Viagra (Sildenafil)

Viagra is a popular treatment for men who experience ED. ED can have physical and psychological causes, and it will affect most men at some stage in their lives, but if you regularly can’t get an erection then it’s likely you will be diagnosed with erectile dysfunction.

Learn more about the 10 most popular ED questions.

The tablet should be swallowed with a glass of water about an hour before you plan to have sexual intercourse.

You should only take one tablet of any strength within a 24-hour period. If you have sex more than twice a week, you might find taking Tadalafil (Cialis) Daily is more effective. It’s a low-dosage tablet taken once a day, meaning you are able to be more spontaneous rather than plan at least an hour ahead each time.

It is recommended that you take Viagra one hour before sexual activity. Whilst the medication will last in the body for up to four hours, this does not mean you will have an erection that lasts this long. For the best results from your medication, you should take a Viagra tablet on an empty stomach, and alcohol should be avoided. The maximum dose is 1 tablet within a 24-hour period, regardless of dosage. If you would like more information, we have written a post on this topic: How Long Does Viagra Take to Kick In?

Viagra will remain in the body for 4 hours, but this doesn’t mean your erection will last this long. This is the timeframe in which it is likely to be most effective. If you have an erection which lasts for more than 4 hours, contact your doctor immediately.

Watch our patient care expert explain everything you need to know about Viagra.

Drinking within the daily units (2-3 units per day) is thought to be safe when taking Viagra, but it should be taken with caution. Exceeding the limit will reduce the effectiveness of Viagra and increase the potential of experiencing side effects. Access more information about taking Viagra with alcohol.

The effect will take longer if you have just eaten a big meal which might delay the absorption of the drug, so it is better to take it on an empty stomach.

Viagra is available in three different dosage levels, 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.

25mg - This is the lowest dosage for Viagra. It is normally used when men who have tried the 50mg at least four times still experience adverse side effects. It can also be recommended by a doctor if a man is taking other medication alongside Viagra. These medications can include but are not limited to Alpha Blockers, HIV Treatment or blood-regulating medication. It is more common for younger men to try this strength where a strong dosage is not necessary.

50mg - This is the most common dosage for Viagra and the recommended strength for men using it for the first time. It is also the only dosage available for Viagra Connect. Most men will find that this dosage will enhance their sexual experience and is sufficient to treat their ED.

100mg - This is the highest dosage for Viagra. 100mg tablets are only used if the 50mg tablets have been used at least four times without any adverse side effects, but the erection is still not strong enough for penetration. You should not consume more than one 100mg Viagra tablet in a 24-hour period.

The dosage is based on your health, any other medications you are taking and the effectiveness of the treatment, rather than your age.

You should always consult with your GP or pharmacist for your recommended dosage or if you feel you need to change dosage.

If you exceed the recommended dosage, seek help from your local emergency department immediately.

Viagra is generally very well tolerated by most men and the variety of available doses enables men to find the right level of sildenafil intake to be effective, without unwanted side effects. For those who do experience side effects, the most common are headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, nausea, dizziness and visual disturbances. They generally only last a few hours. Viagra should not be taken with any other PDE5 inhibitors nor should it be combined with nitrates used in cardiovascular disease, alpha-blockers (for high blood pressure) or any recreational drugs. Caution is advised in the use of Viagra in people with diabetes, anatomical deformation of the penis (such as Peyronie’s disease) or a predisposition to painful erections e.g. in sickle cell disease or leukaemia. Our Viagra side effects study goes into further detail on side effects.

See the EMC for technical information and this in-depth study into Sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction.

Although Viagra is the most common treatment used to treat ED, there are other alternatives.

Viagra (sildenafil) was the first medication to treat erectile dysfunction and since its development has helped millions of men achieve and maintain an erection. However, like any drug, it will not work for everyone, and some people may experience side effects. Luckily, there are other options out there, with newer medications being developed which have similar effects within the body. For more information, read our post on alternative erectile dysfunction treatment.

