Silvitra (Sildenafil Citrate 100 mg + Vardenafil 20 mg) – Patient Information (UK)
Silvitra is a combination medicine containing two medicines from the same drug family used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED): sildenafil citrate 100 mg and vardenafil 20 mg. It works by improving blood flow to the penis to help you get and maintain an erection when you are sexually aroused.
This page explains how Silvitra works, when it may be taken, common interactions and safety points, and what to expect in practical use. It is written for people in the United Kingdom.
Basic product information
| Medicine name | Active ingredients | Strength (per tablet) | What it is used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silvitra | Sildenafil (as citrate) + Vardenafil | Sildenafil 100 mg + Vardenafil 20 mg | Erectile dysfunction (ED) |
How Silvitra works (mechanism of action)
Silvitra helps treat ED using two closely related medicines: both sildenafil and vardenafil are PDE5 inhibitors. PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) is an enzyme that regulates levels of a natural chemical called cGMP.
During sexual stimulation, the body increases nitric oxide signals in penile tissue. This triggers the production of cGMP, which relaxes smooth muscle and increases blood flow into the penis. Higher blood flow helps produce an erection.
- PDE5 inhibitors block PDE5, helping maintain higher cGMP levels for longer.
- This leads to better blood flow and improved ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
- Silvitra does not automatically cause an erection. Sexual arousal is still required.
Pharmacokinetics (how the body handles it)
“Pharmacokinetics” describes absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. Silvitra contains two PDE5 inhibitors, each with its own time profile. Although individuals vary, the general pattern is:
- Absorption: Both sildenafil and vardenafil are absorbed after oral dosing. Peak effects occur after the medicine is absorbed.
- Onset and duration: Many people notice effects within about 30–60 minutes, with variability depending on food intake and individual response.
- Metabolism: Mainly processed by the liver (predominantly via CYP450 enzymes).
- Excretion: Breakdown products are eliminated mainly via urine and the faeces.
Because this product combines two PDE5 inhibitors, the onset and intensity may differ from taking a single PDE5 inhibitor. It is especially important to follow the advised timing and dosing instructions carefully and avoid interacting medicines.
Typical use and indications
Silvitra is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. ED is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for satisfactory sexual activity.
The medicine is designed for use when an erection is needed during sexual activity, but it is not intended as a general “sexual stimulant” without arousal.
Who should be cautious?
You should seek medical advice before using Silvitra if you have any of the following (not an exhaustive list):
- Heart conditions or unstable angina
- Low blood pressure or a history of fainting
- Severe liver impairment
- Severe kidney impairment (or if you are on dialysis)
- Recent stroke or significant cardiovascular event
- Eye conditions such as non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
- Blood disorders that affect erections (e.g., sickle cell anaemia, leukaemia, multiple myeloma)
- Penile anatomical problems (e.g., Peyronie’s disease)
How to take Silvitra (dosing and timing)
Follow the instructions provided with your product and the guidance from your healthcare professional. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Typical dosing approach
- Adults: The usual starting point is one tablet of Silvitra taken before sexual activity.
- Maximum frequency: Use only as directed on the product instructions (PDE5 inhibitors are typically limited to a low frequency to reduce risk of side effects).
When to take it
Timing can affect how well it works. Many people take PDE5 inhibitors:
- About 30–60 minutes before sex (some need longer; some respond sooner).
- If you are particularly sensitive to food effects, you may benefit from taking it a bit earlier or choosing lighter meals.
If you have not noticed any effect after multiple attempts, consider speaking to a clinician rather than increasing the dose.
Food interactions (what you should know)
Food—especially high-fat meals—can reduce the speed and sometimes the extent of absorption for PDE5 inhibitors. This can delay the onset of action.
- Heavy or fatty meals: may make the tablet work later and less predictably.
- Alcohol with meals: can compound blood pressure effects.
- Light meals: often cause fewer delays.
Practical tip: If you plan to use Silvitra, try to take it on a relatively lighter stomach or avoid very fatty meals close to dosing.
Alcohol interactions
Alcohol can affect sexual performance and also influence blood pressure. PDE5 inhibitors can lower blood pressure slightly, and alcohol may add to dizziness or light-headedness in some men.
