Viagra

What is Viagra?

Viagra is a prescription medicine used for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). The active ingredient is sildenafil citrate, which is clinically proven and has been used worldwide for several decades, helping men both achieve and maintain erections for sexual activity.

Viagra is the original branded version of sildenafil and was the first oral treatment approved for erectile dysfunction. It has been extensively studied and remains one of the most widely recognised and trusted treatments for ED globally.

Viagra is taken only when needed rather than on a daily basis. It works alongside natural sexual desire to support the body's normal erectile response, helping men achieve an erection.

How Does Viagra Work?

Viagra works by improving blood flow to the penis. It is part of a group of medicines known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which act on the blood vessels involved in the erection process.

When a man becomes sexually stimulated, the body releases nitric oxide. This triggers a natural chain reaction that relaxes smooth muscle in the blood vessels of the penis, allowing increased blood flow and leading to an erection. The PDE5 enzyme normally breaks down this signal, limiting how long the effect lasts.

Viagra works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme, helping blood vessels stay relaxed longer. This enhances blood flow and makes it easier to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity.

Viagra does not cause an erection on its own. Sexual stimulation is still required for it to work. Once the effects wear off, erectile function returns to its usual state.

How Long Does Viagra Take to Work?

Viagra typically starts working within 30 to 60 minutes and remains effective for around four to six hours. This does not mean you will have a continuous erection, but rather that you may find it easier to achieve one during this time when sexually stimulated.

Viagra may not work the first time you use it, especially if it has been some time since you were last able to achieve an erection. Remember to relax and be open to trying again on a different day. Never take more than one dose of sildenafil a day.

Does Viagra Work for Erectile Dysfunction?

Viagra (sildenafil) has a long track record as the original oral treatment for erectile dysfunction and remains one of the most widely recognised options available. Since its introduction, it has been evaluated in thousands of men across a wide range of ages, medical backgrounds and levels of ED severity. With continued use, many men have reported more positive sexual experiences over time.

One two-phase study involved participants taking a dose of sildenafil between 10 mg and 100 mg an hour before intercourse. It showed that 93% of men reported improved erections. The second phase then continued some participants with sildenafil, while others were given a placebo. Those who remained on the medication reported significant improvements in the frequency and duration of erections, while the placebo group returned to pre-treatment values.

In a second trial, which recorded results 2 hours post-dose of sildenafil 100 mg, the average duration of an erection firm enough to engage in sexual intercourse was 19.4 minutes, compared to only 3.9 minutes with a placebo. When reviewed again 4 hours post-dose, the median duration was 5 minutes for sildenafil and 0 minutes for the placebo.

Finally, a third study that compared sildenafil 50 mg with a placebo recorded that 82% of men in the sildenafil group achieved an erection of over 60% rigidity, compared to 53% who used a placebo. Those on sildenafil also took an average of 27 minutes to achieve an erection, compared to 50 minutes in the placebo group.

Viagra remains one of the most widely used and trusted erectile dysfunction treatments. Whilst individual results may vary, most men taking Viagra report a meaningful improvement in their erections.

How to Take Viagra Tablets

Viagra should be taken approximately 1 hour before planned sexual activity. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Sexual stimulation is required for Viagra to work, as it doesn't trigger an erection automatically. This means you should engage in foreplay or masturbation as you normally would. Always take Viagra exactly as prescribed by your clinician.

For best results, it is recommended to avoid heavy or high-fat meals before taking Viagra. Large meals can slow absorption and delay how quickly it takes effect. Avoid grapefruit juice whilst taking Viagra, as this can increase drug levels in the body.

How to Use Viagra for Best Results

When you are prescribed Viagra, your clinician will advise you on how to take it. To maximise Viagra's effectiveness, follow this simple advice:

• Avoid heavy/fatty meals before using sildenafil, as this can delay its onset
• Limit or avoid alcohol use, as alcohol can make it harder to achieve and maintain an erection
• Engage in foreplay as you normally would (sildenafil doesn't cause an erection without sexual stimulation)
• Relax and take your time. Undue pressure can make it more difficult to get an erection.
• If it doesn't work, don't worry. You can try again on another day.

Viagra Dosage Information

The usual starting dose of Viagra for erectile dysfunction is 50 mg taken when needed before sexual activity. Do not take it more than once per day. Depending on effectiveness and tolerability, a clinician may adjust the dose to 25 mg or increase it up to a maximum of 100 mg. If Viagra does not help you get an erection that lasts long enough for sex, speak to your prescriber.

If You Take Too Many Viagra Pills

If you take more Viagra than you should, you may experience an increase in side effects and their severity. Clinical trials have demonstrated that doses above 100 mg do not improve how well the treatment works. Never increase your dose without first consulting your prescriber.

If you have taken too much Viagra, seek immediate medical support. If you need to go to hospital, take the medication and packaging with you so healthcare professionals know what you have taken.

Viagra Side Effects and Cautions

Viagra is a widely-used erectile dysfunction treatment that is usually well tolerated. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. The following safety information covers known side effects and potentially serious adverse reactions.

Potential Side Effects of Viagra

Like all medicines, Viagra can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most side effects are mild to moderate and short-lived. If you experience side effects from Viagra use, contact your prescriber.

