Sildenafil Citrate FAQ UK | Questions Answered

Clinically Proven UK Registered Pharmacy

Sildenafil Citrate: Frequently Asked Questions

UK-registered clinical team
Confidential and secure
No GP visit needed
Fast and discreet delivery
Start Your Free Consultation

Takes less than 2 minutes to complete 100% online

Ednew 20% off for new customers
Genuine Products
UK-licensed only
Fast Delivery
Next-day available
Expert Advice
UK pharmacists
Man using Cured Pharmacy online consultation for erectile dysfunction treatment
From £0.45 Starting dose — clinically approved
LIVE PRICING

Our Pricing

Pricing Disclaimer: Prices on some pages may not be up to date — the live pricing table below and pricing shown during consultation are official current prices and take precedence over any other figures on the site.

Sildenafil - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Sildenafil

From £0.45

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment
Tadalafil - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Tadalafil

From £9.99

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment
Sildenafil Eropid - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Sildenafil Eropid

From £8.99

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment
Tadalafil (Teva) - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Tadalafil (Teva)

From £9.99

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment
Avarante Tablets Tadalafil Tablets 10mg - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Avarante Tablets Tadalafil Tablets 10mg

From £11.49

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment
Viagra Connect 50mg - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Viagra Connect 50mg

From £11.49

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment

Sildenafil Citrate: Frequently Asked Questions

If you're researching sildenafil citrate frequently asked questions UK, you've come to the right place. As a UK-registered pharmacy with thousands of erectile dysfunction consultations completed, we answer the most common questions about sildenafil citrate—from how it works to what results you can expect, all backed by clinical evidence.

What Is Sildenafil Citrate and How Does It Work?

Sildenafil citrate is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in both branded Viagra and generic sildenafil tablets, licensed by the MHRA for treating erectile dysfunction in men. It belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which work by relaxing blood vessels in the penis to improve blood flow during sexual stimulation [1].

When a man is sexually aroused, nitric oxide is released in the erectile tissue, triggering a cascade that produces cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This chemical messenger relaxes smooth muscle and dilates blood vessels, allowing increased blood flow. PDE5 naturally breaks down cGMP, but sildenafil citrate inhibits this enzyme, prolonging the erection-enhancing effects [1][2].

Clinical trials have demonstrated that sildenafil citrate significantly improves erectile function across various severities of erectile dysfunction. In pivotal studies, approximately 82% of men reported improved erections at the 100mg dose compared to 25% on placebo [2]. It's important to note that sildenafil citrate requires sexual stimulation to work—it does not cause spontaneous erections.

What Dosages Are Available and How Should I Take Sildenafil Citrate?

Sildenafil citrate is available in three standard strengths in the UK: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets. The recommended starting dose for most men is 50mg, taken approximately one hour before sexual activity, though it can be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to four hours beforehand [3].

Your UK prescriber may adjust your dose based on effectiveness and tolerability. If the 50mg dose produces adequate results with minimal side effects, no adjustment is needed. If you experience insufficient response, the dose may be increased to 100mg, or decreased to 25mg if side effects are problematic [3].

Sildenafil citrate should not be taken more than once in a 24-hour period. Taking it with a large or high-fat meal may delay absorption and reduce effectiveness, so it's best taken on an empty stomach or after a light meal. Alcohol can impair erectile function and may reduce the medication's effectiveness, so consumption should be limited.

Starting Treatment at Cured Pharmacy

At Cured Pharmacy, sildenafil is available from £0.45 per tablet, with transparent pricing shown before your free online consultation. Our UK-registered prescribers assess your medical history, current medications, and cardiovascular health to determine the most appropriate starting dose. The entire process takes under three minutes, and approved orders are dispensed with discreet packaging and next-day delivery options.

What Are the Common Side Effects of Sildenafil Citrate?

Like all medications, sildenafil citrate can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. The most commonly reported side effects include headache (occurring in approximately 16% of users), facial flushing (10%), indigestion (7%), and nasal congestion (4%) [2][4].

These side effects are typically mild to moderate in severity and tend to diminish with continued use as your body adjusts to the medication. Visual disturbances, such as a blue tinge to vision or increased sensitivity to light, occur in fewer than 3% of users and are usually temporary [4].

Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention. These include sudden vision loss, sudden hearing decrease or loss, chest pain or irregular heartbeat during sexual activity, and priapism (an erection lasting more than four hours). If you experience priapism, seek emergency medical care immediately, as prolonged erection can cause permanent damage to penile tissue [4].

