Eriacta
In brief
- Eriacta is not licensed in the UK; sildenafil medicines are prescription-only medicines (POM) in the UK.
- Eriacta (sildenafil citrate) is used to treat erectile dysfunction; it is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that increases cyclic GMP in penile smooth muscle, causing relaxation and increased blood flow.
- The usual dose for adults under 65 is 50 mg taken as needed (maximum 100 mg once per 24 hours); elderly patients and those with renal or hepatic impairment usually start at 25 mg and may be titrated as tolerated.
- The form of administration is an oral film‑coated tablet (commonly 25, 50 or 100 mg, usually supplied in blister packs).
- The effect typically begins within 30–60 minutes (onset may be delayed by a high‑fat meal).
- The duration of action is typically about 4–5 hours, though individual response varies.
- Avoid excessive alcohol when taking eriacta; alcohol can increase dizziness, low blood pressure and impair the drug’s effectiveness.
- The most common side effect is headache (other frequent effects include flushing, nasal congestion, dyspepsia, dizziness and visual disturbances).
- Would you like to try Eriacta without a prescription?
Basic Eriacta information
- INN (international nonproprietary name): Sildenafil citrate
- Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Eriacta (Ranbaxy Laboratories)
- ATC code: G04BE03
- Forms and dosages: Film‑coated tablets in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg strengths
- Registration status in the United Kingdom: Not licensed in the UK
- OTC / Rx classification: Sildenafil medicines are prescription-only medicines (POM) in the UK
What Eriacta is — active ingredient and classification
INN and ATC classification
Eriacta contains sildenafil citrate, the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for the active substance used to treat erectile dysfunction.
The ATC code is G04BE03, placing sildenafil among drugs for genito‑urinary system and sex hormones, specifically phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for ED.
- INN: Sildenafil citrate — the standard international name for the active ingredient.
- ATC code: G04BE03 — classification for PDE5 inhibitors used in erectile dysfunction.
- PDE5 inhibitor: A class of medicines that increase blood flow in the penis during sexual stimulation.
Manufacturer and typical branding
Eriacta is a sildenafil product made by Ranbaxy Laboratories. It comes as film‑coated tablets in strengths of 50 mg and 100 mg, with 100 mg being the most common.
Dosage strengths, forms and packaging details
Available strengths
Eriacta is supplied as film‑coated tablets in 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg strengths.
| Strength | Form | Typical pack | Common starting dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 mg | Film‑coated tablet | Varies | 25 mg (elderly or impaired) |
| 50 mg | Film‑coated tablet | 4 per blister strip | 50 mg |
| 100 mg | Film‑coated tablet | 4 per blister strip | 50–100 mg (max 100 mg) |
How Eriacta works — mechanism of action in plain terms
PDE5 inhibition and blood flow effects
How does sildenafil produce an erection in simple language?
Sildenafil inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) in penile tissue, which enhances the effect of nitric oxide released during sexual stimulation.
This leads to relaxation of the smooth muscle and increased blood flow into the corpus cavernosum, enabling an erection when sexually aroused.
- Nitric oxide: A natural chemical released during arousal that starts the process of increased blood flow.
- PDE5: The enzyme that sildenafil blocks to sustain the signal for vasodilation.
Timelines and food/alcohol effects
When should a patient expect Eriacta to act, and what affects it?
Onset is typically 30–60 minutes after dosing, but a high‑fat meal can delay absorption and delay onset.
Alcohol may reduce responsiveness and increase the likelihood of common side effects such as dizziness or headache.
Individual response varies, and not every user will achieve an erection with the first dose.
Who should (and shouldn’t) use Eriacta
Indicated population for ED
Who is Eriacta intended for?
Eriacta is indicated for adult men with erectile dysfunction and is not indicated for the treatment of ED in women or children.
Use should follow screening for suitability, particularly cardiovascular assessment where appropriate.
Absolute contraindications and urgent exclusion criteria
Who must never receive sildenafil?
Concurrent use of nitrates or nitric oxide donors is an absolute contraindication due to the risk of severe hypotension.
Known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any excipient is also an absolute contraindication.
Recent stroke, recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina or severe hypotension are urgent exclusion criteria for supply.
- Absolute vs relative contraindication: Absolute means do not supply under any circumstance; relative means supply with caution and specialist input.
Common side effects, warning signs and reporting
Typical adverse events and frequency
What side effects do users commonly report?
Common effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, dyspepsia, dizziness and visual disturbances such as blurred vision or a colour tinge.
