original packaging to protect from moisture and light.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children and household pets.
• Do not use the product after the printed expiry date on the pack.

Contraindicated conditions and cautions

Do not use sildenafil if any of the following apply to you:

• You are allergic to sildenafil or any excipient in the tablet.
• You are using nitrates or nitric oxide donors (for example nitroglycerin or amyl nitrite). Combining nitrates with sildenafil can cause a dangerous fall in blood pressure.
• You are taking riociguat for pulmonary hypertension.
• You have severe heart disease that makes sexual activity unsafe, uncontrolled low blood pressure, recent heart attack or stroke, or unstable angina.
• You have severe liver or severe kidney impairment unless your prescriber has advised otherwise.
• You have a history of certain eye conditions such as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or inherited retinal disorders like retinitis pigmentosa.
• You are already using another PDE-5 inhibitor or other erectile dysfunction therapy concurrently.
• Sildenafil is intended for use in adult men and is not approved for women or children.

Speak with a healthcare professional before starting sildenafil if you have a risk of priapism (for example sickle cell disease, multiple myeloma or leukemia), bleeding tendencies, an active stomach ulcer, or a penile deformity.

Potential food-interpersonal dialogue and exchanges in a system describe exchanges between components. among prescription medications

Pivotal the act of interactions in a system describe exchanges between components. to consider:

• Nitrates and nitric oxide donors - strictly contraindicated with sildenafil.
• Alpha-blockers - combining these can cause symptomatic low blood pressure; timing and dose review by a clinician is required.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir, cobicistat, ketoconazole, itraconazole and some macrolide antibiotics may increase sildenafil concentrations and could require dose adjustment or avoidance.
• CYP3A4 inducers like rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin and Herbal Hypericum perforatum may reduce sildenafil levels and its effectiveness.
• Large amounts of grapefruit juice may raise blood levels of sildenafil.
• Recreational substances, particularly amyl nitrite (poppers) or some stimulants, can dangerously interact with sildenafil and should not be combined.

Possible medication-related effects

Many users have no or only mild adverse sequelae. When knock-on effects do occur they are usually transient.

Commonly reported reactions include pressure in my head, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, dizziness, transient visual changes such as a blue tint or blurred vision, and muscle or back pain.

Less frequent effects may include nausea, abdominal discomfort, palpitations or skin rash.

Get immediate medical assessment for new and severe issues. any of the following serious events:

• An erection lasting more than four hours (priapism).
• Sudden decrease of vision in one eye or in both eyes., or sudden hearing loss.
• Severe chest pain, fainting, or signs of a severe allergic reaction such as wheeze or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.

UK another way forward choices and a quick price comparison

Several other prescription options exist for erectile dysfunction. The table below lists common contingency options and approximate UK private retail prices per tablet; actual prices vary by pharmacy, dose and pack size.

• Generic sildenafil (25-100 mg): around 0.40 to 2.50 GBP per tablet.
• Viagra (brand, 25-100 mg): typically 4.50 to 10.00 GBP per tablet.
• Generic tadalafil (5-20 mg): about 0.70 to 2.50 GBP; Cialis brand usually 4.00 to 8.00 GBP per tablet.
• Generic vardenafil (5-20 mg): roughly 1.50 to 4.50 GBP; Levitra brand about 3.50 to 8.00 GBP.
• Avanafil (Spedra, 50-200 mg): approximately 5.00 to 9.00 GBP per tablet.

Typical onset and duration comparisons:

• Sildenafil (Viagra): onset about 30 to 60 minutes; duration up to roughly four hours.
• Tadalafil (Cialis): onset similar for many users but a much longer effect, up to 36 hours; available in daily low-dose regimens for continuous coverage.
• Vardenafil (Levitra): profile similar to sildenafil; some men find it better tolerated.
• Avanafil (Spedra) medication: may act faster for some people, possibly 15 to 30 minutes; duration shorter than tadalafil.

Note: Fildena is commonly an imported, unlicensed brand in the UK. For guaranteed quality and regulatory compliance consider UK-licensed generics or branded products such as Viagra or Viagra Connect supplied by regulated apothecaries.

United Kingdom legality and secure buying

• Most formulations of sildenafil are prescription-only medicines in the UK. An exception is Viagra Connect 50 mg, available from pharmacies after an assessment by a pharmacist to men aged 18 and over.
• Fildena is often not licensed by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Purchasing unlicensed or imported tablets from overseas online sellers increases the risk of counterfeit or substandard products.
• Personal importation of prescription-only medicines without a valid UK prescription may be subject to seizure at the border and could be unlawful.
• To buy safely use a UK-registered pharmacy or an online prescribing service regulated in the UK. Review the file General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) register and ensure prescribers perform an appropriate medical assessment.
• Pharmacies and prescribers will screen for red flags such as nitrate use, uncontrolled cardiovascular disease or severe low blood pressure before supplying sildenafil.
• If you experience dizziness or vision changes after taking sildenafil do not drive or operate heavy machinery.
• Do not exceed 100 mg in 24 hours unless specifically instructed by a UK clinician.

If you suspect an adverse reaction report it via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. For guidance on how to take a test the medicine see How to take on a challenge Fildena according to label and for safety checks, please see Conditions to avoid and cautions.

Suitable for sport use

Sildenafil is not licensed or recommended as a performance enhancing drug. It is usually not listed as prohibited by major anti-doping organisations, but athletes should consult the latest guidance from UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) along with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and follow team or event medical rules. Only use erectile dysfunction medicines for legitimate medical reasons and under professional medical advice.

Direct jump to sections

Go back to the previous page the page top Take me back to the very top