Abhigra
In brief
- Abhigra (sildenafil citrate) is not licensed in the UK; licensed sildenafil medicines are prescription-only medicines (POM).
- Abhigra is used to treat erectile dysfunction; it is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that enhances the effect of nitric oxide by preventing breakdown of cGMP, leading to smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow to the penis.
- The usual dose is 50–100 mg taken as needed before sexual activity (Abhigra is commonly supplied as 100 mg tablets); do not exceed one dose in 24 hours and consider lower doses for certain patients.
- The form of administration is oral tablets.
- Abhigra typically begins to work within about 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking the tablet.
- The duration of action is generally up to 4–6 hours.
- Avoid excessive alcohol when using Abhigra, as alcohol can increase side effects such as dizziness and reduce the drug’s effectiveness.
- The most common side effects are headache, flushing, indigestion and nasal congestion.
- Would you like to try Abhigra without a prescription?
Basic Abhigra information
- INN (international nonproprietary name): Sildenafil (as sildenafil citrate)
- Brand names available in the United Kingdom: Abhigra (not licensed in the UK)
- ATC code: G04BE03
- Forms and dosages: tablets (100 mg)
- Manufacturers in the United Kingdom: Abhiflax Pharma Chem Private Limited
- Registration status in the United Kingdom: Not licensed in the UK; not approved by the MHRA
- OTC / Rx classification: Not licensed in the UK; licensed sildenafil medicines are prescription-only medicines (POM)
Product overview: Abhigra at a glance
Core product facts
- INN: Sildenafil Citrate.
- ATC code: G04BE03.
- Manufacturer: Abhiflax Pharma Chem Private Limited.
- Form: Tablets, 100 mg.
- Legal status: Not licensed in the UK; licensed sildenafil medicines are prescription-only.
Patient‑focused indications and real‑world uses
Indications in practice
- On‑label use: Treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men.
- Typical use pattern: Taken as needed about 30–60 minutes before sexual activity.
- Off‑label enquiries: Some patients ask about pulmonary arterial hypertension, but sildenafil for PAH is supplied under different brands and formulations.
Practical effectiveness and expectations
Onset is typically around 30–60 minutes and effects generally last about 4–6 hours.
High‑fat meals can delay the onset, so advise patients to avoid heavy meals before dosing if rapid onset is needed.
Sexual stimulation is required for sildenafil to work; it does not increase sexual desire.
Counselling should cover lifestyle factors such as alcohol intake, smoking and cardiovascular fitness that affect outcomes.
Quick facts: onset ~30–60 minutes; duration ~4–6 hours; food may delay onset.
Mechanism of action
How sildenafil works (patient‑friendly)
Sildenafil enhances the nitric oxide–cGMP pathway in penile tissue by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5).
This action preserves cGMP levels, which helps smooth muscle relax and increases penile blood flow during sexual stimulation.
Explain to patients that the tablet supports the body’s natural response and does not create sexual desire by itself.
Simple pathway: nitric oxide → increased cGMP → smooth muscle relaxation → improved blood flow → erection (with stimulation).
Clinical pharmacology snapshot
Peak plasma concentrations occur within about 30–120 minutes after oral dosing.
The elimination half‑life is roughly 3–5 hours, so duration of effect commonly covers several hours.
Clinical response varies with age, co‑morbidities and interacting medicines; refer prescribers to the full SmPC or MHRA guidance for details.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Peak plasma time | ~30–120 minutes |
| Half‑life | ~3–5 hours |
| Drug class | PDE5 inhibitor |
Dosage, administration and tailoring
Standard dosing approach
- Typical dosing range used in practice is 50 mg to 100 mg taken about 30–60 minutes before activity.
- Market tablets for Abhigra are listed as 100 mg; many prescribers start patients at 50 mg and then adjust.
- Dose adjustment is guided by efficacy and tolerability with a maximum of one dose in 24 hours.
Adjustments and special considerations
Elderly patients may need lower starting doses because of increased sensitivity to adverse effects.
Consider dose reduction in significant hepatic or renal impairment after clinical assessment.
Sildenafil is not recommended for children for erectile dysfunction.
If a dose is missed, instruct the patient to take the tablet only when needed and not to exceed one dose per 24 hours.
Avoid heavy meals before dosing and warn that concurrent alcohol may raise the likelihood of side effects.
Contraindications and precautions
Absolute contraindications
Absolute contraindications: concurrent use of nitrates (such as glyceryl trinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate), riociguat (Adempas) and known hypersensitivity to sildenafil.
