Understand key facts about Viagra (Sildenafil)
Viagra is the brand name created by the original patent holder who developed Sildenafil as an oral treatment for Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Often known as ‘the little blue pill’, Viagra tablets contain the active ingredient Sildenafil
Citrate and come as a film-coated tablet in strengths of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg, and in variable quantities of 4, 8, 16, 32 or 64 tablets.
Viagra key features
Taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before sex, Viagra is a prescription-only oral treatment for ED. It helps men achieve stronger, firmer and longer erections; however, users must be sexually aroused for it to be effective. It doesn’t cause immediate or uncontrollable erections.
- Oral tablet taken ‘on-demand’ as needed
- Available in multiple strengths
- Works in 30 minutes and lasts for 4 hours
Read more about how to use Viagra in the Directions for Use section. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medication in full.
How Viagra (Sildenafil) works to treat ED
Viagra works by targeting the specific problem that causes erectile dysfunction: poor blood flow to the penis.
The Viagra effect in action
During sexual arousal, the body naturally releases chemicals that tell blood vessels in the penis to relax and widen, allowing more blood to flow in and create an erection. However, another enzyme (called PDE5) quickly breaks down these helpful chemicals, causing the blood vessels to tighten again and the erection to fade.
Viagra blocks this PDE5 enzyme from working too quickly, which means the blood vessels stay relaxed longer and more blood can flow into the penis and remain there. Think of it like keeping a door propped open longer than usual. Viagra essentially holds the door open for blood flow when your body gives the signal for an erection.
Good to know
It's important to understand that Viagra doesn't create sexual arousal or automatically cause erections; it simply enhances your body's natural response when you're already sexually stimulated, making it easier to achieve and maintain a firm erection.
Could Viagra (Sildenafil) film-coated tablets be right for me?
Viagra (Sildenafil) film-coated tablets (25mg, 50mg, 100mg) are only available on prescription. Your online assessment will be reviewed by a doctor before a prescription is issued.
Before you complete an online assessment, read through and make sure you meet the initial eligibility criteria below. Meeting these criteria doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be approved for treatment.
- Male (those assigned male at birth)
- Aged 18 or over
Viagra may not be an appropriate treatment, including if:
- You take nitrates for a heart condition. These are usually tablets or capsules called Isosorbide Mononitrate or Nicorandil (a medicine very similar to a nitrate), but can be called by other names
- You use poppers
- You have angina or have ever been given a spray that goes under your tongue to help chest pain
- You have had a heart attack or stroke within the last six weeks
- You have a condition called Peyronie’s or your penis has a bend when erect
- You, or anyone in your family, has a history of eye disease, including retinitis pigmentosa or non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
- You have liver or kidney problems
- You have sickle-cell disease, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia
- You have a stomach ulcer
- You have low blood pressure
- You have uncontrolled high blood pressure
Our expert team are on hand to have a confidential and judgement-free chat about any concerns or finding the right treatment path. Call us on 01295 262925 or email [email protected].
Viagra Tablets (25mg, 50mg, 100mg) reviews
How to use Viagra Tablets (25mg, 50mg, 100mg)
These Viagra (Sildenafil) film-coated tablets are a prescription-only medication and should always be taken as directed by your doctor.
Always read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication thoroughly.
How to take Viagra (Sildenafil)
Unless otherwise prescribed, the usual recommended dose of Viagra is 50mg. The dose is taken as needed, around an hour before expected sexual activity. Depending on individual outcomes and tolerance, the dose may be increased to 100mg, or decreased to 25mg. The maximum recommended dose is 100mg. Only one dose should be taken each day.
The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
Increasing dosage levels above 100mg will not increase Viagra’s performance in your system, but it can lead to an increase and severity of unwanted, serious side effects.
How long does Viagra take to work?
It is recommended to take your prescribed dose around an hour before sexual intercourse. Viagra starts working for most people in around 30 minutes. Remember, it requires sexual stimulation to work.
The effects of Viagra can last up to 4 hours, but because it requires sexual stimulation to work, it won’t cause prolonged erections throughout this time.
Side effects of Viagra Tablets (25mg, 50mg, 100mg)
Viagra may cause some side effects, which are usually minor. Always read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication packaging or box for a full list of possible side effects.
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Facial flushing
- Hot flush (symptoms include a sudden feeling of heat in your upper body
- Indigestion
- Colour tinge to vision
- Blurred vision
- Visual disturbance
- Stuffy nose
- Dizziness
The side effects listed below are more serious. If you experience any of these, you should stop taking Viagra and seek immediate medical help.
- An erection that will not go away (priapism). If you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, seek medical help immediately. Priapism can permanently damage your penis.
- Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes can be a sign of a serious eye problem called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Stop taking Sildenafil and get medical help right away if you have sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
- Sudden hearing decrease or hearing loss. Some people may also have ringing in their ears (tinnitus) or dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, stop taking Sildenafil and contact a doctor right away.
If you would like to talk to our Healthcare Advisors about any concerns around side effects, please call us on 01295 262925 or email [email protected].