Viagra
About Viagra
Viagra is an erectile dysfunction (ED) medication which is the brand version of the drug sildenafil. Viagra is part of the PDE-5 (Phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitor family. They work by increasing the blood flow to the erectile tissue in the penis, helping those with ED, to get a firmer and longer lasting erection when sexually aroused.
Viagra FAQs
How do I take Viagra?
Viagra should be taken around 60 minutes before sex and is most effective when taken on an empty stomach and with less than one or two units of alcohol. Do not take more than one tablet within a 24 hour period or combine Viagra with any other ED medicines.
Viagra takes effect within 60 minutes and can remain effective for around four hours. However this does not mean that your erection will last that long, rather, you will have the ability to achieve an improved erection within this time span.
Viagra has been shown to be very effective in helping many men with ED to get an improved erection when sexually aroused.
Viagra does not treat the underlying cause of the ED. It can however help improve your confidence and reduce the anxiety and stress resulting from having the ED itself.
ED is often a symptom of a more serious underlying physical health problem – such as diabetes, high blood pressure, a high cholesterol or a hormonal condition. Most commonly it is due to underlying vascular disease (narrowing of the blood vessels). This can be an early warning sign of heart disease and stroke, particularly if you are over the age of 40. So it is really important that you have the tests we recommend with your doctor to identify and treat any underlying health issues and risk factors.
ED can also be caused by psychological problems such as stress, anxiety and depression.
The side effects associated with Viagra are generally mild to moderate and of a short duration, the most common of which include:
• Facial flushing
• Headaches
• Light-headedness
• Blue tint to vision
• Indigestion
• Stuffy nose
If you experience any chest pain when using Viagra or your erection lasts for longer than four hours then please contact the emergency services and seek medical help immediately.
Please read the patient information leaflet which comes with the medication, before taking Viagra, for a full list of potential side effects and warnings.
Does Viagra interact with other medicines?
Viagra should not be taken if you are taking certain other medications due to serious and potentially life threatening interactions. It is really important that you give us a full list of ALL the medicines you are taking everytime you use our service.
Do not use Viagra if you are taking Nicorandil or any Nitrates.
Nitrates are found in some heart medications such as a GTN spray or tablets that you put under your tongue and isosorbide mononitrate/dinitrate used for angina, as well as in certain recreational drugs such as “poppers”, “room odorizers” and “aromas”. They can also be found in other medications so it’s very important that you list all the medicines and recreational drugs you have or are taking when asked. This is because when combined with ED medications, they can cause a serious and life threatening drop in blood pressure, which can be fatal.
If you are taking alpha-blockers (such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, tamsulosin or terazosin) you should make sure there’s at least a six hour gap between taking the alpha-blocker and taking Viagra as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in your blood pressure.
This is not a full list of all the medication interactions – Viagra can interact dangerously with other medicines. Please list ALL the medicines you are taking when asked. If you subsequently start taking a new medication, before taking your Viagra please always check with our doctors first by sending a message via your patient record, to ensure the Viagra is still safe to take.
What happens if I am not suitable for a prescription?