Adegra

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Adegra

Quick Facts: Adegra

Property Description
Active ingredient Sildenafil citrate
Form Film-coated tablet
Pharmacological class Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor
Origin Synthetic compound
Route Oral administration

What Type of Medicine is Adegra?

Adegra is a synthetic, prescription-only medicine whose active ingredient is Sildenafil citrate, and it is classified pharmacologically as a highly specific Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. This classification is clinically recognized and consistently applied across regulatory bodies, indicating its precise mechanism in modulating a specific enzyme in the body. Sildenafil itself is a synthetic derivative, ensuring a highly consistent chemical structure for therapeutic purposes. Adegra is prepared as a monotherapy, containing only this single active substance.

Composition and General Purpose

Adegra is provided in the oral form of a film-coated tablet, which is composed of the active Sildenafil citrate alongside necessary inactive excipients that aid in product stability and systemic delivery. The general purpose of this medicine is fundamentally linked to its enzyme-inhibiting action, which is strongly supported by pharmacological studies. By selectively blocking the PDE5 enzyme, Adegra allows the signaling molecule cGMP to accumulate, promoting the relaxation of smooth muscle in the walls of blood vessels. This process, known as vasodilation, facilitates enhanced blood flow to targeted tissues.

Regulatory References

  1. Sildenafil Drug Summary (NIH MedlinePlus)

What side effects are possible with Adegra?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for Adegra, which contains Sildenafil citrate, is extensively documented by regulatory authorities. Adverse reactions are classified by frequency and grouped according to the specific physiological system affected (System-Organ-Class).


Frequency-Classified Effects

The most frequently reported effects, classified as Very Common in regulatory documents, include headache and flushing (reddening of the skin). Effects classified as Common include dizziness, nasal congestion, dyspepsia (indigestion), and certain visual disturbances such as blurred vision and changes in color perception (chromatopsia).


Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The official label mandates specific warnings for rare but serious adverse reactions. These include Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a cause of sudden vision loss, and priapism (a prolonged erection lasting over four hours) which requires immediate medical attention. Post-marketing reports also include serious cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, typically in individuals with pre-existing risk factors.

Key safety limitations strictly prohibit the use of this medicine with any form of organic nitrate or the stimulator Riociguat, due to the potential for severe hypotension. The incidence of some adverse effects, such as headache, is officially noted to be dose-dependent.


Population-Specific Notes

Regulatory documents include specific safety notes for certain patient populations. Caution is advised, and lower initial doses may be necessary for patients with severe renal impairment or hepatic impairment, as reduced clearance of the active substance is observed in these groups.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Officially documented overdose of Adegra is primarily characterized by a dose-dependent increased incidence and severity of known adverse events, consistent with the drug’s pharmacological effects. Manifestations reported in regulatory sources include pronounced headache, intense flushing, severe dizziness, and exaggerated visual disturbances like blurred vision or cyanopsia (a blue tinge to vision).

Required Emergency Actions

Specific symptoms are identified in official labeling as time-critical events requiring immediate medical attention. Patients must seek immediate medical assistance if a prolonged erection (priapism) persists for more than four hours, as delayed treatment may result in penile tissue damage. Furthermore, patients are mandated to consult a physician immediately upon experiencing sudden decrease or loss of vision or sudden decrease or loss of hearing.

Severe outcomes linked to high exposure include profound hypotension and serious cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction or ventricular arrhythmia.

Management and Considerations

The official management protocol is defined as symptomatic and supportive treatment, as no specific antidote is known for Sildenafil overdose. The drug is highly protein-bound, and regulatory information confirms that haemodialysis is not expected to accelerate clearance. An increased risk of systemic exposure is officially noted in patients with severe renal impairment or hepatic impairment due to reduced drug clearance.

Therapeutic Uses of Adegra

What Adegra treats: main uses and benefits

Adegra is a medication primarily utilized for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It contains the active ingredient sildenafil, which belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

Main Uses

The primary therapeutic application of Adegra is the management of impotence, a condition characterized by the persistent inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.

The medication functions by assisting the natural physiological response to sexual stimulation. It facilitates the relaxation of smooth muscle tissues in the blood vessels of the penis, which allows for increased blood flow into the corpus cavernosum. This localized hemodynamic effect is essential for the initiation and sustenance of an erection.

Benefits and Physiological Effects

The benefits of Adegra are centered on restoring erectile function. Key aspects of its action include:

  • Improved Erectile Quality: By inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, the medication helps maintain higher levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), leading to firmer and more reliable erections.
  • Support for Natural Response: Adegra does not cause an erection in the absence of sexual arousal; rather, it improves the physiological capacity to respond to such arousal.
  • Duration of Action: The effects typically allow for improved sexual function for a specific window of time following ingestion, providing a period of increased flexibility for sexual activity.

