Viagra 50mg

Viagra increases blood flow and helps you get & maintain an erection.

Viagra 50mg tablets
viagra 50mg tablets

Viagra is a medication used for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Viagra Connect 50mg contains the active ingredient sildenafil.

As Viagra is a prescription only medication, you’ll need to speak to a doctor to get a prescription. Fill out a short questionnaire and one of our doctors will review your answers. If Viagra is suitable for you, they will send a digital prescription to a local pharmacy in Ireland. We can also deliver the paper prescription to your home address. Alternatively, you can choose to have your medication delivered directly to your door.

If you request Viagra before 4pm we can send a prescription the same day.


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What is Viagra?

Viagra is an oral medication most commonly prescribed to men experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED). It is part of a group of medications called PDE5 inhibitors, and contains the active ingredient sildenafil. Viagra is also available as a ‘generic’ medication under the name Sildenafil. This is a cheaper alternative that works in exactly the same way.

How to take Viagra?

Viagra should be taken approximately 1 hour before engaging in sexual activity, and swallowed whole with water. If you find that Viagra is not effective, it is recommended that you avoid consuming alcohol and large meals before using it. You should try using Viagra on at least 8 different occasions before looking at alternative options.

How does Viagra work?

Viagra works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow, making it easier to get erections when you’re aroused. Its effects can be felt within 30 to 60 minutes and can last for approximately 4 to 5 hours.

When you’re sexually aroused, your body creates a substance called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) which helps you get and maintain an erection. Another enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) can break down cGMP, which can prevent an erection from occurring.

Viagra contains sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, which works to counteract cGMP to stop it from preventing you achieving an erection. By taking Viagra, the PDE5 enzyme is blocked, allowing cGMP to work uninterrupted. This results in relaxed blood vessels and improved blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and keep an erection.

How long does Viagra last?

Viagra typically lasts for about 4 to 5 hours after it's taken.

If you require more flexibility, there are other options available, including Cialis. Cialis has the active ingredient tadalafil and can last up to 36 hours. Some people call it the "weekend pill" because it allows for spontaneous sex without having to plan too far ahead. You can also take Cialis Daily, which is when you take a dose of Cialis every day so you’re always ready to have sex, and don’t need to worry about how long the treatment lasts or when you need to take it.

It's important to know that simply taking Viagra or other PDE5 inhibitors won't automatically result in an erection. You need to be aroused, so you may need to try foreplay to get you in the mood first.

What are the side effects of Viagra?

Like all medications, you may experience some side effects when taking Viagra or sildenafil.

You should call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you experience:

  • allergic reactions, where you suddenly have trouble breathing, feel dizzy, or your eyelids, face, lips, or throat swell up
  • chest pain during or after sex. Try to sit up and relax. Do not use nitrates
  • priapism, which is when you have an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours and it hurts
  • a sudden loss of or worsening of your sight
  • serious skin reactions, like your skin peeling off, your mouth or genitals blistering, or having a fever
  • seizures (fits)

Headaches are very common when taking Viagra.

1 in 10 people may also experience:

  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • dizziness
  • trouble seeing clearly
  • blushing
  • hot flushes
  • a blocked or runny nose
  • indigestion

You can find details on more rare side effects in the patient information leaflet.

Why does Viagra not last as long as some other ED treatments?

The length of time that each treatment for erectile dysfunction lasts depends on how quickly your body breaks down the active ingredient. This is why some treatments last longer than others.

We offer several PDE5 inhibitors, each with different durations of effectiveness:

  • Sildenafil (including Viagra) begins working about 60 minutes after taking it and typically lasts for up to 5 hours.
  • Tadalafil (including Cialis) begins working about 30 minutes after taking it and can last up to 36 hours.
  • Vardenafil (including Levitra) begins working about 30 minutes after taking it and typically lasts for up to 4 hours.
  • Avanafil (including Spedra) begins working about 30 minutes after taking it and typically lasts for up to 6 hours.

Can age, health, or anything else influence the effect of Viagra?

Viagra can be affected by certain factors, but age is not one of them for healthy males. If Viagra does not work, there could be several causes including:

  • a hormonal disorder like testosterone deficiency
  • an underlying disease like diabetes or atherosclerosis
  • nerve damage in or around the pelvis

Taking Viagra incorrectly can also reduce its effectiveness. If taken with a heavy or fatty meal, the effect may be delayed. Drinking alcohol while taking Viagra can also make it harder to get an erection.

What is the psychological effect of Viagra?

There can be positive psychological impacts to taking Viagra. It can help you have sex without worrying about getting or maintaining an erection, which can lead to increased confidence and libido.

What are the differences between sildenafil and Viagra?

Generic medications contain the same active ingredient as their branded counterparts, but they may look different in terms of shape or colour. A few patients may be able to take sildenafil but not Viagra, or vice versa, and some may have sensitivity to other ingredients such as lactose which can trigger stomach disorders.

The most significant difference between branded and generic medications is the price. Since generic medications do not have to undergo the same development process as branded drugs, they are often much more affordable.

What is the difference between Viagra and Sildenafil, are they not the same?