Who Should Not Take Sildenafil Citrate?

Sildenafil citrate is contraindicated in men taking nitrate medications for angina or chest pain, as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. It should also be avoided in men with severe cardiovascular disease, recent stroke or heart attack (within six months), or severe liver impairment. Your UK prescriber will screen for these conditions during your online consultation to ensure sildenafil citrate is safe for you.

Treatment Active Ingredient Duration Starting Price
Sildenafil Sildenafil citrate 4-6 hours From £0.45
Tadalafil Tadalafil Up to 36 hours From £9.99
Viagra Connect 50mg Sildenafil citrate 4-6 hours From £11.49
Cialis (Tadalafil) Tadalafil Up to 36 hours From £53.00

How Effective Is Sildenafil Citrate for Erectile Dysfunction?

Sildenafil citrate has been extensively studied since its approval in 1998, with robust clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness. In a meta-analysis of 27 randomised controlled trials involving over 6,000 men, sildenafil citrate demonstrated significant improvement in all domains of erectile function compared to placebo [5].

Success rates vary depending on the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction. Men with psychogenic erectile dysfunction (caused by psychological factors) typically experience success rates of 80-85%, while those with organic causes such as diabetes or post-prostatectomy erectile dysfunction see success rates of 50-70% [5]. Age also influences response, with younger men generally reporting higher satisfaction rates.

It's important to understand that sildenafil citrate treats the symptoms of erectile dysfunction but does not address underlying causes. Maximum effectiveness may not be achieved on the first attempt—clinical guidance suggests trying the medication on at least four to six separate occasions before concluding it's ineffective, as technique, timing, and psychological factors can influence initial experiences [3].

Sildenafil Citrate vs Tadalafil: What's the Difference?

Both sildenafil citrate and tadalafil are PDE5 inhibitors used to treat erectile dysfunction, but they differ significantly in duration of action and dosing flexibility. Sildenafil citrate remains effective for approximately four to six hours, making it suitable for planned sexual activity [1]. Tadalafil, by contrast, can remain effective for up to 36 hours, earning it the nickname 'the weekend pill' [6].

The longer duration of tadalafil allows for more spontaneity, as men don't need to time the medication as precisely before sexual activity. Tadalafil is also available in a low-dose daily formulation (2.5mg or 5mg), which maintains steady medication levels and allows for sexual activity at any time without planning [6].

Side effect profiles are similar between the two medications, though tadalafil users report slightly lower rates of visual disturbances and slightly higher rates of back pain and muscle aches. Neither medication is objectively 'better'—the choice depends on individual lifestyle, frequency of sexual activity, and personal preference. Many men try both before settling on their preferred option.

Choosing Between Treatments

At Cured Pharmacy, both sildenafil and tadalafil are available following online consultation with our UK prescribers. Sildenafil starts from £0.45 per tablet, making it an economical first-line option for many men. During your consultation, our clinical team will discuss your lifestyle, sexual activity patterns, and preferences to recommend the most suitable treatment. You can also switch between medications if your initial choice doesn't meet your expectations.

Can I Buy Sildenafil Citrate Online Safely in the UK?

Yes, you can purchase sildenafil citrate online safely in the UK, provided you use a registered pharmacy that follows MHRA regulations. Cured Pharmacy is fully registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC Registration Number 9012511), with superintendent pharmacist Tarun Kumar (GPhC 2233073) overseeing all clinical services.

All prescription medications, including sildenafil citrate, require a clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber before they can be legally dispensed. Legitimate online pharmacies will always require you to complete a medical questionnaire that is reviewed by a qualified healthcare professional. Be extremely cautious of websites offering sildenafil citrate without any medical questions—these are operating illegally and may supply counterfeit or dangerous products [7].

Counterfeit erectile dysfunction medications are a significant problem in the UK, with studies finding that up to 77% of sildenafil citrate purchased from unregulated websites contains incorrect amounts of active ingredient or harmful contaminants [7]. At Cured Pharmacy, we dispense only genuine UK-licensed medicines sourced from approved wholesalers, with full traceability and quality assurance. Every order includes patient information leaflets and access to our pharmacist team for any questions about your treatment.