- Moderation is advised.
- Avoid excessive drinking, especially if you feel dizzy when you stand up.
- If you have previously experienced fainting or severe drops in blood pressure with ED medicines, you should be extra cautious.
If you feel unwell, dizzy, or experience chest pain after taking Silvitra, seek medical help urgently.
Medicine interactions (important safety information)
Silvitra can interact with other medicines, particularly drugs that affect nitric oxide pathways, blood pressure, or liver enzymes. Always check ingredient lists and seek advice if you are unsure.
Absolute or high-risk interactions
Do not combine PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil or vardenafil with the following unless a healthcare professional specifically advises it, because it may cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure:
- Nitrates for chest pain (angina), including glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) and isosorbide preparations
- “Poppers” (amyl nitrite/other nitrite inhalants)
Other common interaction areas
- Alpha-blockers (used for prostate symptoms or blood pressure): can increase risk of low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting. Spacing doses and careful selection may be required.
- Antifungals and antibiotics that affect liver enzymes (CYP3A4 inhibitors): may increase blood levels of sildenafil/vardenafil, raising side-effect risk (e.g., fluconazole, ketoconazole, clarithromycin, erythromycin).
- Rifampicin and other enzyme inducers: may reduce effectiveness.
- Other PDE5 inhibitors: using additional ED medicines at the same time can increase adverse effects and is not recommended.
- Riociguat (for pulmonary arterial hypertension): can cause a dangerous blood pressure drop with PDE5 inhibitors.
- Blood pressure medications: may intensify dizziness or low blood pressure.
Grapefruit and herbal supplements
- Grapefruit/grapefruit juice may affect drug metabolism and increase levels.
- Herbal supplements marketed for sexual performance can be unpredictable and may interact with medicines.
If you are taking any regular medicines (including for heart rhythm, blood pressure, depression, anxiety, or prostate symptoms), double-check interactions with a pharmacist or healthcare professional.
Safety profile and side effects
Like all medicines, Silvitra can cause side effects. Many are mild and transient, but some require prompt medical attention.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Flushing (warmth/redness)
- Indigestion or stomach discomfort
- Blocked or runny nose
- Dizziness
- Visual disturbances (e.g., blurred vision or changes in colour perception)
Less common but important effects
- Palpitations or a fast heartbeat
- Low blood pressure symptoms such as light-headedness
- Back pain or muscle aches (can occur with PDE5 inhibitors)
Seek urgent medical help if
- You have chest pain or symptoms of a heart problem
- You feel faint, collapse, or have severe dizziness
- You experience prolonged erection (priapism) lasting longer than recommended (e.g., 4 hours): emergency treatment is needed.
- You have sudden vision loss or sudden severe eye pain
- You develop signs of severe allergic reaction (swelling of face/lips, difficulty breathing, rash with severe symptoms)
When not to use
Avoid using Silvitra and seek advice if you:
- Have been told you should not have sex due to heart or circulation risks
- Use nitrates or poppers
- Have had serious adverse reactions to PDE5 inhibitors
- Have certain eye conditions or have previously experienced NAION
Practical use tips for better results
- Allow the right time window: take it around 30–60 minutes before sex (adjust based on your experience).
- Limit heavy/fatty meals: they may delay or reduce effects.
- Manage alcohol: drink moderately to reduce dizziness and reduced performance.
- Use sexual stimulation: PDE5 inhibitors support erections, but arousal is still necessary.
- Be consistent: if ED is chronic, plan dosing attempts and lifestyle steps rather than taking spontaneously without food consideration.
- Do not “stack doses”: taking extra tablets to boost effect increases the chance of side effects.
- Consider lifestyle factors: smoking, high alcohol intake, lack of exercise, and poor sleep can worsen ED.
Alternative options
ED is common and treatable. Depending on your health and preferences, alternative approaches may include:
- Single-ingredient PDE5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil): often chosen based on duration of action, onset, and individual tolerance.
- Tadalafil (longer duration for some people): may suit those who prefer more flexibility across the day.
