Sildenafil for erection problems

In Aotearoa New Zealand sildenafil is available as tablets (25mg, 50mg and 100mg).

• The dose of sildenafil can be either 25mg, 50mg or 100mg. The dose depends on your response and age.
• Sildenafil is taken as a single dose before sexual activity. Do not take more than 1 dose a day.
• Always take your sildenafil exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much sildenafil to take, how often to take it and any special instructions.

• Timing: Take your dose 30 minutes to 1 hour before you intend to have sex. Sildenafil can keep working for up to 4 hours.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not take with grapefruit or orange juice.
• You can take it with or without food. It may take longer to work if you take it with a heavy meal. Avoid excessive alcohol as it can lessen the sexual response.
• Effectiveness: PDE5 inhibitors do not work for everyone – about 30% of men don't see an improvement. Many men need to try the medication a few (6–8) times before it works. If you don't have any improvement, do not increase your dose. Instead, talk to your doctor as there may be other treatment options.

Sildenafil is available on prescription from your doctor. It is not funded in Aotearoa New Zealand for general erectile dysfunction. None of the PDE5 inhibitor medications are funded in New Zealand for general erectile dysfunction. 

You can buy sildenafil directly from some pharmacies after a consultation with the pharmacist. Only pharmacists who have completed additional training can supply sildenafil. To make sure it is safe for you, they will measure your blood pressure and ask questions (such as what other medicines you are taking). You need to be aged 35–70 years to be eligible for this service. The pharmacy will also need to record your name and address. Here you can find Pharmacies that offer this service.(external link)

• Have you ever had a stroke?
• Do you have any heart or blood pressure problems?
• Do you have an eye problem called optic neuropathy?
• Do you have leukaemia (cancer of the blood cells) or multiple myeloma (a cancer of the bone marrow)?
• Do you have sickle cell disease?
• Do you have any disease or deformity of your penis?
• Do you have any bleeding disorders?
• Do you have a stomach ulcer?
• Do you have kidney or liver problems?
• Are you taking any other medicines including alpha blocker medicine (such as doxazosin, terazosin, prazosin)? 
• Are you taking any over-the-counter and complementary medicines, eg, vitamins, minerals, herbal or naturopathic medicines?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, it’s important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist before you take sildenafil. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.

Sildenafil has several medication interactions so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting sildenafil. 

Like all medicines, sildenafil can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.