All About Viagra

Viagra contains the active ingredient sildenafil. It belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. Sildenafil treats erectile dysfunction that affects the ability to get an erection and maintain an erection during sex. It does this by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis so more blood can flow. It only works if you are also sexually aroused. The maximum dose is one tablet daily, taken up to 1 hour before sex. The effects of sildenafil last for around 4 hours, so an erection can still be achieved within this time. Viagra (sildenafil) does not affect performance and sexual drive or reduce premature ejaculation; other treatments are available for this, so be sure to speak to your doctor.

Viagra (as Viagra connect) is available to purchase without a prescription containing 50mg of sildenafil. A higher dose of 100mg or a lower dose of 25mg is only available on prescription.

Viagra is still a medication and must be used responsibly and only for the correct use - erectile dysfunction. Viagra can cause a drop in blood pressure and headache. Individuals with unstable heart conditions should not usually take Viagra without seeking advice from their doctor first. However, if you are taking it for the right reasons and you are healthy enough to take Viagra, then it is safe to take it regularly or often, a maximum of one tablet daily.

You buy Viagra over the counter if you are fit to have sex, do not suffer from low or unstable blood pressure and heart conditions or are not taking medications that lower your blood pressure rapidly, like nitrates (regular blood pressure medication is okay if your blood pressure is stable). This is not an exhausted list but it includes these conditions and medication. Take caution to buy Viagra connect from registered retailers only, as there are many counterfeit products on the market. If you are ineligible to purchase Viagra connect, you may still be able to take sildenafil after consulting your doctor first.

Sildenafil, the active ingredient of Viagra, is available in 50mg and 100mg strength. If the 50mg strength in Viagra connect is not effective, a higher dose on prescription may be more effective. If Viagra has not worked for you and you are unsure of the cause, speak to your doctor.

Other PDE-5 inhibitors, tadalafil and vardenafil, are available on prescription from your doctor and have different profiles. The effect may last longer so that sex can happen spontaneously rather than planned.

If PDE-5 inhibitors do not work effectively, injectable alprostadil may be available after specialist advice.

Other treatments may be necessary to treat the root cause of erectile dysfunction, e.g. psychological.

If you experience any side effects, you may need to speak to your pharmacist or doctor.