Viagra

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.

Viagra typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes to start working, but this can be affected by things like when and what you last ate, and whether you’ve had alcohol. Although Viagra can be taken before or after meals, consuming a rich meal before taking Viagra may delay its effects. To get Viagra working as quickly as possible, we recommend allowing a gap of about 2 hours between eating a meal and taking Viagra.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 is available in doses of 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. You will normally start with a 50mg dose and adjust if needed.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

Is Viagra safe?

Yes, Viagra is safe to use, but you must only take it if a doctor prescribes it to you. Make sure to follow your doctor's orders on how much to take, and only take one dose in a day.

Like all medications, Viagra can cause side effects, but most are not serious and will go away once your body gets used to the treatment. If you experience serious side effects, or side effects that don’t go away, you should talk to your doctor.

How quickly does Viagra work?

It usually takes 30 minutes to an hour for Viagra to start working, but for some men this might be quicker. How quickly it works can be different for each person and depends on things like your metabolism, diet, and how aroused you are. If you want Viagra to work as quickly as possible, it's best to avoid alcohol and fatty foods for at least an hour before taking it.

How do I know Viagra is working?

If Viagra is working, you will find it easier to get and keep an erection when you are sexually aroused. This usually happens 30 minutes to an hour after taking it, but if you have recently eaten a heavy meal or drank alcohol, it may take longer.

It's important to remember that you need to be sexually aroused for Viagra to work. If you're not aroused, it won't give you an erection.

Does Viagra always work?

While Viagra is a highly effective treatment for ED in most men, there is no guarantee that it will work every time. It's also important to note that just because it has worked in the past doesn't mean it will work without fail in the future. Several factors, such as alcohol consumption and level of arousal, can impact the effectiveness of Viagra.

If you find that Viagra is not effective for you, you can seek advice from your doctor about alternative options.

If Viagra doesn’t work the first time you try it, it's recommended that you try taking it at least 8 times before trying a different treatment. It may take a few attempts before you get the results you want, and the medication may require some time to work effectively. If Viagra still doesn't work after trying it 8 times, you should speak to your doctor about other treatments which may be more suitable for you.

In some cases, an underlying medical condition like diabetes or a hormone deficiency could be responsible for erectile dysfunction. It’s important to see a doctor if you are experiencing ED as they can rule out any health concerns.

How much Viagra should I take the first time?

A typical starting dose of Viagra is a single 50mg tablet, although this may be lower depending on any other health conditions or medications you may be taking. You should always follow the prescribed dosage of Viagra and never take more than what is recommended.

In the event that Viagra fails to produce the desired results, you can try again the next day. However, it's important to follow the recommended dosage and never take more without consulting your doctor first.

Can you take Viagra every day?

Viagra can be taken once every 24 hours, but it's not advisable to use it as a daily treatment for ED. Taking Viagra daily can heighten the risk of experiencing side effects.

There are alternative ED treatments more appropriate for daily use, such as Cialis (tadalafil) Daily.

What happens if you take too much Viagra?

Taking too much Viagra increases your chances of experiencing severe side effects, and you should immediately consult with your doctor if you have done so. In the event of any severe side effects, call emergency services on 999 or have someone take you to the nearest A&E.

It's important to note that you should never exceed your prescribed dose of Viagra and never take more than 100mg within 24 hours. Taking a larger dosage will not improve Viagra's effectiveness but will instead elevate your risk of experiencing side effects. If 100mg of Viagra is not effective, you should speak to your doctor to discuss alternative options.

What does Viagra look like?

Viagra is a small, blue, diamond-shaped tablet. The manufacturer's name, 'Pfizer', is printed on the front and the dosage is written on the back. Viagra comes in 25mg, 50mg, or 100mg tablets.

Can you split Viagra tablets in half?

No, splitting a tablet in half is not advisable, and doing so may cause the medication to not work. If you feel that you require a lower dosage of Viagra, you should consult with your doctor, who can prescribe the appropriate dose. The minimum dose of Viagra available is 25mg.

Does Viagra affect ejaculation?

No, taking Viagra will not make you last longer before ejaculating, make your penis less sensitive, or help with symptoms of premature ejaculation. If you're experiencing premature ejaculation, you should talk to your doctor. Various treatments are available that can help with these symptoms. However, if you’re not lasting long enough in bed because you’re unable to stay hard, Viagra may be able to help you last longer as you’ll be able to.

Can I take Viagra for fun?

No, you should not Viagra for fun. Taking it when you don't need it could lead to unwanted side effects. It might also interact with certain medicines, alcohol, or recreational drugs you have also taken.

