Viagra is a medication manufactured by Pfizer used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It helps them get and keep an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis, especially when a man is sexually aroused. Viagra is taken before sexual activity to help men with ED enjoy an improved sex life. In the US, Viagra comes in doses of 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg and requires a prescription, which means a GP or pharmacist like Click2Pharmacy must approve it for you.
| Key Feature | Pfizer Viagra |
|---|---|
| Brand | Viagra (Manufactured by Pfizer) |
| Dosage | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg |
| Active Ingredient | Sildenafil |
| Common Side Effects | Headaches, flushing, indigestion, dizziness |
| Suitable For | Men aged 18 and over with erectile dysfunction |
| Conditions Treated | Erectile Dysfunction Treatment (ED) |
| How it Works | Increases blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, helping to achieve and maintain an erection |
| Availability | Prescription-only in the US |
What does Viagra do?
Viagra, or sildenafil, is a medicine for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It helps get and keep an erection by increasing blood flow to the penis when a man is sexually excited. When a man is aroused, Viagra aids in relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow in, which is necessary for an erection.
After ejaculation, Viagra can also help maintain the erection and shorten the time it takes to get another erection.
Who is suitable for Viagra?
Viagra pills are suitable for men 18 years and older who are experiencing erectile dysfunction, i.e. difficulty in getting and/or maintaining an erection satisfactory for sexual performance.
Viagra 100mg tablets are not suitable for some people, inform your prescriber if you:
- Have had an allergic reaction to sildenafil or any other medicine in the past.
- Are taking medicines called nitrates for chest pain.
- Have serious heart or liver problems.
- Have had a stroke, heart attack, or serious heart problem recently.
- Have low blood pressure.
- Have a penis shape problem or Peyronie’s disease.
- Have a stomach ulcer.
- Have a bleeding problem such as haemophilia.
- Have been advised to reduce physical activities.
How long does Viagra take to work?
Viagra works specifically by blocking the action of PDE5, an enzyme found in the walls of blood vessels that can make them narrow. Viagra helps the blood vessels in the penis to relax and open up, so more blood flows in, and the man can get and keep an erection.
For Viagra tablets to be effective, sexual stimulation is required.
How to take Viagra
The recommended Viagra dosage is 25mg, taken as needed. The dose may be increased up to 100mg or decreased back down to 25mg, depending on how effective you find the medication. The maximum recommended dose for Viagra is 100mg once per day.
Viagra typically starts to work within 1 hour, so it’s recommended to take approximately one hour before sexual activity. If taken with or after food, the absorption can be slowed down.
The effects of Viagra can last up to 4 hours.
Viagra Side Effects
Like any medication, taking Viagra may cause some side effects, including:
Common
- Headaches
- Body aches and pain
- Dizziness
- Changes in vision
- Problems with the digestive system
Uncommon
- Chest pains during or after intercourse
- An allergic reaction: wheeziness, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the face
Rare
- Any sudden changes to hearing
- If you experience an erection that lasts more than 4 hours (priapism)
- Loss of vision
For a complete list of side effects, read the Pfizer Viagra Patient Information Leaflet.
Pfizer Viagra Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Sildenafil citrate
Inactive Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, calcium hydrogen phosphate (anhydrous), croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), lactose monohydrate, triacetin, indigo carmine aluminium lake (E132)
Alternatives to Pfizer Viagra
Some men might need an alternative to Viagra due to allergies, interactions with other medicines, or even because Viagra isn’t effective in treating their ED symptoms. At our erectile dysfunction clinic, Click2Pharmacy offers other options for treatment, including:
- Cialis (Tadalafil): This works like Viagra but can last longer – up to 36 hours. It comes in daily or as-needed doses.
- Spedra (Avanafil): It acts faster, in as little as 15 minutes, and the effects can last 4 to 6 hours.
- Sildenafil: This is generic Viagra and works in the same way.
Viagra Warnings
- Keep out of the SIGHT and REACH of children
- Do not use after the expiry date
- Viagra does not cure ED, increase a man’s sexual desire, protect against sexually transmitted diseases or serve as a male form of birth control.
