Viagra

Viagra is one of the most widely recognised treatments for erectile dysfunction, offering effective, on-demand support for stronger erections. It is a branded version of the medicine Sildenafil.

Trusted by millions worldwide, Viagra is valued for its fast onset of action and reliable results. When taken 30-60 minutes before sex, it improves erections and gives you the confidence and ability to enjoy a more fulfilling sex life.

While both treatments are highly effective, one may be more suitable for you than the other. Here’s the main selling point for each one:

• Viagra: Well-established and reliable – Viagra (Sildenafil) has a long history of use and proven effectiveness, making it a trusted choice for men who want a dependable option for erectile difficulties.
• Cialis: Long-lasting effect – The effects of Cialis (Tadalafil) can last for up to 36 hours, earning it the nickname ‘The weekend pill’. This makes it suitable for men who value spontaneous use over a longer period of time.

Explore our Cialis tablets for comparison.

Viagra works by widening blood vessels and relaxing muscle tissues in the penis. This increases blood flow to the genital area, making it easier to get and maintain an erection.

It does this through its active ingredient: sildenafil. Sildenafil blocks an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which helps maintain blood flow during sex. This ensures your body responds the way it’s supposed to during sexual arousal, so intimacy feels effortless and satisfying.

Clinical trials have found Sildenafil (generic Viagra) to help up to 82% of men with erectile dysfunction achieve an erection within 45 minutes.

Here are the full results of this study:

• 71% of patients achieved an erection within 30 minutes.
• 82% of patients achieved an erection within 45 minutes.
• The average time erections lasted was around 20 minutes.

No, Viagra does not directly make you last longer in bed, nor is it a treatment for premature ejaculation. Viagra’s main function is to help you achieve and maintain an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis.

With that being said, having a firmer erection and reduced performance anxiety can sometimes make sexual activity feel longer and more satisfying, but this is not a direct result of the medicine.

You should begin to feel the effects of Viagra 30-60 minutes after taking your dose, with peak effects felt at around the 2 hour mark.

This is the average effect. However, a few things can make it work faster or slower:

• Food: Taking Viagra tablets on an empty stomach can help it work more quickly, and taking it with food can make it take longer.
• Alcohol: Large amounts of alcohol can delay the effects of Sildenafil and reduce blood flow, making it less effective.
• Age: It may take longer for older men, especially those over 65, to feel the effects due to slower metabolism and reduced blood flow.

Viagra usually lasts for around 4 hours. You can have sex multiple times during this period.

If the effects last longer than 4 hours, or you experience an erection that doesn’t go down (known as priapism), seek immediate medical help.

A doctor can only prescribe Viagra for men over 18 years old experiencing erectile dysfunction.

Do not take Viagra if you have:

• An allergy to sildenafil citrate (the active ingredient)
• A severe heart or liver problem
• Low blood pressure
• Certain inherited eye disorders (like retinitis pigmentosa)
• Recently had a stroke or heart attack

No, women should not take Viagra as it is not approved for them. Taking Viagra will not help women with their sexual dysfunction.

Talk to your doctor for alternative treatment if you are a woman experiencing issues in your sex life. An alternative to Viagra for women is Flibanserin, which can help if you have a low sex drive. Although, reviews for this are mixed, and not all women will benefit from using this.

There are 3 doses of Viagra tablets available. Consult this table to see which one is right for you:

Viagra 100 mg tablets will only be prescribed if you have experienced no side effects from 50 mg Viagra tablets.

Most people won’t experience side effects from Viagra, but they can happen. The most common Viagra side effects include:

• headache
• nausea
• hot flush
• indigestion
• vision changes
• stuffy nose
• dizziness

For a full list of side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

While generally safe, drinking alcohol with Viagra can make treatment less effective or increase the risk of side effects like dizziness or nausea. Alcohol has been known to impair men’s ability to get an erection.

To get the maximum benefit from Viagra, avoid alcohol during use.

Yes, Viagra is generally safe when taken as prescribed by a doctor. It has been widely used since its approval in 1998 and has a well-established safety profile.

However, Viagra should not be taken with medicines known as nitrates, certain heart treatments, or if you have specific health conditions such as severe heart or liver problems. Always follow medical advice to ensure safe use.

No, Viagra requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider*. Safety is our number one priority at 121doc. For this reason, our doctors will only prescribe Viagra if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects

*Viagra Connect is an over-the-counter version of Viagra containing 50 mg of sildenafil, and, while you do need approval from a pharmacist, it does not require a prescription. However, this version of Viagra is not available for purchase from 121doc.