- Non-medicine options: counselling/sex therapy, addressing relationship stress, pelvic floor exercises, and managing diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
- Other medical therapies (clinician-led): vacuum erection devices, intra-cavernosal injections, or hormone evaluation if testosterone is low.
If Silvitra does not suit you due to side effects or interactions, a pharmacist or clinician can discuss which alternative is safest.
Market and legal context in the United Kingdom
In the UK, medicines for ED are regulated under national medicines and consumer protection frameworks. Quality, authenticity, and correct supply are important for safety—especially for medicines with complex interaction profiles.
When buying erectile dysfunction medicines online, it is important to choose a reputable UK-compliant supplier and ensure:
- the product is legitimate and supplied with appropriate information
- you can access clear directions, warnings, and contact details
- you receive genuine packaging and correct labelling
- customer service is available if you have concerns about delivery or product use
Recent guidance and health considerations
UK clinical practice generally emphasises careful screening for cardiovascular risk and checking interactions (especially nitrates). Healthcare professionals also stress that ED can be an early sign of cardiovascular disease, so persistent ED may warrant assessment of overall health.
If you have risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, discussing ED with a clinician may help identify underlying causes.
Delivery and availability
Availability varies by supplier and stock levels. For online pharmacy orders in the UK, delivery options commonly include tracked delivery. Processing times can vary depending on confirmation steps and warehouse location.
- Dispatch: typically after order verification and payment confirmation.
- Delivery: many UK online pharmacies offer tracked delivery to reduce the risk of lost parcels.
- Packaging: discreet packaging is commonly used for privacy.
If delivery times are critical, check the estimated dispatch and delivery windows shown at checkout. Keep an eye on tracking updates when provided.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) How quickly will Silvitra work?
Many people notice effects within 30–60 minutes. Timing can be influenced by food (especially heavy/fatty meals) and alcohol. If you don’t feel effects, avoid taking multiple tablets—consider discussing options if it repeatedly fails.
2) Can I take Silvitra with food?
Yes, but heavy or fatty meals may delay or reduce the effect. For best predictability, take it with a lighter meal or on a less full stomach.
3) Is it safe to drink alcohol while using Silvitra?
Moderate alcohol may be tolerated for some people, but alcohol can increase dizziness and reduce sexual performance. Avoid heavy drinking and seek help urgently if you feel unwell.
4) Can Silvitra be combined with nitrate medication for angina?
No. PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil and vardenafil must not be taken with nitrates or “poppers” due to the risk of a dangerous blood pressure drop.
5) What if I get a headache or flushing?
These are common side effects. They usually improve as the medicine wears off. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and don’t exceed the recommended dose. If symptoms are severe or persistent, seek medical advice.
6) What should I do if the erection lasts too long?
If you have an erection lasting longer than recommended (for example, around 4 hours), seek urgent medical care. This is a medical emergency to prevent tissue damage.
7) Can I use Silvitra more than once a day?
Do not exceed the dosing frequency stated in the product instructions. PDE5 inhibitors are generally used infrequently to reduce side-effect risk. If you need more frequent help, discuss alternatives with a pharmacist or clinician.
8) Will Silvitra treat the cause of ED?
Silvitra helps with the symptom of ED by improving erection quality. However, ED can have underlying causes (cardiovascular health, diabetes, hormonal changes, stress, medications). Long-term management may require addressing those factors.
9) Are there any vision-related warnings?
Some men experience visual disturbances. If you have sudden vision loss or severe eye pain, seek urgent medical assistance. If you’ve previously had NAION, discuss risk before using PDE5 inhibitors.
10) What if I take other medicines (for example, antibiotics or antifungals)?
Some antibiotics/antifungals and other drugs affect how PDE5 inhibitors are broken down by the liver. This can raise side effects or reduce effect. Check interactions with a pharmacist—especially with medicines known to influence CYP450 enzymes.
Disclaimer
This information is provided to help you understand Silvitra and use it more safely. It does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you have any doubts about suitability—particularly involving heart disease, blood pressure, nitrate medicines, or other prescription medicines—consult a healthcare professional for tailored guidance.

