What is Viagra?

Viagra is a brand-name prescription drug that’s approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). With ED, you’re unable to have or maintain an erection. Viagra is approved for this use in males ages 18 years and older. Viagra is a round, diamond-shaped, blue tablet, that’s why it is often referred to as the “little blue pill.” It is one of the most popular drugs for ED on the market today.

Viagra contains the drug sildenafil. It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. A class of drugs is a group of medications that act in a similar way. Viagra works by increasing blood flow to your penis, which helps you have and keep an erection. But this drug only works if you’re sexually aroused.

Viagra's history

Viagra has one of the biggest glow-up stories in the world of medicine. Originally designed as a blood pressure medication for people trying to avoid chest pain and stiff left arms, it quickly became clear that the little blue pill’s most curious side effect wasn’t causing low blood pressure, but making something else (yes, a penis) stiff, too.

When they realized it could be prescribed to help men with ED function more normally, they knew they had a hit on their hands.

Since it came onto the market in the late 90s, Viagra has grown from a niche medicine into a medication used by millions of men around the world treating erectile dysfunction (ED).

Today, Viagra and its active ingredient sildenafil is still prescribed for pulmonary arterial hypertension (under the name Revatio), but it’s mostly and most popularly known for its penile powers.

Viagra generic

Generic versions of Viagra are available. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers generics to be just as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

What is erectile dysfunction?

ED is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse.

Many things fall into the ED category, including erections that are softer, less frequent, don’t last as long, or there’s a lack of morning erections. ED isn’t just about not being able to get hard—it also involves how you and your partner feel about your sex life.

ED can be frustrating, but it’s very common. Roughly 30–50 million men in the United States have erectile dysfunction, and most guys will experience it at some point in their lives. It’s essential to address ED early on as it can also be a sign of potentially serious conditions like:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Low testosterone
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Nerve damage
• Depression
• Sleep apnea

Does Viagra work to treat ED?

Yes, it does. In several clinical studies, Viagra for men was effective in treating ED. In these studies, males who used the drug had an improved ability to have and keep erections that allowed for successful sex.

Across the studies, between 43% and 83% of people who took Viagra had improved erections. These rates varied depending on the cause of their ED and the dosage of Viagra they took. In comparison, improved erections occurred in 10% to 24% of people who took a placebo (no active drug).

Mechanism of action

Viagra contains sildenafil citrate, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). Viagra enhances the action of cyclic GMP, which is released in the penis in response to sexual stimulation. Cyclic GMP dilates smooth muscle in the penile tissue. It also increases blood to flow into the corpus cavernosum, causing an erection.

Viagra blocks PDE5 from breaking down cyclic GMP, thereby improving the ability to achieve and maintain an erection in response to sexual stimulation.

How long does Viagra take to work?

Viagra typically starts to work between 30 and 60 minutes after you take a dose of the drug, so you should take it at least that long before sexual activity. For some men, it starts working more quickly. But Viagra itself doesn’t give you an erection. Instead, you’ll need to be sexually aroused in order for the drug to work.

How long does Viagra last?

Viagra keeps working in your body for up to 4-6 hours. This means that if you’re aroused, you should still be able to achieve an erection up to 4-6 hours after taking a dose of Viagra.

Even though Viagra keeps working in your body for several hours, your erection shouldn’t last this long. In fact, rarely, Viagra can cause priapism. With this condition, you have a long-lasting and sometimes painful erection. Priapism is a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away. If it’s not treated, the condition can damage the tissues in your penis and cause irreversible ED.

Taking Viagra with food

You can take Viagra either with or without food. But if you take it with a meal, the drug may take about an hour longer than usual to start working. This is especially the case if you eat a high-fat meal, such as a cheeseburger with fries.

You don’t need to wait to take Viagra if you’ve recently eaten a meal. Just be aware that it might take a bit longer for the drug to work.

It’s also important to remember that if Viagra gives you indigestion, taking the drug with food may help to reduce this side effect.

