Viagra

What is Viagra (sildenafil)?

Viagra is a prescription tablet used to treat male impotence. It works by easing tension in blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis. This helps the user to achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sexual intercourse.

According to Pfizer, more than 23 million prescriptions have been issued for the Viagra since it was launched in 1998.

How erectile dysfunction affects men

Erectile dysfunction can be an intermittent or persistent problem for men. Because it typically happens where there is a lack of proper blood flow to the penis, it tends to be more common in men over a certain age. According to the NHS, erectile dysfunction is thought to occur in nearly half of all males who are 40 or over.

However it often affects men in their 20s and 30s too. It is during this age where men might be more likely to experience feelings of anxiety regarding sex. The pressure of a sexual situation can bring about the condition temporarily; whereas stress related to other areas of a person’s life can also prove to be distracting and impact upon their sexual performance.

How Viagra tablets work

Viagra tablets contain an active ingredient called sildenafil. In medical terms, sildenafil is known as a PDE5 inhibitor. 

Sildenafil works by relaxing muscle walls inside blood vessels at the entrance to the penis, to allow freer movement and increased blood flow to that area. This then makes it easier for the user to get an erection. It works only when the user is sexually aroused, and can remain functional for up to four hours after taking it.

It should be noted however that sildenafil is not an aphrodisiac, and it is not suitable for use by men who do not have erectile dysfunction.

Choosing the right dose

There are three doses of Viagra available: 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.

Viagra sildenafil 50mg: ultimately a prescriber will decide which is the most appropriate dose for a patient to use. However, men with erectile dysfunction who are otherwise healthy will typically start on 50mg.

Viagra sildenafil 25mg: in cases where the starting dose has produced favourable results, but also caused mild side effects, a doctor may choose to lower the dose to 25mg.

Viagra sildenafil 100mg: where the 50mg dose produces a response which is not strong enough, a doctor may choose to increase a patient’s dose to 100mg.

According to the product characteristics published by the European Medicines Agency, the user should not take more than one tablet in any 24 hour period.

Effectiveness of Sildenafil

In clinical trials, the 50mg dose of sildenafil produced an erection strong enough for successful intercourse in 74 percent of tested cases. For the 25mg dose, sildenafil was successful in 63 percent of cases; while the 100mg dose was successful in 82 percent of cases.

Once taken, sildenafil remains active in the body for up to five hours.

Generic Viagra

There is a generic tablet version of Viagra available. This is marketed as Sildenafil, uses the same active ingredient and works in the same way as the original, but isn’t always made by Pfizer.

In 2013, when the European patent expired on Viagra, it became legal for other firms to produce sildenafil as a generic medicine. However, sildenafil tablets are required to be made under the same conditions and are subject to the same clinical tests as Viagra.

Not all medicines have generic versions, but some websites still claim to sell them, so it’s important to know the facts and use a registered UK pharmacy.

Do I need a prescription?

It is necessary to obtain a prescription when buying Viagra online, just as it is in person. This is so that a physician can assess a patient’s suitability for the treatment prior to issue.

Our simple questionnaire takes just a few minutes to fill out. If after considering your answers our GP is satisfied that the medicine is suitable for you, an e-prescription will be issued and your medication will be dispensed by our UK pharmacy. Orders are shipped by 24-hour courier, and typically arrive within one working day.