Viagra

Sildenafil, the active ingredient, belongs to a group of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in your penis, allowing better blood flow when you’re sexually aroused. This can help you get and maintain an erection if you have ED. It takes around 30-60 minutes to work.

When taking Viagra for the first time, there’s a chance it won’t work as intended. There are many reasons for this, such as:

• nervousness or anxiety
• eating too much before taking your dose
• drinking alcohol
• not waiting long enough after taking your dose
• your body needs time to adjust to the new medication

Your doctor will recommend trying again, on up to 8 different occasions. If it still does not work for you, you may need a higher dosage, or it may not be the right ED treatment.

How long does Viagra last?

Viagra lasts around 4-6 hours, but in some men it can last up to 12 hours. It can also continue to work after orgasm, even if you lose your erection. How long Viagra lasts can be influenced by many things, including age, diet, what you’ve eaten that day, and other medications.

If it isn’t lasting very long for you after taking it on 8 occasions, speak to your doctor. You may need a higher dosage, unless you’re already taking the maximum dose: Viagra 100 mg.

Does Viagra make you last longer?

If you experience premature ejaculation as well as ED, sildenafil may help with both problems. This is because sometimes premature ejaculation can happen because of ED. Viagra isn’t a premature ejaculation treatment, though, so if you do not have ED, it won’t help with this.

How long does Viagra take to work?

It takes around 30-60 minutes to work, but it may take less or more time depending on the person.

There are 3 doses available. Which dosage you’re prescribed will depend on your medical history and how well a lower dose works for you.

Viagra is available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets. At Asda Online Doctor, we have 50mg and 100mg tablets. You can get sildenafil in 25mg tablets if our doctors think you need to start on a lower dose.

Which Viagra dosage will I take?

The recommended starting dose is one 50mg tablet, which can’t be taken more than once per day.

You may be started on a lower dose of 25 mg if:

• you’re taking medicines called protease inhibitors, which are used for treating HIV
• you’re taking alpha-blocker therapy for prostate enlargement or high blood pressure
• you have kidney or liver problems

Speak to your doctor if 50 mg isn’t working for you after taking it on 8 different occasions. You may need a higher dosage of 100 mg.

It is suitable for men over the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. If you have any medical conditions (past or present) or take any medications, let your doctor know. They’ll check it is suitable for you before prescribing it.

Always take your medication as your doctor has prescribed it. Take your tablet about 1 hour before you’re going to have sex. Swallow it whole, with a glass of water. There’s no need to eat, and consuming a heavy meal before taking it can actually mean it takes longer to work.

Viagra will only help you get an erection if you’re sexually stimulated. It usually takes between 30-60 minutes to start working, but this can differ for each person. Do not take it more than once per day, even if it didn’t work the first time or you didn’t last as long as you’d like.

When should I start taking Viagra?

You can start taking it as soon as it’s been prescribed to you, and around an hour before sex. It isn’t a daily tablet and only needs to be taken when you plan to have sex.

What should I do if I take too much Viagra?

You should only take 1 tablet per day, at whatever dosage your doctor has prescribed. Taking more won’t make it work better, but can make side effects more likely, and increases the risk of serious side effects. Contact your doctor if you’ve taken too much. If you get serious side effects, call 999 or go to A&E.

Viagra, like all medications, comes with a risk of side effects, although not everyone will get them. Most reported side effects of Viagra are mild to moderate in severity and only last for a short duration.

If you notice any of the following serious side effects, stop taking it and call 999 or go to A&E straight away:

• an allergic reaction (uncommon) – may cause wheezing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and swelling in the face, lips, or throat
• chest pains (uncommon) – if this happens during or after sex, get in a semi-seated position and try to relax. Don’t use nitrates to treat chest pain.
• prolonged erection (longer than 4 hours), which can sometimes be painful (rare)
• a sudden decrease or total loss of vision (rare)
• serious skin reactions (rare) – may cause swelling or severe peeling of the skin, fever, and blistering of the mouth, genitals, or around the eyes
• seizures (fits) (rare)
• stroke or heart attack (rare)

Very common side effects include:

• headaches

Common side effects include:

• nausea (feeling sick)
• facial flushing
• hot flush
• indigestion
• visual disturbances, such as a colour tinge or blurred vision
• stuffy nose
• dizziness

Uncommon side effects include:

• vomiting (being sick)
• skin rash
• eye irritation, bloodshot eyes, red eyes, or eye pain
• seeing flashes of light
• visual brightness
• light sensitivity
• watery eyes
• pounding or rapid heartbeat
• a change in blood pressure (high or low)
• muscle pain
• fatigue
• reduced sense of touch
• vertigo
• ringing in the ears
• dry mouth
• blocked or stuffy sinuses
• inflammation of the lining of the nose
• upper abdominal pain
• gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, which can cause heartburn, acid reflux, nausea, and bloating
• blood in urine
• pain in the arms or legs
• nosebleed
• feeling hot

Rare side effects include:

• fainting
• irregular heartbeat
• temporary decreased blood flow to parts of the brain
• feeling of tightening of the throat
• numb mouth
• bleeding at the back of the eye
• vision problems, such as reduced sharpness, double vision, small particles or spots, or seeing halos around lights
• eye problems, such as abnormal sensations, swelling of the eye or eyelid, dilation of the pupil or discolouration of the whites of the eye
• penile bleeding
• presence of blood in semen
• dry nose
• swelling of the inside of the nose
• feeling irritable
• a sudden decrease or loss of hearing

If you get any side effects, speak to your doctor. Mild side effects usually go away on their own, but if they don’t, let your doctor know. Some side effects will only happen for a few hours after taking your tablet and go away as the effects of the medication begin to wear off.

If your side effects are severe, call 999 or go to A&E. Take your medication packet with you or let the medical staff know you’re taking Viagra.