Please note that the above is not an exhaustive list of possible Viagra side effects. More details can be found within the Patient Information Leaflet enclosed with the medication. You can also report any adverse reactions to your clinician or using the MHRA's Yellow Card Scheme.

Serious Viagra Side Effects

Serious side effects are uncommon, but it is important to be aware of them in case they do occur. Stop taking Viagra and seek urgent medical help if you experience any of the following:

• An allergic reaction. Symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, or throat.
• Chest pains. If this occurs during or after intercourse, get into a semi-sitting position and seek emergency medical attention. Do not use nitrates to treat your chest pain.
• Prolonged and sometimes painful erection that lasts longer than 4 hours.
• A sudden decrease or loss of vision
• Serious skin reactions. Symptoms include skin peeling, swelling, fever, and blistering of the mouth, genitals, and around the eyes.
• Seizures (fits)

Viagra Warnings and Interactions

Viagra may be prescribed to adult men diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, but it's not suitable for everyone. It should not be used by individuals taking nitrate medicines, those with certain heart conditions, severe low blood pressure (hypotension) or specific rare eye disorders. A clinician will review your medical history and current medications before prescribing.

Do not take Viagra pills if:

• You are allergic to sildenafil or any other ingredient in this medication
• You have a severe heart or liver problem
• You have recently had a stroke or heart attack
• You have been advised by your doctor to avoid sexual activity because of problems with your heart or blood vessels
• You have certain rare inherited eye diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa
• You have ever had loss of vision due to non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy
• You do not have erectile dysfunction
• You are a woman

Precautions Before Taking Viagra

Before you are prescribed Viagra, your prescriber will review your medical history and current medication use to determine whether it is right for you. You must tell your prescriber if any of the following apply to you:

• You have sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia
• You have a deformity of your penis or Peyronie's Disease
• You have problems with your heart. Your doctor should assess whether your heart can manage the additional strain of sex
• You currently have a stomach ulcer or bleeding problem
• You have kidney or liver problems

Viagra and Other Medicines

You must tell your prescriber if you are taking or have recently taken any other prescription medications, over-the-counter treatments, herbal remedies, or supplements.

Do not take Viagra if you also take:

• Nitrate medicines. These include medicines to treat chest pain and heart failure (such as glyceryl trinitrate or isosorbide mononitrate), recreational drugs known as 'poppers' (alkyl nitrites), nicorandil, and sodium nitroprusside
• Riociguat or other guanylate cyclase stimulators (used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs)
• Sildenafil or another PDE5 inhibitor for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension
• Another erectile dysfunction medication (discuss this with your prescriber)

Other medications may be used alongside Viagra with caution. Your prescriber may want to adjust your dose or recommend an alternative treatment option. These include:

• Some medicines to treat chest pain. In the event of a medical emergency, tell your doctor that you have taken sildenafil
• Medicines known as protease inhibitors (used in the treatment of HIV)
• Alpha-blockers (used for the treatment of high blood pressure or prostate enlargement)
• Medicines containing sacubitril/valsartan (used to treat heart failure)

Viagra contains lactose. This medication may not be suitable if your doctor has told you to avoid certain sugars.

Where to Buy Viagra

Viagra can be bought from licensed pharmacies, including reputable online pharmacies, with a valid prescription. At Prescription Doctor, our trained prescribers will review your symptoms, medical history and current medication use to determine whether Viagra is the right option for you.

Can You Buy Viagra Over the Counter?

Viagra can only be purchased with a valid prescription. This means it is not available to buy over the counter. However, alternative medications containing sildenafil 50 mg can be bought without a prescription, including Viagra Connect and Aronix.

The benefit of prescription sildenafil is that it comes in a range of doses, allowing your prescriber to adjust it to your needs. Regardless of which option you choose, our expert clinicians will review your medical history to confirm that sildenafil is suitable for you.

Is Viagra Available on the NHS?

Generic sildenafil can be prescribed on the NHS for erectile dysfunction. Whether it is prescribed for you will depend on your individual circumstances and local prescribing arrangements. If you get sildenafil on the NHS, you will likely be prescribed generic sildenafil rather than branded Viagra.

At Prescription Doctor, we offer a choice of sildenafil products. Many men prefer the discretion and ease of purchasing erectile dysfunction medication from an online prescription service.

Can You Buy Viagra Online?

Yes, you can buy Viagra tablets online from reputable pharmacies like Prescription Doctor. We understand how important it is to get the treatment you need quickly and discreetly, so you can access our service anytime from home, with no appointment needed. Simply complete a brief questionnaire, and we'll take care of the rest.

Our experienced clinicians will review your information to determine whether Viagra is suitable for your circumstances. When approved, we dispatch your order from our General Pharmaceutical Council-registered pharmacy in plain packaging for complete confidentiality. Orders approved before 3pm on a weekday are also eligible for next-day delivery.

Where Can I Buy Viagra Near Me?

If you live in the Bolton borough and are wondering "where can I buy Viagra near me?", Prescription Doctor can help. We make it possible for you to place an order using our discreet, convenient service and then collect it from our dispensing pharmacy. The pharmacy is open on weekends and Bank Holidays, so you can easily access the treatment you need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Viagra