Sildenafil Tablets are a prescription medication that Bayview Pharmacy dispenses to fill your provider's prescription. The active ingredient, sildenafil, belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Sildenafil is the generic form of the medication also sold under brand names such as Viagra.
It is one option a provider may prescribe as part of care for erectile dysfunction (ED).
How does it work?
Sildenafil is a selective PDE5 inhibitor. During sexual stimulation, it helps relax the smooth muscle and widen the blood vessels in the penis, which increases blood flow and can support an erection (MedlinePlus monograph). It works only with sexual stimulation, and it does not cure erectile dysfunction or increase sexual desire.
What is it used for?
Providers prescribe sildenafil for erectile dysfunction. PDE5 inhibitors are among the oral medications described for ED in the American Urological Association ED guideline. Only a licensed provider can decide whether sildenafil is right for an individual; Bayview Pharmacy dispenses it to your provider's prescription and does not provide consultations or determine appropriateness. A valid prescription is required.
How does it compare to other ED options?
ED treatments differ mainly in how they are taken and how long they last. The table below describes those differences for education only.
| Option | Form / route | How it's used |
|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil Tablets | Tablet, swallowed by mouth | PDE5 inhibitor taken before sexual activity |
| Other oral PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., tadalafil, vardenafil) | Tablet, swallowed by mouth | Same medication class; tadalafil has a longer duration of action |
| Oral dissolve tablets (compounded) | Dissolves under the tongue (sublingual) | Placed under the tongue to dissolve; another dosage form |
| Injectable therapy (e.g., Bimix, Trimix) | Intracavernosal injection | Small injection that acts locally on penile blood vessels |
Differences in form, route, and duration are described for education only and are not a statement that any option is better, stronger, faster, or more effective. Your provider determines what is appropriate for you.
How is it used?
Sildenafil tablets are swallowed by mouth, generally about an hour before sexual activity, and usually no more than once in 24 hours. Taking it with a high-fat meal can delay how quickly it starts to work. Your prescriber sets your dose and schedule, so never change your dose on your own. A Bayview pharmacist is available if you have questions about your prescription.
Side effects & safety
As with any medication, side effects are possible. Reported effects of PDE5 inhibitors can include headache, flushing, stuffy or runny nose, indigestion, and dizziness. Some people notice temporary vision changes such as a bluish tinge, increased light sensitivity, or blurred vision. Report any of these to your provider.
Stop and seek medical care right away if you have a sudden loss of vision or hearing, chest pain, or a reaction that concerns you.
Who should not use it?
Sildenafil is not appropriate for everyone. It should not be used by people taking nitrate medications or riociguat, and extra caution applies to those taking alpha-blockers or other blood-pressure medications (the combination can lower blood pressure too much), and to those with certain heart conditions or for whom sexual activity is inadvisable. Tell your provider about your health conditions and all medications and supplements you take so they can determine whether sildenafil is appropriate for you.
How should it be stored?
Store your tablets at room temperature as directed on the label, away from excess heat and moisture, and keep them out of the reach of children. Do not use tablets after their expiration date.
Why fill your sildenafil prescription at Bayview?
Sildenafil is one of the prescriptions Bayview Pharmacy fills most often. We dispense it to your provider's prescription with reliable refills, real pharmacist support when you have questions, and discreet delivery. If your provider has sent a prescription, our team can help you get it filled.
Clinical details for prescribers
Mechanism. Sildenafil is a selective PDE5 inhibitor that potentiates cGMP-mediated cavernosal smooth-muscle relaxation in response to nitric-oxide release during sexual stimulation, with onset typically within 30–60 minutes and a shorter duration of action than tadalafil. Also available as a compounded sublingual orally dissolving tablet.
Contraindications & interactions:
- Nitrates, nitric-oxide donors, or riociguat — contraindicated (risk of profound hypotension)
- Additive hypotension with alpha-blockers and antihypertensives
- Consider hepatic/renal function and concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitors
Counseling points:
- Dose timing; once-daily maximum
- High-fat meal delays onset
- Priapism precaution: erection >4 hours is an emergency
References: MedlinePlus monograph; sildenafil pharmacology (StatPearls).
Sildenafil is a prescription medication dispensed to your provider's prescription. This information is educational and is not a substitute for your provider's instructions. Talk to your provider or a Bayview pharmacist about whether it is right for you.
