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Viagra - Erectile dysfunction treatment
  • Works in 1hr
  • Lasts up to 4hrs
  • Works for 60-70% of men

Viagra (branded Sildenafil)

Viagra is a reliable, branded ED treatment often called 'the blue pill'.

Viagra - Erectile dysfunction treatment

Branded treatment

View generic option - from £2.81/tablet
Strength
Pack size
Collection and delivery info
Returning patient? Reorder

Alternative treatment: Sildenafil

  • Works in 1hr
  • Lasts up to 4hrs
  • Works for 60-70% of men

Generic or branded treatments?

Some treatments contain the same active ingredient but are sold under different names. If the active ingredient and the dosage are the same, the treatments will have the same effect and work in the same way. 

Generic Branded
Same active ingredient
Works in the same way
Often less expensive

What our patients say

Trustpilot

What does Viagra do?

  • How do you take Viagra?

    Take one tablet 1hr before sex and works best on an empty stomach. Alcohol will limit Viagra's effectiveness. Do not combine Viagra with other ED medicines.

  • How does Viagra work?

    Viagra's active ingredient (sildenafil citrate) increases blood flow to the penis. It enables a firmer, longer-lasting erection if you are sexually aroused.

    The treatment will not resolve the underlying physical cause of your ED or increase your sexual desire.

  • How long does Viagra take to work?

    It usually takes 30-60 minutes to work for erectile dysfunction. It can be taken up to 4 hours before sex. Find out more about how long Viagra takes to work. 

  • How long does Viagra last?

    Effects of Viagra can last for up to 4hrs. Never take more than one tablet within 24hrs.

  • How effective is Viagra?

    Viagra treats ED in 60-70% of cases. If you have eaten a large meal or drunk more than 1-2 units of alcohol, you may find Viagra is less effective.

    We advise trying an ED treatment 8 times before giving up, considering a higher dose, or seeking an alternative.

  • Does Viagra become less effective over time?

    Some men who use Viagra might find that over time Viagra becomes less effective. However, there are lots of options for treating ED and Viagra does work for two thirds of the men who take it. 

  • What to expect when first taking Viagra

    It’s good to remember, you won’t instantly get an erection when taking Viagra. You will need to be sexually aroused for it to work. So don’t worry if you don’t instantly feel a difference, it can take 30-60 minutes to begin to feel the effect. You can take the tablet up to 4 hours before use.

  • Viagra side effects

    Side effects are uncommon, but Viagra side effects can include:

    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • back pain
    • diarrhoea
    • an allergic rash

    Some men also experience facial flushing, headaches, light headedness, nasal congestion, indigestion, palpitations (racing heartbeat), and blurred vision. For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet.

  • Is Viagra bad for your heart?

    ED medication such as Viagra is safe for people with healthy hearts. ED medications such as (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) can be taken alongside most heart medications, but cannot be used alongside nitrates which are commonly used to treat angina. ED treatments can be used from six months after a heart attack but aren't recommended for people with low blood pressure. 

    ED can be a symptom of underlying conditions such as diabetes, narrowing of the arteries or high blood pressure. ED can also be a side effect of some medications, including diuretics which are often used to treat heart-related conditions. Find out more about the signs of heart problems. 

  • What dose of Viagra should I take?

    The standard dose is 50mg. Depending on your age, height and weight, the cause and the severity of your ED, you may be prescribed a lower dose of 25mg, or a higher one of 100mg. Dosage does not affect how quickly or for how long the treatment works.

    Higher doses come with an increased chance of developing side effects.

  • Can Viagra go out of date?

    Like all medications Viagra will have a use by date. It’s not advised to take any medication past its use by date. 

  • Drug interactions

    If you are taking alpha-blockers (such as doxazosin or tamsulosin), you should wait at least 6 hours between taking those and taking Viagra.

    You will be unsuitable for Viagra if you are taking nicorandil or nitrates, such as GTN spray or isosorbide mononitrate tablets to treat angina.

    It is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Viagra safely.

  • Why shouldn't I drink alcohol when taking Viagra?

    While a beer or a couple of glasses of wine won’t affect how Viagra works, any more than this can make it harder to get an erection. It’s advised to not drink heavily before taking Viagra if you would like the best results. 

  • Should I take Viagra on an empty stomach?

    Viagra can be taken after eating or on an empty stomach. However, if you take Viagra after a high-fat meal (e.g. fried food) you might find it takes longer to feel an effect. 

  • Can I buy Viagra online?

    You can request and pay for a Viagra prescription online. As this is a prescription-only medication, even if you are using an online service, you will need a prescription from a clinician before you can buy the treatment. 

    You can get Viagra Connect from select pharmacies without a prescription. It contains the same active ingredient as Viagra - sildenafil citrate. 

  • What happens if a woman takes Viagra?

    Viagra is not typically prescribed to women. There has been research done into women taking Viagra, you can find out more here. 

  • Alternatives to Viagra

    Some men find counselling helpful as a means of exploring and treating psychological causes for ED.

    If Viagra does not work for you, contact us via your Patient Record so that we can discuss your treatment options. View all our ED treatments.

  • Reordering & subscription

    To reorder Viagra, go to your Patient Record and select ‘reorder’. You will be required to fill in the online questionnaire each time you reorder.

Other erectile dysfunction treatments

More advice about erectile dysfunction

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