Scientific References

  1. Goldstein, I., Lue, T. F., Padma-Nathan, H., Rosen, R. C., Steers, W. D., & Wicker, P. A. (1998). Oral sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. New England Journal of Medicine, 338(20), 1397–1404. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199805143382001
  2. Carson, C. C., & Lue, T. F. (2005). Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction. BJU International, 96(3), 257–280. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-410X.2005.05614.x
  3. British National Formulary. (2024). Sildenafil. BNF Online. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/sildenafil/
  4. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. (2023). Sildenafil 50mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics. MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk/
  5. Yuan, J., Zhang, R., Yang, Z., Lee, J., Liu, Y., Tian, J., Qin, X., Ren, Z., Ding, H., Chen, Q., Mao, C., & Tang, J. (2013). Comparative effectiveness and safety of oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. European Urology, 63(5), 902–912. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2013.01.012
  6. Porst, H., Giuliano, F., Glina, S., Ralph, D., Casabé, A. R., Elion-Mboussa, A., & Shen, W. (2006). Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of once-a-day dosing of tadalafil 5mg and 10mg in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: results of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. European Urology, 50(2), 351–359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2006.02.052
  7. Venhuis, B. J., de Kaste, D., & Vredenbregt, M. J. (2014). The identification of (sildenafil) PDE-5 inhibitors in dietary supplements: setting up a fast and generic analytical method. Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, 31(5), 862–870. https://doi.org/10.1080/19440049.2014.888497

Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. All prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication.

How it Works?

Select from our recommended UK-licensed medications.

1

Choose your treatment

Step 1: Choose your treatment from Cured Pharmacy

Select safe UK treatments. Quick answers.

2

Answer quick questions

Step 2: Answer quick consultation questions

We will deliver direct to you as quickly as tomorrow.

3

Get it delivered fast

Step 3: Fast discreet delivery to your door

Start Your Assessment For Erectile Dysfunction

Start your journey to better health today.

  • Reviewed by UK-based prescribers
  • Takes under 3 minutes
  • Discreet Packaging

Start Your Journey To Better Health Today

Once you complete a short online assessment you will be able to choose your preferred treatment from safe medically approved options tailored to you.

Start My Assessment

Returning Customer?

Log in to Your Account

Faq

How long does sildenafil citrate take to work?
Sildenafil citrate typically begins working within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, though it can take effect as quickly as 20 minutes in some men. Taking it on an empty stomach may speed absorption, while high-fat meals can delay onset by up to one hour.
Can I take sildenafil citrate with alcohol?
While moderate alcohol consumption (one to two units) is unlikely to cause problems, excessive alcohol can impair erectile function and increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and low blood pressure. It's best to limit alcohol intake when using sildenafil citrate.
Does sildenafil citrate work for everyone?
Sildenafil citrate is effective for approximately 70-80% of men with erectile dysfunction across various causes, though individual response varies. If it doesn't work after four to six attempts at the appropriate dose, your UK prescriber may recommend alternative treatments or further investigation of underlying causes.
What's the difference between sildenafil citrate and Viagra?
There is no clinical difference—both contain the same active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, in identical doses. Viagra is the branded version manufactured by Pfizer, while generic sildenafil is produced by other licensed manufacturers. Both are equally effective and safe.
Can I take sildenafil citrate every day?
Sildenafil citrate can be taken daily if needed, provided you do not exceed one dose in any 24-hour period. However, if you require frequent dosing, your prescriber may recommend daily tadalafil instead, which is specifically licensed for once-daily use at lower doses.
Will sildenafil citrate cure my erectile dysfunction?
No, sildenafil citrate treats the symptoms of erectile dysfunction but does not cure the underlying cause. It provides temporary improvement in erectile function for four to six hours after each dose. Addressing root causes such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or psychological factors may require additional interventions.
How much does sildenafil citrate cost at Cured Pharmacy?
Sildenafil is available from £0.45 per tablet at Cured Pharmacy, with transparent pricing displayed before your free online consultation. Final cost depends on your prescribed dose and quantity, determined by your UK prescriber based on your medical assessment.
Can I get sildenafil citrate without seeing a doctor in person?
Yes, sildenafil citrate can be prescribed following an online consultation with a UK-registered prescriber, which is a legally valid alternative to in-person appointments. At Cured Pharmacy, our clinical assessment takes under three minutes and ensures the medication is safe and appropriate for you before dispensing.
Tarun Kumar, Prescribing Pharmacist

Medically reviewed by

Tarun Kumar, Prescribing Pharmacist (GPhC 2233073)

Last reviewed: 17 July 2026