While Adegra is effective in addressing the physical symptoms of erectile dysfunction, it does not treat underlying psychological causes or increase sexual desire. It is used specifically to manage the vascular components of the erectile process.

Regulatory References

  1. NIH MedlinePlus Drug Information

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

The eligibility for using Adegra (sildenafil) is strictly defined by regulatory authorities based on age, sex, organ function, and specific medical conditions.

Populations for Whom Use is Contraindicated

Use is absolutely contraindicated (prohibited) in patients who are simultaneously taking organic nitrates or soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators (e.g., riociguat). The medicine must also not be used in patients with a history of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), known hypersensitivity to sildenafil, or in those with severe hepatic impairment.

Further contraindications include a recent history of stroke or myocardial infarction, hypotension (blood pressure below 90/50 mmHg), or when sexual activity is deemed inadvisable due to severe cardiovascular disorders.

Age and Condition-Based Eligibility

Adegra is indicated for adult men (18 years and over) for Erectile Dysfunction. It is not indicated for individuals under the age of 18 for this purpose. For the treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), the medicine is approved for adults and children aged 1 year and over.

Use is permitted but requires caution or dose adjustment in patients with severe renal impairment or mild to moderate hepatic impairment. A lower starting dose may be considered for patients aged 65 years and over. Caution is also advised for patients with conditions predisposing to priapism (e.g., sickle cell anaemia) or anatomical deformation of the penis.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Adegra (sildenafil) has documented interactions with several categories of medicinal products, primarily impacting the cardiovascular system or affecting the drug's metabolism.

Product Category Interaction Type Constraint/Note
Nitrates/Nitric Oxide Donors (e.g., nitroglycerin) Potentiation of vasodilation/hypotension Contraindicated in all forms (regular or intermittent use).
Guanylate Cyclase (GC) Stimulators (e.g., riociguat) Potentiation of hypotension Contraindicated. May cause dangerously low blood pressure.
Alpha-blockers (e.g., doxazosin, tamsulosin) Additive hypotensive effects Use with caution. Patients must be stable on alpha-blocker therapy before starting Adegra at a low dose (25 mg).
Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole) Increased sildenafil plasma levels Requires dose adjustment. Max dose should be strictly limited, especially with ritonavir (25 mg in 48 hours).
CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., rifampin) Decreased sildenafil plasma levels May reduce effectiveness.

Co-administration with other PDE5 Inhibitors or other treatments for erectile dysfunction is generally not recommended as the safety of these combinations has not been studied. The drug's primary metabolic pathway is through the liver enzyme Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4); therefore, substances that inhibit this enzyme can significantly increase sildenafil exposure, necessitating careful dosage restriction.

Mechanism of Action

Adegra is a highly selective inhibitor of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This targeted action occurs within the vascular smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels in the target tissue.

By binding to the active site of PDE5, Adegra prevents the enzyme from hydrolyzing (breaking down) the intracellular messenger molecule, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This molecular interaction results in the sustained elevation of cGMP levels within the smooth muscle cell, thereby potentiating the local signal.

This increased concentration of cGMP is the direct mechanistic signal that initiates the vascular smooth muscle relaxation cascade. The resulting cellular changes facilitate the dilation of blood vessels. This effect is contingent upon the prior release of Nitric Oxide through a separate, natural signaling event, leading to an adjustment in localized blood flow dynamics.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Adegra

Adegra (Sildenafil citrate) is administered according to two distinctly different regimens, determined by the condition being addressed: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). The medicine is primarily used via the oral route as a film-coated tablet.


Administration and Dosage Regimens

Feature For Erectile Dysfunction (ED) For Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
Dosing Schedule As-needed basis, maximum once per day. Continuous, three times a day (TID).
Standard Oral Dose Standard starting dose is 50 mg. Adjustable from 25 mg up to 100 mg. Standard oral dose is 20 mg. May be titrated up to 80 mg TID.
Timing Relative to Activity Taken within a 30-minute to 4-hour window before activity. Not applicable; doses should be spaced consistently by 4 to 8 hours.
Special Administration Route Not applicable. An Intravenous (IV) bolus injection (10 mg TID) is approved for patients temporarily unable to take the oral form.

Contextual Usage Instructions

For both indications, Adegra may be taken with or without food. However, for the ED indication, taking the tablet with a high-fat meal may result in a delay in the onset of activity. The instructions also include specific dose considerations for certain populations.