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding Viagra (sildenafil), a drug commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Just to clear the air, here are a few things you should know. It does not work immediately, it takes about an hour to start working in the body. Whilst it helps to gain and maintain an erection, sexual stimulation is needed as well. Most importantly, if it is found to be ineffective, it is not the only option. There are several other ED treatments which are now available that may be more suitable for you. Check out our article about Viagra myths.

It is common for men to feel embarrassed speaking to their GP about erectile dysfunction. Instead, they may take to the internet and obtain false information. This has led to many myths surrounding ED. Erectile dysfunction is more common in older men but can occur in younger age groups. It is not all in your head, and lifestyle choices may contribute to ED. Not all ED medications are the same, and some patients may find one more effective than another. We also have an article on Erectile Dysfunction myths.

Viagra is possibly the most well-known and popular erectile dysfunction medication in the world. After its patent expired, pharmaceutical companies were able to manufacture the generic medication using the same active ingredient as Viagra, sildenafil citrate. Generic medicines are medically equivalent and thus have the same dosage, strength, active ingredient, quality and performance. Without the branding and advertising, the generic version is sold at a cheaper price than the branded versions. Our ED blog post explains the differences between Viagra and Sildenafil.

Both medications are used to treat men with ED by increasing the blood flow to the penis, assisting in producing and maintaining an erection. Whilst both are very similar, the response to the medication will vary for each person.

Cialis also has a daily version that is designed to be taken every day at a consistently low dosage which is useful for men who prefer more spontaneity. Further information is available on the differences between Viagra and Cialis.

If you are worried about your sexual stamina you are not alone, with 31% of men reporting they have experienced a degree of sexual dysfunction. The most common is premature ejaculation (PE), which is when a man ejaculates in less than 2 minutes during sex. Viagra’s main purpose is to help a man achieve and maintain an erection. It can also help with increasing confidence and enhancing the sexual experience. Many men believe that Viagra can also help with premature ejaculation, and to help you last longer in bed. Whilst some studies have suggested this, there is not enough evidence to support that Viagra is a suitable treatment for PE. If you are suffering from ED, there are different treatment options, such as Priligy. To get more of an insight on this topic, you can read our full article: Can Viagra help you last longer in bed?

It is not recommended to take more than one ED medication at a time. If this happens, it can put you at serious risk of adverse side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if this occurs.

Like with any medication, erectile dysfunction (ED) medications may not work for everyone who takes them. We recommend taking the medication exactly as prescribed, eating healthy, reducing alcohol and cigarette intake, and maintaining adequate exercise. Nevertheless, each patient reacts differently to medications and there may be some degree of trial and error. Here at Pharmica, we can help you find the one that is just right for you and your lifestyle.

Other treatments - There are other treatments available for men with ED problems such as penis pumps and penile injections.

What else can I do? - Quitting smoking, eating healthier and maintaining a healthier lifestyle are all factors which can help enhance your sexual performance.

Viagra (sildenafil) is a popular treatment for erectile dysfunction which (with the exception of Viagra Connect) is only available with a valid prescription in the UK. You can find out more about prescriptions in our article: Why I need a prescription to buy Viagra. This is why to buy Viagra from us at Pharmica you will have to complete a short medical questionnaire, detailing your condition and medical history. Your answers will be reviewed by one of our pharmacists and if treatment is suitable, you will be prescribed the medication. Registered and regulated online pharmacies, just like high street pharmacies, have to adhere to strict regulations, and they are inspected regularly to conform with the high standards. Therefore, you can feel safe knowing that the medications you are buying are from reputable and genuine wholesalers. For more information on purchasing online, you can read our article on where to buy Viagra in the UK.

Although Viagra has been revolutionary for men, the results for women are still unclear, hence they are unsuitable for women to use. Research has concluded that it might not be safe for women to use because of the long-term side effects it may have on the female body. ‘Female Viagra’ alternatives called Flibanserin or Addyi, manufactured by Sprout Pharmaceutical were originally used as an antidepressant and then as a libido booster as it increased ‘feel good’ chemicals in the brain. The side effects, however, included fainting, vomiting, dizziness and low blood pressure. Viagra works in just an hour while Addyi takes months of regular treatment before showing minimal results. As such, Addyi is not widely available in the UK. More information on Viagra for women is available.