PDE5 inhibitor

Sildenafil: Complete ED Medication Guide

The most studied ED medication in existence — 25+ years of clinical data, >90% efficacy rate, and widely available as an affordable generic.

Onset: 30–60 min oral; faster sublingual Duration: 4–6 hours
Home/Ingredients/Sildenafil

Sildenafil

Generic available

Brand name: Viagra  ·  Class: PDE5 inhibitor

Onset30–60 min oral; faster sublingual
Duration4–6 hours

How Sildenafil Works

Sildenafil inhibits PDE5, the enzyme that breaks down cGMP in penile smooth muscle. By preserving cGMP, it keeps blood vessels relaxed and maintains the physiological conditions for an erection in response to sexual stimulation.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Most extensively researched ED medication
  • Efficacy >90% in clinical trials
  • Available as affordable generic
  • Wide dose range (25–100mg)
  • Rapid onset in sublingual formats
Cons
  • Effectiveness reduced by fatty meals
  • 4–6 hour window requires timing
  • PDE6 inhibition can cause color vision changes in some men

Common Doses

25mg, 50mg, 100mg oral · 30mg, 45mg chewable (varies by provider)

Found In

MEDVi QuadDirectMaxRugiet ReadyHims 3-in-1Ro Sparks
Branded Viagra is chemically identical to generic sildenafil. The only differences are inactive ingredients, appearance, and price. Generic sildenafil is significantly more affordable with no therapeutic difference.
Compare All Formulas →
Medical & Advertising Disclaimer This page is for informational and comparison purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All medications require a prescription from a licensed clinician. ExploreTreatments/BestEdTreatment.com may receive compensation when you click affiliate links. Rankings are editorially independent.