Overview
Active ingredient: Sildenafil (as sildenafil citrate)
Primary use: Management of erectile dysfunction (ED)
Formulation: Soft gel capsules designed for quicker onset compared with standard tablets
Common strengths: 100 mg, 150 mg
Viagra Super Active is a soft gel version of sildenafil. Many users choose soft gels because they may absorb more rapidly, which can lead to a faster start of action. If you are comparing with other forms of sildenafil, review Alternatives and Similar Medicines and the Prices section.
Before You Take It
Tell your clinician about your full medical history and all products you use. The following conditions are important to mention:
- Allergy or unusual reaction to sildenafil or any medicine, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Liver disease
- History of stroke
- Heart problems such as angina, prior heart attack, heart failure, or blood pressure that is too high or too low
- Pregnant or trying to conceive
- Breast-feeding
- Kidney disease
- Eye disorders or vision changes, including retinitis pigmentosa
Note: Sildenafil is intended for use by adults with ED. If you are unsure whether this product is appropriate for you, see Legal Status in the USA and discuss options under Alternatives.
How To Use
- Swallow with water. Many people take the dose about 15 to 20 minutes prior to sexual activity.
- Do not exceed one dose in a 24-hour period.
- Follow the directions from your healthcare professional exactly.
Overdose: If you or someone else may have taken too much, seek help right away. In the United States, you can contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Do not share your medication with others.
Drug Interactions
Never combine sildenafil with the following due to the risk of severe blood pressure drops and other serious effects:
- Nitrates such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, or isosorbide mononitrate
- Nitroprusside
- Cisapride
- Methscopolamine nitrate
- Other sildenafil products (for example, Revatio, Kamagra, Suhagra)
Other interactions may require dose changes or extra monitoring. Tell your prescriber if you use:
- Medicines for fungal infections such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, or voriconazole
- HIV or AIDS treatments, including protease inhibitors
- Medicines for high blood pressure
- Erythromycin
- Cimetidine
- Rifampin
This is not a complete list. Provide your clinician a full list of all prescription drugs, nonprescription products, supplements, and herbs. Alcohol and nicotine can also alter effects. For related safety guidance, jump to What To Watch For.
What To Watch For
Seek urgent medical advice if you notice sudden vision or hearing changes, chest pain during sexual activity, or an erection lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism). If you experience dizziness, nausea, or arm pain on initiation of sexual activity, stop and contact a clinician at once.
Sexual activity carries its own cardiovascular strain. Your prescriber may assess your heart health before treatment. This medicine does not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
Side Effects
Serious or urgent effects: call a clinician immediately
- Prolonged or painful erection lasting more than 4 hours
- Sudden changes in vision, including trouble distinguishing blue and green, or blurred vision
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, hives, swelling of face, lips, or tongue
- Breathing difficulties
- Seizures
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Changes in hearing
Common, usually mild effects
- Headache
- Flushing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
This is not a complete list. If effects are persistent or bothersome, contact your healthcare provider.
Storage
Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature, ideally 59 to 86 F (15 to 30 C). Discard any unused medication after the expiration date.
Alternatives and Similar Medicines
If Viagra Super Active is not suitable, ask your clinician about other choices. Similar options include other PDE5 inhibitors and different sildenafil formulations:
- Tadalafil (Cialis): longer duration of action, sometimes taken daily at low dose
- Vardenafil (Levitra or Staxyn ODT): comparable onset; Staxyn dissolves on the tongue
- Avanafil (Stendra): tends to have a rapid onset for many users
- Sildenafil tablets (generic Viagra): widely available in the USA as conventional tablets
- Other international sildenafil brands (for example, Kamagra, Suhagra): not FDA approved; availability and quality vary
Non-pill strategies may include vacuum erection devices, penile injections (alprostadil), intraurethral alprostadil, or psychotherapy when psychological factors are present. Consider reviewing Legal Status in the USA for approval and access details.
Typical Prices in the USA
Approximate retail prices per dose in USD vary by pharmacy, insurance, and discount programs. The ranges below are typical cash prices as of recent market checks:
- Generic sildenafil 100 mg tablets: about $1 to $5 per tablet with common discount cards
- Brand Viagra 100 mg: about $60 to $80 per tablet
- Tadalafil generic 10 to 20 mg: roughly $1 to $5 per tablet
- Brand Cialis: often $20 to $60 per tablet
- Vardenafil generic 10 to 20 mg: around $1 to $6 per tablet
- Brand Levitra or Staxyn ODT: about $15 to $40 per dose
- Avanafil (Stendra) 100 to 200 mg: approximately $10 to $30 per tablet
Soft gel sildenafil products marketed as Viagra Super Active are not commonly stocked in U.S. pharmacies. When sourced from international online vendors, quoted prices may be around $1 to $4 per 100 mg soft gel capsule, but quality, legality, and safety can vary substantially. See Legal Status in the USA before purchasing from the internet.
Legal Status in the USA
- Prescription only: Sildenafil for ED is FDA approved but requires a valid prescription from a licensed U.S. clinician.
- Pharmacy sourcing: Use state-licensed pharmacies or accredited online pharmacies. The NABP lists safe sites under its BuySafely resources.
- Importation: Personal importation of prescription drugs from abroad is generally prohibited. The FDA may exercise discretion in limited circumstances, but ordering non-FDA-approved products such as foreign-labeled "soft gel Viagra Super Active" is typically not legal and may be unsafe.
- Age and use: For adult use only. Follow prescriber instructions. Do not share your medicine.
- Advertising and claims: Only FDA-approved products can be marketed for ED in the U.S. with verified labeling.
When in doubt, consult your clinician or pharmacist. You can also review the interaction rules in Drug Interactions before combining with any other medicine.
Quick FAQ
How fast does it work? Many people notice effects within about 15 to 20 minutes with soft gels, though timing varies by individual.
Food and alcohol? A very heavy or high-fat meal can delay effect. Moderate alcohol may reduce performance and increase side effects. For combination guidance, see Drug Interactions.
How long does it last? Effects commonly last 4 to 6 hours, depending on dose and personal response.
What if I miss a dose? This is taken only as needed, not on a fixed schedule, so there is no missed dose routine.