Sildenafil Brands & Strengths Compared

What Sildenafil Is and What It Treats

Sildenafil citrate is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor used most often for erectile dysfunction, a condition where it is difficult to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. It works only with sexual stimulation and does not cause an erection on its own.

Some Sildenafil products are also used for pulmonary arterial hypertension, but the brands and strengths on this page are primarily marketed for ED. Use only as prescribed and follow the directions on your prescription label.

How Sildenafil Works

Sildenafil helps relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. By blocking the PDE5 enzyme, it allows a chemical called cGMP to stay active longer, which supports an erection.

The effect usually starts within 30 to 60 minutes, though timing can vary based on the form, dose, food, and your own response. It is not an aphrodisiac and will not increase desire by itself.

How the Brands We Sell Differ

The active ingredient is the same across all of these brands: Sildenafil citrate. Differences are mainly in tablet design, strength, flavor, and how quickly the dose may be taken or dissolve. For example, Sildigra, Fildena, Malegra, Cenforce, Hiforce, Vega, Mahagra, Maxbull, Silditop, Viafil, Bluemen, Filagra, Phallus, Vigora, Vigore, Abhiforce, Begma, Bigfun, Caverta, Erectaforce, Erix, Juan, and Manforce all offer Sildenafil in various tablet and non-tablet formats.

Several brands offer special forms such as oral jelly, chewable tablets, effervescent tablets, soft chewable tablets, mouth-dissolving strips, ODS strips, professional tablets, and super active tablets. Examples include Kamagra Oral Jelly and Effervescent 100 mg, Sildigra Soft Chewable Tablet, Fildena Chewable Tablet, Malegra Effervescent Tablet, Hiforce ODS Strip, Maxbull Oral Disintegrating Strips, Silditop Professional 100 mg, and Manforce Mouth Dissolving Thin Strips.

Brand families can also differ by available strengths. For instance, some brands focus on standard tablets such as 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg, while others also carry higher-strength products like 120 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 210 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg, or specialty versions such as Gold, Green, Cobra, FM, Polo, Power, Double, CT, MD, and RX-labeled forms. These naming differences usually reflect the manufacturer’s product line rather than a different active ingredient.

Choosing a Strength

Common starting doses are 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. A lower dose may suit first-time users, older adults, or people who are more sensitive to side effects. A 50 mg dose is a common starting point for many adults, while 100 mg is often used when a stronger effect is needed and a clinician agrees it is appropriate.

Higher-strength products such as 120 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 210 mg, 225 mg, or 250 mg are available in some brands, but they are not right for everyone and should only be used if prescribed. Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours unless your prescriber specifically instructs otherwise.

If you are unsure which strength fits you, it is usually safer to start with the lowest dose that your clinician recommends and adjust only with medical guidance.

How to Take Sildenafil

Take Sildenafil about 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. Some people find it works sooner, while others may need a little more time. Do not take more than once a day.

A heavy or high-fat meal can delay how quickly Sildenafil works, especially with tablets. Alcohol may also make it harder to get an erection and can increase dizziness or low blood pressure, so moderation is important.

If you use a jelly, chewable, dissolving strip, or effervescent form, follow the package directions carefully because these products may be designed for easier swallowing or faster use, but they still contain Sildenafil and follow the same safety limits.

Side Effects and Who Should Not Take It

Common side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, dizziness, and vision changes such as a blue tint or blurred vision. Most side effects are mild, but get medical help for chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness, or an erection lasting more than 4 hours.

Do not take Sildenafil if you use nitrates for chest pain, such as nitroglycerin or isosorbide, because the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. You should also avoid Sildenafil if you have been told not to have sex for medical reasons, or if your clinician has advised against it because of heart problems or very low blood pressure.

Use caution and speak with a clinician before taking Sildenafil if you have severe liver or kidney disease, a history of stroke or heart attack, certain eye disorders, or if you take alpha-blockers or other blood pressure medicines.

Common questions