What can I do to make Viagra work faster?

Viagra may work faster if you take it on an empty stomach. However, if Viagra is taken with food, especially with a high-fat meal, it will take longer to start working. And in this case, it could even be less effective for you.

Drug forms, strengths and administration

Viagra comes as tablets that you take by mouth. It’s available to buy online in three strengths: 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, and 100 mg.

Dosage for ED

The typical dose of Viagra for erectile dysfunction (ED) is 50 mg. Your doctor may prescribe a different dosage of Viagra for you depending on several factors. These factors may include whether you have liver or kidney problems, or if you’re taking certain other medications. Many older adults have slower metabolisms, which means that a lower dose may last longer for them in comparison to a younger person taking a small dose. If any of these factors apply to you, your starting dose might be 25 mg, which is lower than the typical recommended dose.

And keep in mind that if Viagra isn’t working for you, your doctor may increase your dose of the drug. But the maximum dose of Viagra is 100 mg.

How long will Viagra stay in my system?

After taking a dose of Viagra, the drug’s level in your body will gradually decrease over a period of a few hours. You’ll have low levels of the drug in your body after about 4 hours. And at this point, the drug won’t be working any longer. But it can actually take about 24 hours for Viagra to be completely removed from your body.

How much does Viagra cost?

Viagra is a brand-name drug, so the price per pill will be higher than with generic sildenafil. Viagra prices can also vary widely based on the dosage you need, the amount prescribed and where you buy it.

A single Viagra pill costs between $60-$80 at most online pharmacies. The price varies slightly between 50 mg and 100 mg tablets. So the name-brand medication can get pricey if you plan to buy more than a few Viagra pills.

If you’re looking for the same results at a much more affordable price point, consider generic Viagra (sildenafil). Generic Viagra or sildenafil — as it is most often called — will be available at a much lower cost and over-the-counter. Because Pfizer (the manufacturer of Viagra) doesn’t manufacture generic sildenafil, it can be created and sold at a lower price. You can expect to pay between $10 and $40 per pill on average.

Sildenafil citrate is the active chemical ingredient in Viagra used to treat erectile dysfunction. This means that the generic med will work exactly the same as its pricier counterpart. Many online pharmacies are selling cheap generic med for $30-$35/pill. We offer sildenafil for just $2/pill. Why? We care about making great care affordable and accessible to everyone.

Viagra and alcohol

The manufacturer of Viagra doesn’t give any specific warnings about drinking alcohol while using this drug. But in general, it’s best to avoid drinking lots of alcohol with the medication.

This is because certain side effects of Viagra may be worsened by alcohol. This includes such side effects as headaches, flushing, and dizziness. And drinking lots of alcohol can also make it more difficult to get an erection, which is what you’d be using Viagra to do.

Contraindications

Viagra is contraindicated in people with a known allergy to sildenafil, or any of the inactive ingredients in Viagra.

Viagra is also contraindicated for use in combination with:

• nitrate drugs in any form, such as: nitroglycerin (Nitromist, Nitro-Dur, Nitrolingual Pumpspray, Gonitro, others), isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket)
• guanylate cyclase stimulators, such as riociguat (Adempas)

Viagra interactions

Viagra can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.

If you take any of the following medications, let your doctor know before starting Viagra:

Blood pressure drugs

These include alpha-blockers and guanylate cyclase stimulators: When taken with Viagra, your blood pressure may drop to dangerously low levels, causing dizziness and fainting. If you take blood pressure medications, your doctor may prescribe you a lower dose of Viagra.

Nitrate drugs

These include medications for chest pain, which can also lower your blood pressure, and some street drugs, like poppers.

