TL;DR

• Penegra is a prescription tablet for erectile dysfunction that contains sildenafil citrate.
• Typical dose is 50mg taken about an hour before sexual activity; adjust to 25mg or 100mg based on response.
• Common side effects include headache, flushing, upset stomach - most are mild and short‑lived.
• Never combine Penegra with nitrates or certain antihypertensives; it can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure.
• Talk to your doctor if you have heart disease, recent stroke, or are taking alpha‑blockers.

What Is Penegra? Composition, Indications, and How It Works

Penegra is the brand name for a tablet that contains sildenafil citrate, the same active ingredient found in the well‑known drug Viagra. In Canada, the product is licensed for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. The medication belongs to a class called phosphodiesterase‑5 (PDE‑5) inhibitors, which work by relaxing smooth muscle in the penis and improving blood flow during sexual stimulation.

Because it uses the same molecule as Viagra, Penegra offers the same efficacy - clinical trials show about a 70‑80% success rate in achieving satisfactory erections when taken correctly. The main selling point for many patients is price; Penegra is often marketed as a cost‑effective alternative, especially when ordered through Canadian online pharmacies.

Health Canada classifies Penegra as a ScheduleC prescription drug. That means you’ll need a valid prescription from a licensed prescriber, and pharmacists are required to counsel you on proper use and potential risks.

How to Use Penegra Safely: Dosage, Administration, and Contra‑indications

Getting the dose right is crucial for both effectiveness and safety. Below is a step‑by‑step guide you can follow after you’ve consulted your doctor.

1. Start low, go slow. The recommended starting dose for most men is 50mg.
2. Take the tablet with a glass of water about 30‑60 minutes before you plan to be sexually active.
3. If the 50mg dose doesn’t give the desired effect, you can increase to 100mg. Do not exceed this amount.
4. If you experience side effects, drop back to 25mg and see if symptoms improve.
5. Do not take more than one dose per 24‑hour period, regardless of how often you have sex.

Penegra can be taken with or without food, but a high‑fat meal may delay the onset of action by up to an hour. If you’re prone to digestive upset, a light snack before dosing can help.

"Sildenafil has a well‑established safety profile when used as directed. Patients should be screened for cardiovascular risk factors before starting therapy," says Dr. Emily Chen, President of the Canadian Society of Sexual Medicine.

Contra‑indications - Situations where Penegra should not be used:

• Current use of any nitrate medication (e.g., nitroglycerin) - the combination can cause a sudden, severe drop in blood pressure.
• Severe hypotension (blood pressure < 90/50mmHg) or uncontrolled hypertension (> 180/110mmHg).
• History of non‑arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) - a rare eye condition.
• Severe liver impairment or end‑stage kidney disease (creatinine clearance < 30mL/min).

Patients with milder cardiovascular disease often can use Penegra safely, but only after a thorough risk assessment by a physician.

Side Effects, Drug Interactions, and When to Seek Help

As with any medication, Penegra can cause unwanted effects. Most side effects are mild and resolve within a few hours. Commonly reported reactions include:

• Headache (about 16% of users)
• Facial flushing
• Indigestion or upset stomach
• Nasal congestion
• Visual disturbances - a blue‑tinted vision or increased sensitivity to light (rare)

Serious but rare complications are:

• Priapism - a painful erection lasting more than four hours. This is a medical emergency.
• Sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
• Severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling, difficulty breathing).

If any of the serious symptoms appear, call emergency services immediately.

Drug interactions you must watch for:

• Nitrates: nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, amyl nitrite.
• Alpha‑blockers: doxazosin, tamsulosin - may cause additive blood‑pressure lowering.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors: certain antifungals (ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin), and HIV protease inhibitors - can raise Penegra levels.
• CYP3A4 inducers: rifampin, carbamazepine - may reduce effectiveness.

Use the checklist below before you fill your prescription:

• Do you take any medication that contains nitrates? Yes/No
• Are you on any alpha‑blockers for prostate issues? Yes/No
• Any recent heart attack, stroke, or unstable angina? Yes/No
• Do you have severe liver or kidney disease? Yes/No
• Any known allergy to sildenafil or similar drugs? Yes/No

Answering “Yes” to any of the above warrants a conversation with your prescriber before starting Penegra.

Frequently Asked Questions About Penegra

• Is Penegra the same as Viagra? Yes, it contains the same active ingredient (sildenafil citrate) but may differ in price, packaging, and manufacturer.
• Can I take Penegra daily? Daily use is not recommended unless your doctor prescribes a low‑dose (25mg) regimen for certain conditions.
• How long does the effect last? Typically 4-6hours, but the window can vary based on dose, metabolism, and food intake.
• Will alcohol affect Penegra? Moderate alcohol (1‑2 drinks) usually does not interfere, but heavy drinking can worsen side effects and reduce efficacy.
• Is a prescription required in Canada? Yes. Health Canada requires a valid prescription for all PDE‑5 inhibitors.

Next Steps and Practical Tips

Now that you’ve got the basics, here’s a quick roadmap to get Penegra into your routine safely:

1. Schedule a telehealth or in‑person visit with your primary care physician or a urologist. Bring a list of all current meds.
2. Discuss your medical history - especially heart conditions, blood‑pressure meds, and liver/kidney function.
3. Obtain a written prescription. In Canada, many pharmacies accept e‑prescriptions sent directly from your doctor.
4. Choose a reputable pharmacy. Look for a pharmacy that is licensed by the Ontario College of Pharmacists (or your province) and offers a clear privacy policy.
5. Read the medication guide that comes with the medication. Pay attention to storage (room temperature, keep out of reach of children).
6. Start with the recommended 50mg dose and note how you feel. Use a simple diary to track effectiveness and any side effects.
7. Adjust dose only under medical supervision. If 50mg is too strong, drop to 25mg; if not effective after a few tries, ask about increasing to 100mg.
8. Know the red flags - priapism, sudden vision loss, chest pain, or severe dizziness require immediate medical attention.

By following these steps and keeping communication open with your healthcare team, you can maximize the benefits of Penegra while minimizing risks.