These combinations can cause profound hypotension and are an urgent safety concern for community pharmacy supply.
Relative contraindications and monitoring
Exercise caution and monitor patients with severe cardiovascular disease, recent myocardial infarction or stroke, and uncontrolled hypertension.
Significant hepatic or renal impairment requires careful assessment and possible dose adjustment.
When patients take alpha‑blockers, antiarrhythmics or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors consider lower dosing and closer monitoring.
Refer to cardiology for ECG or specialist clearance where cardiac risk factors are present before ongoing supply.
Side effects, incidence and management
Common and expected adverse effects
- Common effects: headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion and transient visual disturbance.
- These effects are usually mild to moderate and are dose‑related in frequency.
- Advise patients to report persistent or severe symptoms for clinical review.
Serious adverse events and management
Serious but rare events include priapism (erection lasting more than four hours), non‑arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (sudden vision loss) and severe hypotension.
Direct patients to seek immediate emergency care for priapism or chest pain during use.
Advise stopping the tablet and seeking urgent assessment for sudden vision or hearing changes.
Emphasise that combining sildenafil with contraindicated medicines greatly increases the risk of severe adverse events.
Drug interactions
Key interacting medicines
| Drug/class | Interaction | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrates | Severe hypotension (contraindicated) | Do not use; seek urgent prescriber review. |
| Riociguat (Adempas) | Severe hypotension (contraindicated) | Do not use; refer to prescriber. |
| Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir) | Increased sildenafil plasma levels | Consider dose reduction and safety monitoring. |
| Alpha‑blockers | Risk of symptomatic hypotension | Start low and monitor blood pressure; liaise with prescriber. |
Practical counselling points
Ask patients specifically about prescription, over‑the‑counter and herbal products to identify interactions.
Advise disclosure of any cardiac medications and recent hospital cardiology reviews.
Where interactions exist, recommend prescriber consultation or consideration of alternative ED therapies.
Clarify that PDE5 inhibitors used for PAH are separate products so patients must not confuse dosing or indication.
Storage
Storage and stability
- Store tablets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children.
- Check batch expiry dates and ensure packaging integrity on receipt.
- Advise patients to keep tablets in original blister packs to preserve stability.
Legal status and availability in the UK
Abhigra is not licensed in the UK; licensed sildenafil medicines are prescription-only medicines (POM) regulated by the MHRA.
In our online pharmacy, Abhigra is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to the United Kingdom in 9–21 days.
Use in special populations and contraindications
Elderly, liver and renal impairment
Elderly patients may be more prone to adverse effects and should generally start at lower doses with careful titration.
Moderate to severe hepatic or renal impairment requires dose consideration on a case‑by‑case basis in liaison with the prescriber.
Sildenafil is not recommended in children for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Cardiovascular disease and comorbidities
Patients with significant cardiac disease should have cardiology clearance before being supplied sildenafil.
Exertional chest pain during intercourse is a red flag and requires immediate medical assessment prior to ED therapy.
Where recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina or stroke are present, consider alternative therapies and document referrals.
Missed dose, overdose, emergency actions and FAQs
Practical instructions for patients
Missed dose: sildenafil is used as needed, so take only when required and do not exceed one dose per 24 hours.
Overdose: seek immediate medical attention; possible symptoms include severe hypotension, visual disturbances and prolonged priapism.
For priapism lasting more than four hours advise immediate attendance at the nearest emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Abhigra the same as Viagra? They share the same active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, but are different brands and manufacturers.
- Is Abhigra a prescription-only medicine? Licensed sildenafil medicines are prescription-only in the UK; Abhigra itself is not licensed in the UK.
- How long until it works? Usually about 30–60 minutes depending on food and individual response.
- What should I do in an emergency? For chest pain or signs of stroke or vision loss seek emergency medical help immediately.
Delivery across the United Kingdom
| City | Region | Delivery time |
|---|---|---|
| London | Greater London | 9–21 days |
| Birmingham | West Midlands | 9–21 days |
| Manchester | Greater Manchester | 9–21 days |
| Glasgow | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Leeds | West Yorkshire | 9–21 days |
| Edinburgh | Scotland | 9–21 days |
| Cardiff | Wales | 9–21 days |
| Belfast | Northern Ireland | 9–21 days |
| Bristol | South West England | 9–21 days |
| Newcastle | North East England | 9–21 days |
| Sheffield | South Yorkshire | 9–21 days |
| Liverpool | Merseyside | 9–21 days |
| Nottingham | Nottinghamshire | 9–21 days |