Other sildenafil drugs

Other medications that contain the active ingredient sildenafil, such as Revatio. Doctors commonly prescribe these for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Other drugs

• HIV medications, such as Ritonavir
• Other ED medications, such as alprostadil, Cialis, and Levitra
• Some antibiotics, such as erythromycin
• Some antifungals, such as ketoconazole

Side effects

As with any medication, there is always the potential for side effects. The following list of side effects is not comprehensive. Speaking with a healthcare provider is the best way to determine if Viagra is the right medication for you. Here’s a list of some of the most common side effects that may result from taking Viagra:

• Flushing
• Lightheadedness
• Headache
• Back pain
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Indigestion

How to relieve Viagra side effects

Most of the mild side effects of Viagra either tend to go away within a few hours of taking your dose or can be easily relieved.

For example, headaches, flushing, and dizziness can often be eased by lying down and resting. Avoiding alcohol will also help reduce these side effects. Headaches and sensitivity to light can also be improved by turning off any bright lights around you. If you have bothersome headaches with Viagra, ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a pain reliever that’s safe for you to use.

If you get indigestion after taking Viagra, try taking your dose of Viagra with a snack or light meal. Just be aware that if you do this, Viagra may take slightly longer to start working for you. This is especially true if you eat a high-fat meal with your dose. If your indigestion is bothersome, ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend medication to help reduce your discomfort.

Also keep in mind that certain side effects occur more often with higher doses of Viagra. These side effects include headaches, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and changes in your vision. So if these side effects are a problem for you, talk with your doctor about taking a lower dosage of Viagra.

When to call your doctor

Don’t forget that some of Viagra’s rare side effects need immediate medical attention. For example, you should call your doctor right away if you have:

• an erection that doesn’t go away and lasts for more than 4 hours
• chest pain, dizziness, or nausea while you’re having sex, and these symptoms don’t go away when you stop having sex and begin to rest
• sudden loss of vision in one or both of your eyes
• sudden decrease or loss of hearing

How to buy Viagra online?

You can buy Viagra online through an online healthcare provider like our online pharmacy. As it is a prescription drug that is not available over the counter, you can’t order it at regular retail stores.

Since many people take Viagra only occasionally as it’s needed, it can be easy to forget that you need to buy more and find yourself in a situation where you wish you had it. Instead of ruining the mood by interrupting date night to go to a pharmacy, you can have Viagra regularly delivered to your doorstep so that you always have it when you need it. Buying it online not only helps you avoid running out when you need it most, but it also saves you the first trip to the doctor to get your prescription and the second trip to the pharmacy to get it filled.

If you see other pills online that don’t require a prescription but that claim to have benefits similar to Viagra for those suffering from symptoms of ED like “natural Viagra”, it’s a good idea to skip those. There are lots of unregulated products online, and some of these may not be safe. If you’re buying Viagra online, make sure you're buying it from a licensed healthcare platform.

Alternatives to Viagra

Other drugs are available that can treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Viagra, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat ED include:

• tadalafil (Cialis)

• vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)

• avanafil (Stendra)

• alprostadil (Caverject, Caverject Impulse, Edex, Muse)

• testosterone therapy, which is only used if you have low levels of testosterone

Viagra vs. Cialis

Used by millions of men in the United States alone, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors such as tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) and sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) are two of the most widely used drugs for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), and for good reason.

Cialis and Viagra both work in very similar ways and have similar effects on your erections and sexual performance.

Although Cialis and Viagra both make it easier to get and maintain an erection, there are a few key differences between these two ED medications that may make one a better choice than the other for you if you have difficulty getting and staying hard.

Unlike Viagra and the other PDE5 inhibitors, Cialis is also approved to treat enlarged prostate.

Both Viagra and Cialis can be taken 30 minutes before sexual activity. However, Cialis lasts much longer and is noteworthy for the amount of time it remains in your body. You may feel the effects of the drug up to 36 hours after you take it.

The fact that it comes in a low dose of 2.5 milligrams (mg) also means that you can take Cialis every day. A daily dose will ensure that the drug’s always in your system.

If you take Cialis, there’s a chance of limb pain. This side effect is not associated with any other oral ED drugs.

Frequently asked questions about Viagra

Is Viagra’s dosage based on age or weight?

