Viagra Pills

About Viagra

Key points

• To be taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity
• Lasts for up to 4 hours
• Effective in over 60% of users
• Cheaper alternative to Viagra, containing the same active ingredient – sildenafil citrate

Buy Viagra online

You can buy Viagra online from our UK based pharmacy, after completing an online consultation. Our parcels are dispatched in plain and discreet packaging, with next-day delivery options.
 

What is Viagra used for?

Viagra is used to treat ED in men. Viagra is the brand name given to a drug called sildenafil citrate. It was introduced to the market by Pfizer in 1998 and the little blue pill has been used by millions of men ever since. Viagra is also available in its generic form, known as just sildenafil. 

It belongs to a group of drugs known as PDE5 (phosphodiesterase) inhibitors. They relax blood vessels which allows for an increased blood flow to the penis to help achieve and maintain erections.

You can also order sildenafil, which is a cheaper version of Viagra, as it is the non-branded version. It contains the same active ingredient as Viagra and is equally as effective. 
 

How does Viagra work?

Viagra works by allowing smooth muscle in the penis to relax, increasing blood flow. This causes an erection, firm enough for sexual activity. For Viagra to work, you need to be sexually aroused.
 

How effective is Viagra?

Viagra works for 4 in 5 men (in other words, Viagra works for around 80% of men). Viagra does not cause a man to be sexually aroused, nor does it increase the size of a natural erection. For it to work, you need to be sexually stimulated. If you are not sexually aroused, Viagra will not work.

Clinical trials have shown that when compared to a placebo, Viagra (sildenafil), along with other drugs within the same class, produce a significant improvement in erectile dysfunction. 

Viagra reviews also advocate that it is a highly effective treatment, which produces desirable results.

Viagra dosage instructions

You should swallow one tablet with water around 60 minutes before sexual activity. Food affects the absorption of Viagra, and it is most effective when taken on an empty stomach. You should not take more than one tablet within a 24 hour period. 

The recommended starting dose of Viagra is 50mg. This usually works for most men, however, if you are experiencing any unwanted side-effects (such as headaches, facial flushing and indigestion), then the 50mg tablet may be too strong and you should try reducing the dose to 25mg.

If you are not experiencing the desired results with Viagra 50mg, and you are not suffering from side effects, your doctor may increase the dose to 100mg.

Viagra 25mg tablets

Viagra 25mg is the lowest dose available. If you are experiencing side effects with Viagra 50mg or 100mg, your doctor or pharmacist may recommend that you try the 25mg strength. This will reduce the chances of getting side effects. Your doctor also may wish to start you on Viagra 25mg, if you are taking certain medication that can interact with Viagra.
 

Viagra 50mg tablets

Viagra 50mg is the recommended starting dose if you have not used treatment before. Many men will find that the 50mg dose is suitable and works well without side effects. If you have tried Viagra 50mg tablets on 8 separate occasions without any success, your doctor or pharmacist may suggest that you try the 100mg tablets.
 

Viagra 100mg tablets

Viagra 100mg is the highest dose that that you can take. This is usually prescribed for men who have limited success with the 50mg tablets and have not experienced any side effects. A higher dose tablet increases your chances of experiencing undesirable effects.

How long does Viagra take to work?

Viagra takes around one hour to kick in, however, this can vary depending on the individual. It also depends on the timing of your last meal. Viagra is best taken on an empty stomach (or at least two hours after a meal), as food can affect the absorption of Viagra into your blood stream. 
 

How long does Viagra last for?

Viagra lasts for around 4-5 hours on average. You may notice that after 2-3 hours, the effects begin to wear off. If you have an erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism), you should seek medical advice from a doctor. 

Viagra ingredients

Active ingredient: Sildenafil citrate

Inactive ingredient: Hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), lactose monohydrate, triacetin, indigo carmine aluminum lake (E132)

Viagra side effects

Like all medication, Viagra may cause side effects. These can include:

Very common (Affecting more than 10% of users):

• Headache

Common (Affecting up to 10% of users):

• Nausea
• Feeling hot
• Facial flushing
• Dizziness
• Indigestion
• Visual disturbances
• Nasal congestion

Uncommon (Affecting up to 1% of users):

• Muscle ache
• Heart palpitation
• Skin rash
• Vomiting
• High or low blood pressure
• Numbness
• Drowsiness
• Ringing in the ears

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek urgent medical attention:

• Chest pain
• Sudden loss or change in vision
• A painful erection lasting more than 4 hours
• Seizure
• Signs of an allergic reaction such as problems breathing, severe skin reactions, or swelling of the eyes, lips, throat, or mouth

You should read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication, for a full list of side effects. Always report side effects to your pharmacist or doctor, and in serious cases, seek urgent medical attention.

Viagra warnings

It is not possible for us to prescribe Viagra if:

• You are allergic to sildenafil or any of the ingredients in Viagra
• You are currently using any nitrate-based medication including angina pumps or “poppers”
• You have high blood pressure in the lungs
• You have a heart condition including a history of stroke, recent heart attack or low blood pressure
• You have a liver problem
• You have an eye condition
• You have cancer of the blood or bones
• You have sickle cell anaemia or bleeding problems
• You have a condition that affects the penis formation (Peyronie’s Disease)
• You have an active stomach ulcer

This does not necessarily mean that you cannot use Viagra, but your doctor will need to asses you and prescribe Viagra only if it is safe to do so.

Viagra interactions

You should inform your doctor or pharmacist about any other medications you are currently taking. Viagra can interact with certain medications, particularly those that are used to treat chest pain (angina).

You should not take Viagra if you are taking nitrates as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. You should also avoid Viagra if you are taking nitric oxide donors, such as “poppers”.

Viagra can be taken with most blood pressure medication, however, your doctor may start you on the lowest dose. This is particularly the case if you are taking alpha-blockers. Taking Viagra with alpha-blockers can cause dizziness and light-headedness.

Viagra alternatives

If Viagra does not work the first time you take it, UK national guidelines state that you should try again, another 7 times. It can take a while to get used to the idea of taking a tablet before sex. For those in whom Viagra isn't working, there are other drugs belonging to the same drug class, which may work better for you. 

Tadalafil - Available as a generic or under its brand name, Cialis. It takes around 30-60 minutes to work and can be effective for up to 36 hours. It is also available as a daily dosing tablet, which takes action after 3-5 days, but has an ongoing effect, allowing for spontaneous sex. 
Avanafil - Available under its branded form known as Spedra. It has a quick onset of action, working in approximately 15-30 minutes. It lasts for around 30-60 minutes. 
Vardenafil - Available only under its branded version known as Levitra. It is the recommended tablet for diabetics, taking 30-60 minutes to work and lasting for 4-6 hours. 
 

What is the difference between Viagra and Cialis

Viagra and Cialis both belong to the same class of drugs, known as PDE5 inhibitors. Viagra takes 60 minutes to work and lasts for up to 4 hours.

Cialis takes 30 minutes to work and lasts for up to 36 hours.

To find out more, read our blog post looking at the differences between Cialis and Viagra.

Sources

NHS UK. (n.d.). Sildenafil (Viagra). Retrieved February 26, 2024, from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/