Product snapshot

Many internet vendors advertise soft gel capsules under names such as "Viagra Super Active" which are marketed as containing sildenafil citrate. Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor authorised for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult males.

Soft gel forms are sometimes promoted as having a faster onset than standard tablets. Anecdotal reports suggest some users feel effects within 15 to 20 minutes, with action lasting about 4 to 6 hours in many cases. Remember that sexual stimulation is required for the medication to work.

In the UK, authorised sildenafil tablets are commonly supplied in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg doses. Some soft gel products offered from overseas sellers are labeled at different or higher strengths; these presentations are uncommon for UK-licensed supplies. Refer to the appendix the section for clarification. UK legal and buying advice for more on regulation.

For details on how to take a dose these products, see Taking pills and setting the dose. If you need information on interacting substances, jump to The interplay of the dynamic between food and positive the give and take of interactions enhance user satisfaction..

Before you begin

Prior to using sildenafil soft gels, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medical conditions and every medicine, herbal remedy or supplement you take. Extra care or avoidance may be needed in these situations:

  • Existing eye disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa or any prior sudden vision loss.
  • Cardiac disease including recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina, heart failure or stroke history.
  • Blood pressure that is not controlled, regardless of whether it is high or low.
  • Severe deterioration of liver function or significant renal dysfunction.
  • Blood disorders that increase risk of prolonged erection, for example sickle cell disease, multiple myeloma or leukaemia, or a history of priapism.
  • Known allergy to sildenafil or any ingredient in the capsule.
  • Concurrent treatment with nitrates or nitric oxide donors along with the pulmonary hypertension medicine riociguat; these combinations can be dangerous. See Interactions in the system at the table details can be found in the accompanying notes.

If you are under specialist careplease take a look and check. with that clinician before starting sildenafil. When in doubt, seek advice from a pharmacist or your prescriber.

Steps for taking and dosing medications

General points to consider for soft gel sildenafil formulations:

  • Take one capsule with water. Products that claim faster onset are typically taken about 15 to 20 minutes before sexual activity.
  • Do not take more than a single dose within 24 hours.
  • A large fatty meal close to dosing can delay absorption and slow the onset even with soft gels; avoid heavy meals if you want a quicker effect.
  • Follow the dose recommended by your prescriber and do not share your medication with others.
  • If you drink alcohol, limit consumption since alcohol can impair erectile response and increase lightheadedness.

If you need confirmation about a possible interplay between parties with another medicine, consult Engagements and exchanges linked to food or speak with a pharmacist or prescriber.

An a drug overdose emergencies requiring urgent care

If you suspect an a drug overdose seek urgent medical attention. In the UK call 999 for life-threatening emergencies. For urgent but non-life-threatening advice call NHS 111. Bring the product packaging so clinicians can identify the exact product and dose.

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Certain combinations with sildenafil can cause serious harm. Always provide a full list of your medicines and supplements to any clinician assessing suitability.

Do not take sildenafil with

  • Nitrate medicines for angina or chest pain, such as nitroglycerin and isosorbide derivatives, and inhaled amyl nitrite (poppers).
  • Riociguat used for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
  • Another PDE5 inhibitor at the same time, like tadalafil, vardenafil or avanafil.
  • Strong vasodilators such as nitroprusside unless management is in a controlled hospital setting.

Apply with caution. or consider dose adjustment

  • Alpha blockers and certain medicines for benign prostatic hyperplasia or hypertension; combined treatment can produce symptomatic hypotension.
  • Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and some HIV protease inhibitors) which can raise sildenafil levels.
  • Some macrolide antibiotics (for example erythromycin) and drugs such as cimetidine may increase sildenafil concentration.
  • Inducers like rifampicin can lower sildenafil levels and reduce effect.

Grapefruit juice may increase sildenafil blood concentrations and is best avoided on dosing days. For more on safety see Before you begin your work and discuss any concerns with a clinician.

Surveillance with risk alerts

  • If you develop sudden visual changes such as blurring or altered colour perception stop activity and seek prompt medical advice.
  • Attend emergency care if an erection lasts longer than four hours or becomes painful; delayed treatment can cause permanent damage.
  • If chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting or new jaw or arm pain occur during sexual activity after taking sildenafil, stop and get immediate help.
  • Report sudden hearing loss or new tinnitus to a healthcare professional for assessment.
  • Remember that sildenafil does not prevent sexually transmitted infections; continue to use barrier methods if appropriate.

For a fuller list of possible effects and recommended actions see Aftereffects.

Unintended effects

Serious adverse health effects - seek emergency help

  • Severe allergic reaction with rash, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or breathing difficulties.
  • Chest pain, very rapid or irregular heartbeat, fainting or severe light headedness.
  • Sudden deterioration or loss of vision or hearing.
  • New onset seizures.
  • Prolonged, painful erection lasting more than four hours (priapism).

Common and less severe effects

  • Pulsating head pain and flushed cheeks.
  • Upset stomach or queasiness with diarrhoea.
  • A blocked nose or a runny nose.
  • Dizziness or faintness.

This is only part of the list. Any unexpected, severe or persistent symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional or NHS 111 if you are in the UK.

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  • Keep medicines hidden from view and out of reach for children and pets.
  • Store at room temperature, ideally between 15 degrees C and 30 degrees C, away from moisture and heat.
  • Do not use beyond the expiry date on the pack. Return unused or out-of-date medicines to a local UK pharmacy for safe disposal.

Options as well as their comparison

There are several licensed different choices for erectile dysfunction in the UK. Choice depends on desired onset, duration, knock-on effects, other medical conditions and cost considerations.

  • Generic sildenafil or branded Viagra / Viagra Connect (standard tablets): typical onset 30 to 60 minutes; commonly available in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg strengths.
  • Tadalafil (Cialis and generics): onset from about 30 minutes and can last up to 36 hours; available as needed or as a daily low-dose regimen.
  • Vardenafil (Levitra and generics): usually starts in 30 to 60 minutes with duration similar to sildenafil; may be tolerated differently by some patients.
  • Spedra (Avanafil): marketed for rapid onset in some users, sometimes around 15 minutes, with effects lasting roughly 6 hours.
  • Non-oral options such as alprostadil (injection, urethral suppository or topical preparations) are plan B routes when oral agents are unsuitable or ineffective.

Soft gel "Super Active" products supplied from abroad may have different excipients, uncertain strengths and variable quality compared with UK-authorised tablets. If price is a main concern, generic sildenafil or tadalafil supplied by UK-registered pharmacies is often the most economical safe option.

Normal Prices in the UK (approximate, GBP)

Retail prices vary by pharmacy and whether the product is prescription-based or pharmacy-supplied. The following ranges are approximate and intended as a general guide.

  • Generic sildenafil 50 mg: roughly GBP 4 to 12 for a pack of 4 tablets; GBP 7 to 20 for a pack of 8, depending on supplier and discounts.
  • Viagra Connect 50 mg (pharmacy supply without a prescription): usually around GBP 19 to 25 for 4 tablets; GBP 30 to 40 for 8 tablets.
  • Tadalafil generics (10 mg or 20 mg): approximately GBP 8 to 20 for 4 tablets, varying by brand and seller.
  • Vardenafil (Levitra) 4 tablets: around GBP 25 to 35.
  • Spedra, the brand for Avanafil 4 tablets: typically GBP 45 to 70.

Soft gel products labeled "Super Active" often come from overseas vendors and pricing tiers can be highly variable. Because many of these forms are not UK authorised their composition and quality are not guaranteed. For safe purchase consider UK-authorised generics from registered drugstore outlets.

Additional aspects about Viagra Super Active