Your dosage of Viagra won’t be based on your weight, but it may be based on your age.

For example, people ages 65 years and older tend to get higher levels of Viagra in their blood after taking a dose. So, if you’re over 65 years of age, your doctor will usually recommend a starting dose of Viagra for you that’s lower than the typical starting dose. For example, they may recommend that you take 25 mg of the drug rather than 50 mg.

Can Viagra be crushed, split, or chewed?

The safety and effectiveness of Viagra tablets that are crushed, split, or chewed haven’t been tested. And Viagra tablets are meant to be swallowed whole. It’s not known if crushing or chewing the tablets will make them work any differently than usual.

If you have trouble swallowing Viagra tablets, you might find it easier to swallow the tablet with different drinks, such as water, juice, or milk.

If you want to crush, split, or chew Viagra tablets, ask your doctor or pharmacist if this is safe to do.

Does Viagra increase a man’s sex drive?

No, Viagra doesn’t directly increase your sex drive. And it doesn’t make you sexually aroused. However, some people find that if Viagra works to treat their erectile problem, it also increases their sexual confidence. And this may lead to an increased sex drive.

How can I tell if Viagra’s not working?

Viagra may not work for everyone, and it may not work every time you take it.

If you’re sexually aroused, Viagra should work to help you have or keep an erection within 30 minutes to 2 hours. But if you don’t get an erection within 4 hours after taking a dose, Viagra didn’t work for you this time.

If the drug doesn’t work for you, you shouldn’t take another dose until at least 24 hours later. And talk with your doctor if you feel Viagra isn’t helping to treat your ED. They may recommend that you try a different medication for your ED.

How can I get Viagra to work?

It’s important to remember that Viagra only works if you’re already sexually aroused. Arousal may involve having sexual thoughts, looking at sexual images, masturbating, or engaging in foreplay.

But if you feel anxious, nervous, depressed, or stressed, your body may not respond well to sexual stimulation. If this is the case, try to relax, make yourself comfortable, and take your time. In addition, it’s best to avoid drinking a lot of alcohol. This is because consuming large amounts of alcohol can make it more difficult for you to get an erection.

If you’re having trouble getting an erection, even while using Viagra, talk with your doctor.

Can Viagra make sex last longer?

No, studies haven’t shown that Viagra makes sex last longer. However, the drug can help you to get and keep an erection. And studies have shown that Viagra can increase satisfaction from sex.

Does Viagra increase the size of a man’s penis?

No, Viagra doesn’t increase the size of a male’s penis. In fact, to date, there aren’t any known ways to permanently increase the size of a penis.

Viagra helps you get an erection if you’re sexually aroused. This may temporarily increase the size of your penis, until the erection goes away. But Viagra doesn’t permanently increase the size of your penis.

Does Viagra work the first time you use it?

Yes, for most people, Viagra works the first time they use it. But for other people, it may take a few times of trying the drug to get the desired effect. Keep in mind that you should not take Viagra more than once every 24 hours.

If Viagra doesn’t seem to work for you, talk with your doctor. They may increase your dosage or recommend that you try a different medication.

Can I buy Viagra online over the counter?

Yes, you can buy Viagra or Viagra Connect online. You don’t need to already have a prescription, since online doctor services can offer a prescription service included when you order online.

Is Viagra safe?

Viagra is a safe and effective medication to treat erectile dysfunction if you follow the directions when taking this medicine. Taking too much Viagra or taking Viagra too frequently, however, may increase your risk of side effects.

Does Viagra help me keep an erection after ejaculation?

It might. But even if your erection goes away after you’ve ejaculated, Viagra can help you to get another erection up to 4 hours after you’ve taken a dose.

What’s the youngest age for which Viagra is safe to use?

Viagra is approved for use in males ages 18 years and older. You shouldn’t take Viagra if you’re younger than 18 years. This is because the safety and effectiveness of Viagra haven’t been studied in people of this age group.