When a drug's patent protection expires, other companies can manufacture and sell medication containing the same active ingredient. Viagra, for example, is now also sold under the generic name sildenafil. Sildenafil works in exactly the same way as Viagra, the only difference is that Viagra is branded and sildenafil is a generic medication. You are more likely to be prescribed sildenafil on the NHS than Viagra because it’s a cheaper medication that works in exactly the same way.

Who should not take Viagra?

Men under the age of 18 and women of any age should not take Viagra. Additionally, you should not take Viagra if you:

  • have an allergy to sildenafil or any other ingredient in Viagra
  • do not have a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction from a doctor
  • take nitrates, such as those used to treat angina
  • use nitric oxide donors, such as poppers or amyl nitrate
  • have had a heart attack or stroke within the last 6 months
  • have low blood pressure
  • have an eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa
  • have experienced or are currently experiencing loss of vision due to arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
  • are using other treatments for erectile dysfunction
  • are using any other medications which contain sildenafil
  • are taking riociguat, which is used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)

You should also speak with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Viagra if you have pre-existing conditions such as:

  • sickle cell anaemia
  • leukaemia
  • multiple myeloma
  • Peyronie’s disease
  • an anatomical deformity of the penis
  • heart problems
  • a blood clotting disorder
  • a gastrointestinal ulcer
  • liver or kidney problems

Can I take Viagra if I don’t have erectile dysfunction?

No, even people who do not have ED can experience side effects from taking Viagra. Using Viagra without a medical need can cause unnecessary risks and should be avoided.

Viagra dosage

It is important to note that the dosage and duration of treatment for Viagra may vary depending on your individual circumstances and medical history. It is essential to follow the specific instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist and not exceed the recommended dose. It is also essential to seek medical advice if you experience any side effects or have concerns about the effectiveness of the medication.

Which active ingredients are contained in Viagra film tablets?

The active ingredient in Viagra is called sildenafil citrate, and it comes in dosages of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg per tablet.

The tablet’s core also contains other components, including:

  • microcrystalline cellulose
  • calcium hydrogen phosphate
  • croscarmellose sodium
  • magnesium stearate

In addition, the coating of the tablet is composed of:

  • hypromellose
  • titanium dioxide (E171)
  • lactose monohydrate
  • triacetin
  • indigo carmine aluminium lake (E132)

What does Viagra look like and what pack sizes is the drug available in?

Viagra is diamond shaped and blue in colour, earning it the nickname “the blue pill”. The tablets are imprinted with "PFIZER" on one side and the dosage (either VGR 25, VGR 50, or VGR 100) on the other side. The tablets come in blister packs of 2, 4, 8, 12, or 24 tablets, although some pack sizes may not be available at your pharmacy.

Can Viagra interact with other medicines and food?

Yes. It's important to be careful when taking Viagra with other medicines or foods, as it can make the side effects worse or stop the tablet from working properly.

Never take Viagra with medicines that contain nitrate, as this can make your blood pressure drop dangerously.

Other drugs and foods that can affect the use of Viagra include:

  • certain antibiotics, like rifampin and erythromycin
  • treatments for HIV, like saquinavir and ritonavir
  • cimetidine, a treatment for heartburn
  • ketoconazole, a treatment for fungal infections
  • bosentan, a treatment for high blood pressure in the lungs
  • alpha blockers like doxazosin, which help treat an enlarged prostate or high blood pressure
  • grapefruit or grapefruit juice, which can cause Viagra to stay in your blood longer and heighten the risk of side effects

You should always let your doctor know if you are taking other medications alongside Viagra.

Information about the manufacturer

Viagra used to be manufactured by Pfizer, but Upjohn EESV (known as Viatris) has recently become the manufacturer. This is a joint venture between Pfizer and the Dutch company Mylan. The tablet and ingredients will remain the same.

In the EU, the marketing authorisation holder of Viagra is Rivium Westlaan 142, 2909 LD Capelle aan de Ijssel, Netherlands

Can you buy Viagra online?

Yes, but it's important to ensure that you are purchasing Viagra from a reputable and licensed online pharmacy in Ireland with a valid prescription from a doctor. Buying Viagra without a prescription and from an unlicensed source is illegal and unsafe.

Fill out a short questionnaire with ZAVA and one of our doctors will review your answers. If Viagra is suitable for you, they will send a digital prescription to a local pharmacy in Ireland. We can also deliver the paper prescription to your home address.

Alternative erectile dysfunction treatments

There are other treatment options available if you do not want to take Viagra. These include:

These medications work in a similar way to Viagra and are known as PDE5 inhibitors. If you want to try an alternative treatment to PDE5 inhibitors, you can try Vitaros cream.

You may want to try some lifestyle changes to lower your chance of having erectile dysfunction. These might be losing weight, stopping smoking or exercising frequently.

There is often a psychological aspect to erectile dysfunction, especially if you only lose your erection occasionally. This can be due to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, or even how you feel about having sex. You can speak to your GP to find out more about psychotherapy, or find a private counsellor.

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Medically reviewed by:
Dr Babak Ashrafi Clinical Lead for Service Expansion

Babak studied medicine at King’s College London and graduated in 2003, having also gained a bachelor’s degree in Physiology during his time there. He completed his general practice (GP) training in East London, where he worked for a number of years as a partner at a large inner-city GP practice. He completed the Royal College of GPs membership exam in 2007.

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Last reviewed: 05 Apr 2023