Viagra

What is Viagra?

Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil, which is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.

It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which helps men to gain and sustain an erection. 

This medicine comes in the form of tablets, chewable tablets, or as a liquid. However, you must have a prescription to buy Viagra.

What is Viagra/Sildenafil used to treat?

Viagra is the most common treatment available for erectile dysfunction, although there are other medicines to treat erectile dysfunction that also contain sildenafil.

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that makes it difficult for men to gain or maintain an erection. Taking a medication like Viagra means that you are able to get an erection that is firm enough to complete sexual intercourse, allowing you to enjoy a normal sex life.

Viagra can also be prescribed to treat pulmonary hypertension, which is high blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs.

Why is Viagra recommended for erectile dysfunction?

Research has proven that at least two-thirds of men have better erections after taking Viagra (sildenafil).

How does Viagra work?

Viagra tablets contain the active ingredient sildenafil, which belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5) inhibitors. It helps the blood vessels in the penis to relax, which makes it much easier for blood to flow to the penis, helping you to gain and maintain a firm erection.

It normally takes between 30 and 60 minutes for most men to gain an erection after taking Viagra, although this length of time can differ from person to person.

For Viagra to work properly, you will still need to be sexually aroused. Therefore, you and your partner should still engage in foreplay before you have sex.

Who can take Viagra?

Viagra is one of the most effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, but it is not suitable for everyone to take.

As a treatment for sexual issues, Viagra should only be taken by men.

You should not take Viagra or any sildenafil products if you have any of the following conditions:

• You have recently had a heart attack
• You have recently had a stroke
• You have low blood pressure
• You are taking any nitrate medicines to treat chest pains
• You have had an allergic reaction to sildenafil or any other ingredients in Viagra
• You have any inherited eye diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa

Viagra may not be a suitable medicine for you to take if any of the below apply to you. You should make sure you check with your doctor before taking Viagra if:

• You have a stomach ulcer or any bleeding problems such as haemophilia
• You have Peyronie's disease (a curved penis), or any other deformities of the penis
• You have an abnormality of red blood cells known as sickle cell anaemia
• You have leukaemia
• You have multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer)
• You have a heart problem (if so, you should check with your doctor as to whether your heart can take the exertion involved with having sex)

This list is not exhaustive. Always read the patient information leaflet that will accompany your medicine before you take Viagra. 

Can you buy Viagra over the counter?

Viagra must be prescribed for you by a doctor and is not available over the counter. Many counterfeit versions of Viagra are for sale, but you should never purchase medication from anywhere other than regulated pharmacies.

Can you buy Viagra in the UK?

You can buy Viagra online from regulated pharmacies like Medicine Direct. As this is a prescription medication, you will need to fill out an online consultation questionnaire before your order can be confirmed. This involves answering some questions about your medical history and condition; your answers will be reviewed by one of our registered prescribers to make sure Viagra is suitable for you to take.

Viagra Alternatives

Several alternative erectile dysfunction medicines are available to order from Medicine Direct. Most of these medicines work in the same way as Viagra.

Spedra tablets contain a medicine called avanafil. It gets to work in just 20 minutes and can work for around four hours.

Cialis tablets take around 30 minutes to work and can remain effective for up to 36 hours.

We also sell Vitaros, which is a topical treatment for erectile dysfunction. This cream is applied to the opening of the penis and helps to stimulate an erection.

Viagra dose for erectile dysfunction

Viagra is available in doses of 25mg, 50mg or 100mg. The usual starting dose is 50mg, although your doctor may prescribe you a higher or lower dose depending on how well this initial dose works for you.

Tell your doctor if you think your prescribed dose is too high or low. Do not adjust the dose yourself.

Do not take Viagra more than once in 24 hours.

How to take Viagra

Swallow Viagra tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, suck or chew the tablets.

Take Viagra approximately one hour before you intend to have sex. You will still need to be sexually stimulated in order for Viagra to work properly. For this medication to help you gain an erection, you should still engage in foreplay with your partner before you try to have sexual intercourse.

Viagra can be taken with or without food, although if you take it with or after a large meal, it may take longer to work.

Tell your doctor if you have taken the medicine as instructed, engaged in foreplay and still not gained an erection.

Always read the patient information leaflet before you start taking Viagra. You will find full instructions here.

Viagra Side Effects

As with all medicines, Viagra (sildenafil) comes with the risk of certain side effects, although not everyone will suffer from them.

Most people who take Viagra for erectile dysfunction will experience no side effects at all, while some may experience mild effects that do not last for very long.

Common adverse effects of Viagra (sildenafil) include:

• Headaches
• Feeling sick
• Dizziness
• A blocked nose
• Hot flushes and facial flushing
• Blurred vision or a colour tinge in your vision
• Indigestion

Please note, this is not a full list of adverse reactions associated with Viagra (sildenafil).

Always read the information leaflet that accompanies your medicine for a comprehensive list of side effects and details on how to cope with them.

Viagra Warnings and Drug Interactions

Sildenafil may interact with other medications and interfere with how well they work.

You should always make sure that both your doctor and pharmacist are aware of any medicines you are already taking. This includes any medicine you are using with or without a prescription, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

In particular, you should tell your doctor if you are currently using any of the following before you take Viagra:

• Any nitrate medicine to treat chest pains
• Riociguat to treat pulmonary hypertension
• Any recreational drugs known as 'poppers', such as amyl nitrite

Some herbal remedies and complementary therapies may contain ingredients that can interfere with the effectiveness of sildenafil.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Sildenafil can also be used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension in both men and women.

Sildenafil is not indicated for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding. Do not take this medication unless your doctor has prescribed it to you during your pregnancy or during breastfeeding. 

Learn more about taking Viagra (Sildenafil) during pregnancy and breastfeeding on the BUMPS website.

As with all medicines, you should always make sure you read the patient information leaflet thoroughly before starting a course of treatment.

Viagra Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Sildenafil Citrate

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

How much does it cost to buy Viagra online in the UK?