What is Viagra?
Viagra is the branded version of sildenafil, the first approved ED tablet that remains one of the world’s most widely prescribed.
Sometimes referred to as ‘the little blue pill’, it’s a type of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor that helps to relax blood vessels to improve your erections.
Who can use Viagra?
Viagra is suitable for men aged 18 and over who are experiencing erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil is also prescribed as a treatment for pulmonary hypertension.
Erectile dysfunction is a common condition, but it’s more likely to affect men who are over 40.[1]
How does Viagra work?
PDE5 inhibitors help blood flow to your penis more easily by widening your blood vessels. This can help to give you strong, long-lasting erections.
Viagra won’t increase your desire for your partner, though. Instead, it works by improving ED once you’re aroused.
Will Viagra cure my ED?
Viagra can relieve erectile dysfunction symptoms by improving your erections. It’s designed to be used on-demand, usually before you have sex.
Taking Viagra won’t cure your ED. If your erectile dysfunction is long-term, it might be worth speaking to a medical professional who can help you determine what is causing it.
Is Viagra similar to Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra. You can also get Sildenafil as a generic, non-branded pill. It works in the same way as Viagra, and is usually cheaper.
You might feel more comfortable choosing Viagra if you prefer trusting brands, or if you’ve used it before to treat ED.
Are there different Viagra doses?
Viagra comes in three different strengths pills: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg.
If you’ve not used it before, you’ll usually be prescribed the 50mg dose to begin with, to see if this works. If you feel like you need to change doses, you can get in touch with your physician.
How much Viagra can you take each day?
100mg a day is the maximum dose for most people. For some people, it might be less than this. Your age, weight, and any other health conditions you have might mean you need to take a lower dose.
Whichever dose of Viagra you’re prescribed, you’ll only need to take one tablet a day.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
