Silagra (sildenafil) is a generic version of the widely-popular erectile dysfunction treatment Viagra.

Both Silagra and Viagra have the same active ingredient, produce similar benefits, and share similar side effects. One difference is the dosage strengths available---Viagra has a broader range of strengths. Another difference is cost---Silagra is significantly less costly than brand name Viagra.

While Viagra is manufactured by Pfizer, Silagra is manufactured by Cipla. Though manufactured in India, Cipla has a large presence in many other countries, including the USA, the UK, and Australia. This is a very well established company with a reputation for producing quality products.

Silagra is not intended for young men under age 18. Men who have been told by a doctor to avoid using Viagra should likewise avoid Silagra and other sildenafil-containing products.

An Effective Treatment

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is usually caused by poor blood flow to the penis. There are many reasons blood flow can be impaired; injury, surgery, other medications, age, even prolonged mental stress. Silagra improves blood flow; it may or may not help if blood flow is restricted due to physical damage, but in most other cases the medication works well, allowing an erection to form.

Silagra is not a cure for ED, but it does allow men a reprieve from the condition and allows the intimacy so important to a man's mental and physical well-being. Sexual intimacy is also an important factor in building and maintaining a bond with a partner.

Silagra begins working 30 to 45 minutes after a dose is taken, and effects last about 4 to 6 hours. It is not an aphrodisiac; sexual stimulation is needed to acheive an erection. A dose of Silagra should not be taken more than once every 24 hours.

Taking Silagra

Patients will ideally see a doctor before taking an ED treatment, particular a higher-dose product like Silagra. The medication does lower blood pressure and can interact with other medications, which can put patients at risk of serious side effects. Patients are usually started on lower doses of around 50 mg sildenafil, which is then increased if needed or reduced if side effects develop.

Like Viagra, Silagra comes in tablets. Tablets can be taken with or without food, though taking with a heavy meal may reduce effectiveness to some degree.

To use Silagra:

• Take one tablet 30 to 45 minutes before anticipated intimacy.
• Do not exceed 100 mg in 24 hours.

It should be noted that sometimes sildenafil products don't produce good results the first few times they're used. The reasons why are unclear. Provided no serious side effects develop, men may want to give the medication a few tries before dismissing it as useless.

Potential Complications

Sildenafil products like Silagra will lower blood pressure to some extent. This can be a problem for men who already have low blood pressure, and can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure if used with medications containing nitrates or nitrites. Many treatments for chest pain (angina) and heart disorders contain nitrates; it is also found in some recreational drugs.

Silagra is a PDE5 inhibitor; it should not be taken with other PDE5 inhibitors. In most cases these will be other ED treatments, but PDE5 inhibitors are sometimes used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions.

Men should avoid taking sildenafil products if they have:

• Had a recent heart attack or stroke.
• Coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure.
• Severe liver or kidney disease.
• Been advised to avoid intercourse for health reasons.

Sildenafil should be used with caution in men who have:

• Blood cell or bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, or leukemia.
• Penile implants or penis deformities.

Though rare, sildenafil products are associated with vision impairment, including blurry vision, seeing a blue halo or tint, and light sensitivity. These symptoms typically reverse when the medication wears off. Even more rarely vision loss or hearing loss occurs; this may or may not be reversible. Stop taking Silagra if any vision or hearing symptoms develop.