Will Viagra work if you take blood pressure medicine?

If you're taking blood pressure medicine, Viagra might still work for you, but it depends on the specific medication you're taking. Some medicines, like nitrates, aren't safe to take with Viagra because it can make your blood pressure drop too much and cause problems. If you're taking any blood pressure medicine, it's important to talk to your doctor before trying Viagra. With most ED treatments, it’s best to leave a gap of at least 4 hours between taking blood pressure medicines and Viagra.

If your blood pressure is a concern, your doctor may suggest starting with a lower dose of Viagra while keeping an eye on your blood pressure.

Does Viagra make you bigger?

No, Viagra will not affect the size of your penis. Viagra can only help you with getting an erection and maintaining it.

Does Viagra make your penis harder?

Yes, Viagra is prescribed to men who find it difficult to get and stay hard. It works by allowing more blood to flow to the penis and making your penis harder.

How can I get rid of red face from Viagra?

Red face (facial flushing) from taking Viagra usually goes away by itself. You can try using a cold cloth to help reduce it, but if the flushing doesn't go away, talk to your doctor about taking a lower dose of Viagra. Drinking alcohol prior to using Viagra can also increase the likelihood of this side effect.

How can I get rid of the headache from Viagra?

If Viagra is causing headaches, you can treat them the same way you normally would, though it’s possible it’s caused by vasodilatation in your head, which would improve with a lower dose of Viagra. You should drink lots of fluids and use painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen. You could also apply a cold or hot compress to the affected area and relax in a dark, quiet room until you start to feel better. You should also avoid alcohol or caffeine as these can make your headache worse

If you are experiencing headaches which are unmanageable from taking Viagra you should speak to your doctor.

Is there a generic version of Viagra?

Yes, Sildenafil is the generic form of Viagra. It has the same active ingredient as Viagra, works in exactly the same way, and is available in the same doses. The only difference between Viagra and sildenafil is the name.

What is the difference between Viagra and Cialis?

• Cialis typically lasts longer than Viagra (up to 36 hours).
• While Cialis contains the active ingredient tadalafil, Viagra contains sildenafil.
• Cialis typically starts working in half an hour, whereas it may take Viagra between 30 and 60 minutes
• Cialis Daily (5mg) can be used daily, which means you can take it regularly and be ready for sex without worrying about taking a pill beforehand

Cialis and Viagra are both members of a group of medications known as phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. They both work in the same way, by relaxing blood vessels and allowing more blood flow to your penis. This makes it easier for you to get an erection and keep it.

Please note: Understanding the differences between these medications can help you make an informed decision about which one you might prefer to use. Your doctor will take into account your preferences when recommending a treatment, but there may be other factors that are more important.

How old do you have to be to buy Viagra?

Prescriptions for Viagra are only available to people aged 18 and over

Where can I buy Viagra?

Viagra Connect is an over the counter version of the medication (only available in one dosage 50mg) so check with your local Irish pharmacy. You can also request precription Viagra from a Doctor in different dosages from licensed trusted online Doctors such as ZAVA.

Can you buy Viagra over the counter?

Viagra Connect is a version of Viagra containing the same active ingredient which is available over the counter in Ireland. Viagra Connect is only available in doses of 50mg, and you will have to answer some questions from the pharmacist to check your suitability. Other versions of Viagra are not available.

Can you buy Viagra from Tesco?

Viagra is only available with a prescription. Viagra Connect is an over the counter version of the medication which may be available from your local Tesco pharmacy.

Can you buy Viagra from Sainsbury's?

Viagra is only available with a prescription. Viagra Connect is an over the counter version of the medication which may be available from your local Sainsbury’s pharmacy.

Can you buy Viagra on Amazon?

You may find items on Amazon that are marketed as Viagra, but these can be dangerous and are unregulated. They are normally herbal supplements being mis-sold as Viagra, but there is no evidence supporting their effectiveness. There is also no way to confirm that they are safe and appropriate for you to consume.

You should only obtain Viagra from a pharmacy or a reputable online doctor, and you should never buy it without a prescription. This is both illegal and dangerous, as there is no way to know what you are buying, what it contains, or how safe it is for you to take.

Can a woman buy Viagra?

No, Viagra is only available with a prescription, and can only be prescribed to men over the age of 18 who are experiencing erectile dysfunction.

When was Viagra invented?

Pfizer introduced sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, in 1989 to treat chest pain. During the 1990s it was found that the medication was an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. Subsequently, Viagra was approved as a licensed treatment for ED in the European Union and the United States in 1998.