Description
Cenforce (Sildenafil) 200 mg
Cenforce 200 mg is a product name that indicates sildenafil, a prescription phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. Sildenafil is an established medicine for erectile dysfunction in adult men. The product name itself is not an official regulatory trade name in the sources reviewed, so the description below is based on the verified active ingredient, sildenafil.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
The active ingredient is sildenafil. It belongs to the PDE5 inhibitor class. This group of medicines enhances the natural nitric oxide–cGMP pathway involved in penile smooth-muscle relaxation.
Established Medical Uses
Sildenafil is established for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Regulatory sources also identify sildenafil products for pulmonary arterial hypertension under different brands and formulations, but that is a separate indication and should not be assumed for this product unless specifically authorised.
How It Works
Sildenafil inhibits PDE5, the enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide increases cGMP in penile tissue, leading to smooth-muscle relaxation and increased blood flow. By slowing cGMP breakdown, sildenafil supports the erection response to sexual stimulation.
Important Safety Information
Sildenafil is contraindicated with organic nitrates and with riociguat because of the risk of marked blood-pressure lowering. Caution is also needed with alpha-blockers and other medicines that may lower blood pressure. Regulators also warn against use in people with known hypersensitivity to sildenafil.
Official prescribing information also highlights cardiovascular precautions, as sexual activity itself may not be suitable for some patients with heart disease. In addition, rare but important eye, hearing, and prolonged-erection adverse reactions have been reported.
Possible Side Effects
Common side effects include headache, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, dizziness, and visual disturbance. Less common but serious reactions can include severe hypotension, allergic reactions, sudden vision loss, sudden hearing loss, and priapism.
Scientific Evidence
Clinical reviews and systematic reviews show that sildenafil improves erectile function compared with placebo in men with erectile dysfunction, across a broad range of causes. The evidence base also describes a generally predictable safety profile, with adverse effects mainly related to vasodilation and PDE6-related visual effects at higher exposures.
Medical Information Notice
This educational summary is based on sources available at the time of review and does not replace the official patient leaflet, prescribing information, or assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Sources
- DailyMed — VIAGRA (sildenafil citrate) tablet, film coated
- Tsertsvadze A, et al. — Oral sildenafil citrate (viagra) for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of harms — Urology, 2009
