Overview
What is Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is a selective PDE5 inhibitor that enhances blood flow in two different contexts: for erectile dysfunction it amplifies the natural erectile response by relaxing penile smooth muscle; for pulmonary arterial hypertension (marketed as Revatio) it dilates pulmonary blood vessels, reducing right heart strain and improving exercise capacity.
Mechanism
How Does It Work?
1
NO/cGMP pathway
Sexual stimulation or pulmonary vasoconstriction triggers nitric oxide (NO) release, which activates guanylate cyclase to increase cyclic GMP (cGMP), causing smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation.
2
PDE5 inhibition
Sildenafil blocks phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), the enzyme that degrades cGMP in smooth muscle of the corpus cavernosum and pulmonary vasculature, prolonging and enhancing the vasodilatory effect.
3
Organ-specific vasodilation
In the penis this increased blood flow produces erection; in the pulmonary vasculature it reduces pulmonary vascular resistance, lowering right heart afterload in PAH.
Dosage
How to Use
General guidance
- ED: 50 mg approximately 1 hour before sexual activity (range 25–100 mg); maximum one dose per day
- PAH (Revatio): 20 mg three times daily, approximately 4–6 hours apart
- High-fat meal delays ED absorption by up to 60 minutes — take on empty stomach for fastest onset
Take exactly as prescribed. Your prescriber's instructions replace the general guidance above.
Safety
Side Effects & Precautions
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Flushing
- Nasal congestion
- Dyspepsia
- Transient visual changes (blue tinge, blurring)
- Back pain
Serious Side Effects — seek help immediately
- Severe hypotension with nitrates (potentially fatal)
- Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy — NAION (sudden vision loss, rare)
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss
- Priapism (erection > 4 hours — medical emergency)
Who Should Not Take This
- Concurrent use of any nitrate in any form (GTN, isosorbide) — potentially fatal hypotension
- Concurrent riociguat or other sGC stimulators
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Prior NAION episode
Value
Generic vs Brand
Generic (OnlineMeds)
Viagra / Revatio
Price
$50.00 per 10 tablets
$70–$90/tablet (US list price)
Active ingredient
Identical
Identical
Medically reviewed by
Harsh Bootwala
B.Pharm, M.Pharm Harsh Bootwala is a licensed clinical pharmacist with 12 years of experience. He holds a B.Pharm and M.Pharm from Bombay University. At OnlineMeds, he reviews medicine and health content to help ensure it is accurate, evidence-based, and easy to understand.
Storage
Storage & Handling
Storage
Store at room temperature 15–30°C
Storage 2
Keep in original packaging away from moisture
Children
Keep out of reach of children.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sildenafil Citrate the same as Viagra?
Sildenafil Citrate is the active ingredient in Viagra. A generic Sildenafil Citrate medicine contains the same active ingredient at the same strength and is taken the same way — the main difference is cost. Always use it as prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
Does Cenforce Fm 100 mg Tablets work without sexual stimulation?
No — Sildenafil only enhances erection in response to natural sexual stimulation. It does not cause an automatic erection and will have no effect without arousal.
Can I take Cenforce Fm 100 mg Tablets if I use heart medication?
You must not take Cenforce Fm 100 mg Tablets with any nitrate medication (GTN spray, isosorbide tablets, etc.) — the combination can cause a dangerous, potentially fatal drop in blood pressure. Tell your doctor about all your medications.
How long does Sildenafil last?
Effects typically begin within 30–60 minutes and last 4–6 hours. A high-fat meal before taking it can delay onset by up to an hour.
Is Cenforce Fm 100 mg Tablets the same drug as Revatio used for lung problems?
Yes — Sildenafil is the same drug marketed as Revatio for pulmonary arterial hypertension, where it is dosed differently (20 mg three times daily) to dilate the pulmonary blood vessels.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Used as prescribed by a licensed medical professional.