Sublingual Viagra offers an alternative way of taking the well-known drug for erectile dysfunction (ED). For years, the said drug has been traditionally administered as an oral medication (1). Because of this, you may be wondering how the different modes of Viagra administration affect your sexual function and satisfaction.
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The Main Benefit of Sublingual Viagra
Sildenafil citrate, better known as Viagra, usually takes effect within 30 minutes to 2 hours after oral dosage (2). However, having a meal right before dosing can delay the onset of its pharmacological effects. For most of those with ED, the waiting time is bearable, considering how the drug can benefit them up to 12 hours after dosage (3).
Between slow and quick onsets of effects, though, patients with ED prefer the latter (2). This is where the sublingual sildenafil citrate becomes beneficial.
Compared to oral administration, the sublingual administration of sildenafil citrate is proven to cause a quicker onset of pharmacological effects. This advantage is attributed to food ingestion’s inability to affect sublingual administration (4).
Furthermore, the powdered nature of this sublingual drug makes it easier to absorb. It gets into circulation more quickly than that of digested pills (4).
Additional Benefits of Taking Viagra Sublingually
Sildenafil citrate pills are available in three dosages. The smallest dosage is 25mg. The recommended dosages for those with ED are 50mg and 100mg (5).
However, a study suggests that 20mg crushed Viagra taken under the tongue is enough to manage ED. This makes this mode of administration more cost-effective in the long run (4).
Compared to oral administration, the onset of its effects is also more predictable. You may already feel it 15 minutes after dosage (4).
The quick onset is especially helpful in unplanned sex (2). As it’s not affected by food ingestion, you can also have a romantic dinner as a prelude to foreplay and intercourse.
Preparation for the Sublingual Administration of Viagra
Crushed pills were used for the studies on the sublingual administration of Viagra. Pfizer has yet to provide it in powder form.
To prepare your pill, wrap it around a paper towel. Next, crush the tablet using a clean, hard, and slightly heavy object. Afterward, open up the paper towel and pour the powdered contents under your tongue.
Another option is to crush the pill in your mouth like what researchers did in one study (2). After crushing, dissolve it under your tongue.
Remember to take this 15 minutes before sexual intercourse.
Side Effects of Taking Viagra Sublingually
Those who have taken Viagra sublingually reported the following side effects (4):
- Minimal headaches
- Sweating
- Flushing
There’s no significant difference between the efficiency and side effects of both sublingual and oral Viagra (2). As such, you may also experience the abovementioned effects when you take them in pill form (1). Whether you take them orally or sublingually, you may encounter the following side effects as well (6):
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Rashes
- Dizziness
- Nasal congestion
- Visual disturbances (blue haze, flashing lights, blurred vision and change in color perception)
Other possible but rare side effects are as follows (7):
- Flu-like syndrome
- Backache
Most of these side effects are mild though. They’re also dose-related (7). As long as you follow the 20mg dosage recommended for sublingual administration, you’re less likely to suffer from any of the side effects mentioned above.
Sildenafil Citrate Contraindications
Keep in mind sublingual administration doesn’t make Viagra safer for those with cardiovascular diseases (6). Co-administration of sildenafil citrate and nitrates for cardiovascular diseases is proven to be dangerous. It may lead to impaired cardiac reserve and uncontrolled hypertension (8).
Alternatives to Sublingual Sildenafil
Sildenafil citrate isn’t the only drug for ED that you can take sublingually. Sublingual apomorphine, a drug for the management of Parkinson’s disease (9), serves as an alternative (10). As sublingual ED treatment, though, this alternative is less efficient than Viagra (11).
It’s important to note that not all drugs for ED are fit for sublingual administration.
Tadalafil (commercially known as Cialis) is another medication for ED (12). It’s safe and effective as long as it’s taken orally as prescribed. However, crushing it for sublingual administration will damage its protective coating and render it ineffective.
Sublingual Viagra helps rid the dissatisfaction of having ED and from waiting for the oral Viagra to take effect. The preparation could be a hassle, though. Before you try it, talk to your doctor first as you may have a condition that affects the efficiency of sublingual administration and Viagra itself.