Muscle pain, rash and nausea are less commonly reported but can occur.
| Side effect | Frequency | Management advice |
|---|---|---|
| Headache | Common | Use simple analgesia; hydrate; avoid alcohol. |
| Flushing | Common | Usually self‑limiting within hours. |
| Visual disturbance | Common | Stop drug if severe; seek assessment for sudden vision loss. |
| Priapism | Rare | Erection >4 hours — seek emergency care immediately. |
When to seek urgent care (priapism, vision change)
Which symptoms require immediate action?
An erection lasting more than four hours (priapism) is a medical emergency and needs immediate emergency care.
Sudden loss of vision or sudden hearing loss are urgent symptoms that require prompt medical assessment.
Stop the medicine and seek urgent help in case of chest pain, fainting, or severe hypotension.
Suspected adverse reactions can be reported via the Yellow Card scheme.
Drug interactions and key cautions
Nitrates and nitric oxide donors (critical)
Which interaction is absolutely critical to avoid?
Combining sildenafil with nitrates or nitric oxide donors can produce life‑threatening hypotension and is strictly contraindicated.
Patients must tell their prescriber or pharmacist about prescription nitrates and any recreational use of amyl nitrite or similar substances.
CYP3A4 inhibitors, alpha‑blockers, antihypertensives
Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ritonavir or ketoconazole increase sildenafil exposure and may require dose adjustment or avoidance.
Concomitant use of alpha‑blockers or multiple antihypertensives increases the risk of symptomatic hypotension and needs careful review and counselling.
- Medicines to check: nitrates, protease inhibitors, ketoconazole, alpha‑blockers, antihypertensives and recreational nitrates.
Practical dosing guidance and special populations
Starting doses, titration and max dose
What are the usual dose rules for Eriacta?
For most adults under 65, start at 50 mg taken 30–60 minutes before sexual activity, with a maximum of 100 mg once per 24 hours.
Elderly patients and those with renal or hepatic impairment commonly start at 25 mg and titrate up as tolerated.
On‑demand dosing is standard for ED; daily dosing is not routine unless recommended by a specialist.
Elderly, renal and hepatic impairment adjustments
How should dosing change for vulnerable patients?
Start lower in patients aged 65 and above and in those with significant renal or hepatic impairment, with careful monitoring for adverse effects.
Children and adolescents are not indicated for ED treatment and sildenafil use in paediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension falls under different brands and specialist care.
Legal status and availability in the UK
Eriacta is not licensed in the UK. Sildenafil medicines are prescription-only medicines (POM) in the UK.
In our online pharmacy, Eriacta is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.
Storage and handling
Recommended storage conditions and expiry handling
Store Eriacta at 15–30°C, protected from moisture and kept in the original packaging to prevent degradation.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Storage tip: store in a cool dry place, avoid bathroom storage, do not freeze and check expiry before use.
How Eriacta compares with other PDE5 inhibitors
Key differences: onset, duration and tolerability
Sildenafil (Eriacta) typically has an onset of 30–60 minutes and effects lasting several hours for on‑demand use.
Tadalafil provides a longer duration and a daily dosing option, while vardenafil may have a faster onset for some users.
| Medicine | Active | Onset | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eriacta | Sildenafil | 30–60 mins | Several hours |
| Tadalafil products | Tadalafil | 30 mins–2 hrs | Up to 36 hrs |
When to consider alternatives (tadalafil, vardenafil)
Consider tadalafil if a longer window of activity or a daily regime is preferred by the patient.
Vardenafil may be an option when faster onset is required or if sildenafil causes intolerable side effects.
Refer to urology if multiple PDE5 inhibitors fail or if there are complex vascular or endocrine issues contributing to erectile dysfunction.
Delivery across the United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| London | England | 9–21 days |
| Birmingham | England | 9–21 days |
| Manchester | England | 9–21 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Leeds | England | 9–21 days |
| Sheffield | England | 9–21 days |
| Liverpool | England | 9–21 days |
| Bristol | England | 9–21 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 9–21 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 9–21 days |
| Newcastle | England | 9–21 days |
| Nottingham | England | 9–21 days |
| Southampton | England | 9–21 days |
| Brighton | England | 9–21 days |
Counselling points
“This medicine contains sildenafil citrate; take one tablet 30–60 minutes before sexual activity and do not take more than one dose in 24 hours.”
“Do not take this medicine if you are using nitrates or have had a recent heart attack or stroke.”
“If you have an erection lasting longer than four hours, seek emergency care immediately.”
“Store the tablets in their original packaging at 15–30°C and check the expiry date before use.”
Suspected adverse reactions can be reported via the Yellow Card scheme; a pharmacist can answer any concerns.
