The Science of Sildenafil Citrate and How It Works

These may not work like Viagra and may not be safe. To access the real thing, you’ll need a prescription. A doctor will decide on the dose and provide safety information. Viagra is an ED medication that improves blood flow to the penis.

What side effects can this medication cause?

I ask the store clerk if she sells Pfizer's Viagra, and the young woman, decked out in a nurse's white uniform and hat, reaches into her pocket and pulls out a set of jingling keys. This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution Receive 12 print issues and online access Instant access to the full article PDF. Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout Mooney, P. In search of little blue pills. Sildenafil (Viagra) has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for treating erectile dysfunction.

Drug details

It doesn’t currently have approval for female sexual dysfunction. Viagra can cause various side effects, including nausea, headache, and dizziness. It can also interact with other medications, so speak with a doctor before taking it. A doctor may prescribe viagra off-label if you have sexual dysfunction. Other medications, such as flibanserin (Addyi), may help treat female low sex drive. Viagra is a brand name, and there’s no “Viagra for women.” There are, however, a few FDA-approved medications to treat low female sexual desire.

Trend	Description	Implication
Growing Online Sales	Increased availability via e-commerce platforms	Greater accessibility, risk of counterfeit products
Natural & Herbal Alternatives	Rising demand for natural ingredients	More research into herbal compositions
Regulatory Developments	Stricter laws and regulations for sales	Impact on accessibility, increased safety standards
Innovation in Delivery Methods	Development of dissolvable tablets, patches, and injectables	Potential for faster, discreet use

Because it’s a pink tablet and Viagra is a blue tablet, the nickname “female Viagra” was bound to happen. But these are different drugs with different missions. Addyi is a brand name for a nonhormonal medication called flibanserin.

Product	Dosage	Quantity + Bonus	Price
Cialis Generic	20mg	120 + 8 Pills	188.15€ 179.19€	Buy
Levitra Soft Tabs	20mg	90 + 6 Pills	241.31€ 229.82€	Buy
Kamagra Polo	100 mg	32 Pills	125.88€ 119.89€	Buy
Kamagra Gold	50 mg	120 + 6 Pills	281.13€ 267.74€	Buy
Cialis Generic	60mg	120 + 8 Pills	240.18€ 228.74€	Buy
Kamagra Oral Jelly	100 mg	110 + 9 Sachets	334.87€ 318.92€	Buy
Kamagra Gold	100 mg	60 + 4 Pills	201.34€ 191.75€	Buy
Cialis Professional	20mg	120 + 4 Pills	291.68€ 277.79€	Buy
Viagra Original	100mg	64 + 4 Pills	264.15€ 251.57€	Buy
Viagra Generic	200mg	10 Pills	40.96€ 39.01€	Buy
Cialis Black	80mg	120 + 8 Pills	264.77€ 252.16€	Buy
Cialis Generic	40mg	90 + 6 Pills	171.35€ 163.19€	Buy
Viagra Super Active	100mg	270 + 30 Pills	390.61€ 372.01€	Buy
Viagra Generic	25mg	20 Pills	37.74€ 35.94€	Buy
Viagra Super Active	100mg	90 + 10 Pills	165.61€ 157.72€	Buy
Cialis Generic	40mg	360 + 10 Pills	477.87€ 455.11€	Buy

You inject it under the skin on your abdomen or thigh about 45 minutes before you plan to have sex. Both medications are approved to treat acquired, generalized sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women. Specifically, it’s for low sexual desire that causes distress, but is unrelated to: Addyi and Vyleesi treat sexual desire, though the exact mechanism of action isn’t clear.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

In May 2018, Imvexxy (estradiol vaginal insert) was also approved for females who experience painful sexual intercourse. In June 2019, Vyleesi (bremelanotide) subcutaneous (under the skin) self-injection was approved to treat low sexual desire in women who have not gone through menopause and have not had low sexual desire in the past. Vyleesi is the second female libido drug to gain FDA approval after Addyi (flibanserin) in 2015; however, with Vyleesi, there is no warning for combined alcohol use. Related: Vyleesi vs Addyi: What is the difference? In addition to sildenafil, the generic option for Viagra, other generic options used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction are now available at the pharmacy.

Drug form and strengths

The Levitra and Staxyn brands of vardenafil have been discontinued in the U.S. For most men interested in cost-savings, switching to the generic forms may be a good option if they use the brand Stendra (avanafil). Generic options for this brand are not yet on the market. Ask your doctor about switching, if you prefer. If you prefer not to switch to the generic, be sure to check with the manufacturer of the product you use to determine if they have discount programs that might help save you some money. They seem to affect certain pathways in the brain that influence sexual desire.

Chemical synthesis

Another 2024 study found that age and hormonal contraceptives didn’t affect the effectiveness of topical sildenafil creams on FSAD. However, additional use of psychiatric medication decreased sexual desire in people using the cream and participants who used a placebo. More research is necessary to fully understand any potential benefit from the Viagra form of sildenafil for female sexual dysfunction. One thing that can suppress libido is the use of certain antidepressants, including: A 2025 review looks at the effects of various medications to treat tadacip 20 mg tablet online antidepressant-induced female sexual dysfunction. It suggests that sildenafil may improve orgasm results and most Female Sexual Function Index scores.

Does sildenafil interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

However, it had limited effects on pain during sexual activity. It was also not the most effective medication included in the review. Viagra may cause blood pressure to drop. That can be a problem if you already have low blood pressure or take medications that lower blood pressure. Most information about Viagra’s safety looks at male use, not female use, particularly in the long term. Side effects of Addyi include low blood pressure, fainting, and nausea.

Non-medical use

While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Viagra for female use, your doctor may prescribe it for off-label use. Like all drugs, Viagra can cause side effects. It can also interact with other medications. It’s important to speak with your doctor before taking Viagra. PDE5 is an enzyme that affects blood flow.

