PDE5 Inhibitor (Erectile Dysfunction Drug)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Sildenafil is a drug that helps relax blood vessels and increase blood flow to certain parts of the body — it is most commonly used to help men who have difficulty getting or keeping an erection.
Inhibits phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) enzyme in the corpus cavernosum and pulmonary vasculature, increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels and promoting smooth muscle relaxation, vasodilation, and increased blood flow. In erectile dysfunction, this enhances penile tumescence in response to sexual stimulation; in pulmonary arterial hypertension, this reduces pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricular workload.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
For erection problems, take one 50 mg tablet about 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity. Your doctor may increase it to 100 mg or reduce it to 25 mg depending on how it works for you. Do not take more than one tablet in 24 hours. It can be taken with or without food, but a heavy or fatty meal may make it work slower.
Sildenafil for erection problems is taken only when needed before sexual activity, so there is no regular dose to miss. If you are using it daily for lung blood pressure, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for the next dose. Never take two doses at once.
Buy only from licensed pharmacies — brands like Afragra, Edefil, Decagra, and Embagra are registered in Nigeria, but many fake versions are sold by roadside vendors and online sellers. Do not take sildenafil with local herbal mixtures or 'power drinks' as the combination can be very dangerous. This is a prescription drug — see a doctor first to make sure your heart is strong enough for sexual activity before using it.
Do NOT combine with nitrate drugs (like isosorbide or glyceryl trinitrate used for chest pain) — this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure that can kill. Avoid drinking too much alcohol as it increases the chance of dizziness and low blood pressure. Be careful if you are taking blood pressure medications, as sildenafil can make your BP drop further.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Sildenafil with your other drugs?
Sildenafil is primarily a drug for men; women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use it unless specifically prescribed and monitored by a doctor for a lung condition.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so do not leave it in your car or near a window. Keep it in its original pack and far from the reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Sildenafil?
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