A starting oral dose of 25 mg should be considered for the ED indication in older adults (over 65 years) and in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment. For the PAH indication, treatment is typically long-term and continuous. If a dose for PAH is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, but without doubling the dose.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Adegra (Sildenafil Citrate)

This section describes the types of clinical studies that have been conducted with Adegra and the types of information that research has provided, without making any recommendations for use.

Evidence for Use in Managing Erection Difficulties (Erectile Dysfunction)

Research has primarily studied Adegra in adult men with erection difficulties (ED). The research base largely consists of short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), supported by large meta-analyses that combine the data from many trials. The populations studied included adult men with conditions characterized by functional limitations, such as erection difficulties of various causes, including those with underlying conditions like diabetes mellitus. Studies monitored outcomes capturing phases of heightened symptom activity, such as the ability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity.

Trials Measuring Functional Outcomes

The main clinical trials measured functional outcomes related to physical discomfort. These included assessing the frequency of sexual intercourse attempts and monitoring measurements from specific patient-reported questionnaires. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies where measurements of patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort were monitored in the observed populations.


Evidence for Use in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

Adegra was also studied in individuals with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), a condition marked by functional limitations and physiological strain. The evidence base includes intermediate-term RCTs, typically lasting 12 to 16 weeks, alongside longer-term observational studies. Research examined outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level, such as measures of exercise capacity.

Studies Tracking Functional Capacity

To assess physical effort, studies monitored functional capacity using the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). Research described patterns related to how functional capacity was measured over the short and intermediate study periods.


Research Gaps and Areas of Uncertainty

While research provides context on what has been observed so far, there are acknowledged gaps in the evidence. For example, follow-up durations were limited in the initial controlled trials. Data for certain groups, such as those with specific severe co-morbidities or pregnant populations, remain insufficient or limited information for long-term outcomes exists. Regulatory documents noted an association in long-term extension studies in the pediatric PAH population that led to regulatory caution and subsequent changes in the established dosing studied for that specific age group.

Key Studies & References Sildenafil Drug Summary (NIH MedlinePlus)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Adegra (FAQ)

Q: Is Adegra the same as sildenafil?

A: Adegra is a brand name medicine that contains the active ingredient Sildenafil citrate. Sildenafil is the common chemical name. Official regulatory bodies consider generic medicines that contain sildenafil to be bioequivalent to the brand-name version, meaning they deliver the same amount of the active substance in the body.

Q: How quickly does Adegra typically start to work?

A: The time it takes for Adegra to begin working may vary among individuals. In studies, the active ingredient typically reached its highest concentration in the blood within about one hour after the tablet is taken. Official instructions indicate the medicine should be taken within a 30-minute to 4-hour window before planned activity.

Q: How long can the effects of Adegra be expected to last?

A: The active ingredient, Sildenafil, has a biological half-life of 3 to 5 hours. Therefore, the therapeutic response is generally sustained for at least 3 hours, but the response depends on individual factors and the rate at which the medicine is cleared from the body.

Q: Are there any common over-the-counter medicines or supplements that interact with Adegra?

A: Official guidance documents warn that it is generally not possible to confirm the safety of all herbal remedies and supplements with Adegra, as they are not tested in the same way as prescription medicines. For this reason, official sources note that discussing any concurrent use of supplements with a healthcare provider may be helpful.

Q: Can a heavy meal affect how well or how quickly Adegra works?

A: Adegra can be taken with or without food. However, official prescribing information notes that for the treatment of erection difficulties, taking the tablet with a high-fat meal may result in a noticeable delay in the onset of activity.

Q: Does Adegra interact with common blood thinner medications?

A: The official label does not list blood thinners (anticoagulants) as a strict contraindication for Adegra. However, some specific anticoagulants may require careful monitoring or dose adjustments. It is important for patients to discuss all medications, including blood thinners, with a healthcare provider to understand potential risks.

Q: Can Adegra be used for conditions other than erectile dysfunction, such as pulmonary hypertension?

A: Yes, Adegra (Sildenafil) is officially approved for treating two distinct conditions. It is indicated for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men and also for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), a condition affecting the blood pressure in the lungs, in both adults and children aged 1 year and over.

Q: What is the difference between Adegra and other prescription medicines used for similar purposes?

A: Adegra's active ingredient, sildenafil, is classified as a Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. Other medicines used for similar purposes belong to the same pharmacological class. These drugs primarily differ in their chemical structure, time of onset, and how long the effect is expected to last.

Q: Is Adegra considered an aphrodisiac or does it increase sex drive?