What are the most common side effects of sildenafil?

Below are some potential effects of taking Viagra. Viagra dilates blood vessels and increases the flow of blood to the penis. Viagra may also cause increased blood flow to the genitals of people without a penis, which may help increase sensitivity, arousal, and orgasmic function. It helps to understand that sexual dysfunction is a complex issue. In a 2024 study, a topical cream with 3.6% sildenafil improved outcomes in people with female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), particularly people without orgasm dysfunction. These effects may be more intense if you take birth control pills or drink alcohol. Side effects of Vyleesi include a temporary increase in blood pressure and a decrease in heart rate. It can also cause nausea and isolated spots of skin lightening (focal hyperpigmentation).

User Name	Experience Description	Satisfaction Level	Reported Side Effects
JohnD	Worked quickly, no side effects	Highly satisfied	None
Alex89	Mild headache, effective after 45 min	Satisfied	Headache
MikeL	Long-lasting, natural feeling	Very satisfied	None
SarahK	Mild flushing, good performance	Satisfied	Flushing

Viagra is FDA approved to treat erectile dysfunction. It doesn’t have approval for treating female sexual dysfunction, and studies thus far have had mixed results. There’s no “female Viagra,” but there are a couple of drugs with approval to treat sexual dysfunction associated with specific conditions.

Check with your doctor to see if you need to increase your dose.

Related: Drugs.com Pricing and Coupon Guide US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Erectile Dysfunction Medication and Your Eyes and Vision. Testosterone Replacement in Men with Age-Related Low Testosterone: What Did We Learn From The Testosterone Trials?. Safety and efficacy of sildenafil citrate for the treatment of female sexual arousal disorder. Effect of testosterone replacement on response to sildenafil citrate in men with erectile dysfunction: a parallel, randomized trial.

Your expert team

Oct 4, 2023 at doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-157-10-201211200-00004 Worldwide revenue of Pfizer's Viagra from 2003 to 2019. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. The sign on the front door describes the venue as an 'adult shop', a euphemism that adorns the plethora of small sex shops that dot China's capital. But step inside and you'll find a miniature drugstore carrying more than 60 medicines aimed at increasing male virility—each one likely to be a counterfeit. The medicines—some of which cost upwards of 750 renminbi ($110)—are locked behind a sliding glass door. There are many reasons for low sex drive.

• If you miss a dose (rarely prescribed daily), do not double up; simply resume next planned dose.
• Overdose symptoms include severe dizziness, fainting, prolonged erection, or blurred vision.
• In case of overdose, contact poison control or emergency services immediately for guidance.

Before taking Viagra or any other medication, talk with your doctor about the potential benefits, risks, and side effects of these medications for you. Be ready for sex whenever you're in the mood Why don’t doctors necessarily hand out free Viagra samples anymore?

• Blue pills should be stored in a cool, dry place away from children.
• Advances in medication are trying to reduce side effects.
• Blue pills should not be used to mask underlying health issues.
• They are part of a broader approach to men’s sexual health.
• Combining medications can increase risk of adverse effects.
• Users should monitor their response and report side effects.
• The effectiveness of blue pills varies among individuals.
• Lifestyle changes can improve erectile function alongside medication.

Viagra is now available as a generic, making it more affordable than ever.

• The blue color comes from a specific dye (often FD&C Blue No. 2) used in the tablet coating.
• The shape—diamond or round—helps with brand recognition and prevents confusion with other meds.
• Some generic manufacturers produce blue pills of varying shades, but effectiveness remains equivalent.

That gives drug companies and reps less incentive to hand out free ED pills.

Why trust our experts?

It’s an oral medication approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The drug works by dilating blood vessels. With increased blood flow to the penis, it’s easier to get and sustain an erection. Viagra targets sexual performance, not sexual arousal. There’s limited evidence that the drug is somewhat beneficial for female sexual dysfunction.

Sildenafil: the science

This article explores whether viagra is safe or effective for female sexual dysfunction, and available alternatives. The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities. Yes, anyone can take sildenafil (Viagra), regardless of gender. Viagra is another brand of sildenafil that doctors primarily prescribe to treat erectile dysfunction. You can get Viagra for a fraction of the price it used to be. And you have plenty of other erectile dysfunction (ED) medication options, too.

• Clinical trials showed approximately 80–85% of men with ED reported improved erections compared to placebo.
• The drug works by inhibiting PDE5 enzyme, allowing cGMP to accumulate and relax blood vessels.
• Newer formulations include fast-dissolving oral films and sublingual tablets for quicker uptake.

Below, we’ll go deeper into the history of Viagra samples, what the difference is between generic Viagra and the brand-name drug, and the basics of ED treatment. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. It’s a common problem that affects many men, especially in older age. One of the most well-known treatments for ED is the active ingredient sildenafil citrate (AKA brand-name Viagra®). It’s part of a group of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medications work by allowing the blood vessels in your penis to relax so you can more easily achieve an erection. Although the FDA has approved many PDE5 inhibitor medications, Viagra is probably the most famous.

What special precautions should I follow?

More research is necessary to see if the same side effects may occur. The product label doesn’t include dosing information for FSAD because it’s not the intended use. In studies, doses for female use may vary significantly. If you do plan on taking Viagra, consider the source. Some online sites that claim to sell Viagra are selling counterfeit drugs. Before the 1970s, most doctors assumed the primary cause of ED was psychological, and treated it by recommending therapy. In 1973, medical experts started using the penile implant to treat men with ED that didn’t seem to resolve with psychological interventions. But while health professionals were starting to look at ED a bit differently, it took years before the first ED medication came onto the market — and it happened entirely by accident.