A: Adegra is not described in official documents as an aphrodisiac and it does not increase sex drive (libido). The medicine requires sexual stimulation to work, as its mechanism of action relies on a natural signaling event in the body to facilitate blood flow.

Q: What are the potential effects of consuming alcohol while taking Adegra?

A: While moderate consumption of alcohol is not a strict contraindication, drinking large amounts of alcohol may impair physical function. Additionally, Adegra can lower blood pressure, and combining it with significant alcohol intake may further increase the risk of low blood pressure symptoms, such as dizziness.

Q: Are vision changes, such as seeing a blue tinge, a common side effect of Adegra?

A: Yes, changes in color perception, officially known as chromatopsia, are documented as common visual disturbances associated with Adegra. This effect may sometimes be described as a blue tinge to vision. These visual changes are generally mild and temporary.

Q: Is it true that Adegra might not work the very first time it is used?

A: Official guidance indicates that some individuals may need to use the medicine on multiple occasions before concluding that it is not effective for them.

Q: How is Adegra described in official regulatory documents?

A: Official documents consistently describe Adegra as a prescription drug whose active ingredient, Sildenafil, is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It is used to treat specific conditions related to blood flow dynamics, namely erectile dysfunction and symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Q: Does Adegra affect fertility or sperm count?

A: Short-term clinical studies that examined the effects of the active ingredient on healthy male subjects did not suggest any significant changes in standard measurements of sperm, such as motility or count.

Q: Can women use Adegra for sexual health concerns?

A: Adegra is officially indicated for adult men for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and is not authorized for use in women for female sexual health concerns. The medicine is, however, approved for use in both men and women to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).

Q: Does Adegra have any known interactions with grapefruit or grapefruit juice?

A: Yes, regulatory documents indicate a possible interaction with grapefruit products. Grapefruit juice can raise the levels of the active ingredient (sildenafil) in the body. Patients taking Adegra for the treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) are typically advised in official documents to avoid consuming grapefruit products.

Q: What is the official definition of 'erectile dysfunction' that Adegra is meant to treat?

A: Official sources describe Erectile Dysfunction (ED) as a condition where a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection that is sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. This definition focuses on the functional limitation experienced by the patient.

Q: Is there a maximum number of times per month or week Adegra can be used?

A: For the treatment of erectile dysfunction, the maximum recommended dosing frequency according to official documents is once per day. There are no regulatory statements defining a separate maximum limit for use per week or per month.

Q: Is Adegra an effective treatment for premature ejaculation?

A: Adegra is not officially approved or indicated to treat premature ejaculation. The medicine is formally indicated for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension only.

Q: Is it safe to drive or operate machinery after taking Adegra?

A: Official safety documents note that individuals should not drive or operate machinery if they experience side effects that could affect their attention or coordination, such as dizziness or any form of visual disturbances after taking Adegra.

Q: Can Adegra cause muscle pain or back ache?

A: According to official safety data, myalgia (muscle pain) is listed as a possible, but generally less common, adverse effect of the medicine. This is a recognized effect in the post-marketing surveillance reports.

Q: What if a person taking Adegra experiences sudden hearing loss?

A: Cases of sudden decrease or loss of hearing have been reported in temporal association with PDE5 inhibitors like Adegra. Regulatory documents note that if this event occurs, prompt medical attention should be sought.

Q: Can Adegra be taken with milk or other beverages?

A: You can generally drink normally while taking Adegra, as the official instructions state the medicine can be taken with or without food. The only non-alcoholic beverage specifically noted for a potential interaction is grapefruit juice.

Q: What is the difference between Adegra and generic versions of sildenafil?

A: Adegra is a brand name. Generic versions contain the identical active ingredient, sildenafil. Regulators require generics to be bioequivalent, meaning they work the same way in the body as the brand-name version, but they may differ in price and inactive ingredients.

How should Adegra be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Instructions for Adegra (Sildenafil)

The storage conditions for Adegra tablets are defined as Controlled Room Temperature. The required temperature range is 25 C (77 F), with excursions permitted between 15 C and 30 C (59 F and 86 F). The product must be dispensed and stored in a tight container to maintain integrity and is prohibited from excessive heat or freezing.

Protection and Handling

It is officially required to Keep [Adegra] and all medicines out of the reach of children. No specific in-use stability limits are documented, with stability maintained when stored under the required conditions.

Disposal Requirements

Unused or expired medication should be disposed of by following specific instructions on the drug labeling. If no take-back program is available, the product may be disposed of in household trash after mixing it with an unpalatable substance and removing all identifying information from the container.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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