Viagra

Can I buy Viagra online?

Viagra is a prescription-only medication. Any online pharmacy which is prepared to sell it without a prescription is untrustworthy. Online doctor services that can prescribe it, like Superdrug Online Doctor, are the only safe and legal option if you want to buy Viagra online.

Can I buy Viagra over the counter?

As Viagra is a prescription-only medication, you won’t be able to buy it over the counter. There is an alternative called Viagra Connect that can be bought over the counter without a prescription. It works in exactly the same way as other ED medications, except you don’t need a doctor to prescribe it to you before buying.

How much does Viagra cost?

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How does Viagra work?

Viagra belongs to a group of medications that are known as ‘PDE-5 inhibitors’. It works by relaxing blood vessels in your penis, which increases blood flow to the area and helps you get an erection. For more in depth information, you can read more on our dedicated page about how viagra works.

Does Viagra make you aroused?

No, this is a common misconception. While Viagra can help you to get an erection, it doesn’t stimulate sexual arousal. It will only work if you are already sexually aroused.

Does Viagra help you last longer?

Viagra can help if you’re having difficulty lasting longer in bed because you cannot maintain an erection. It does not help if you are not lasting long enough due to premature ejaculation. If you want to find out more, our doctors break down whether Viagra can help you to last longer.

How long does Viagra take to work?

On average, it takes Viagra 30-60 minutes to work, so make sure you take it well before you plan to have sex. It’s also important to note that it may take longer for it to work if you’ve had a lot to eat, drink or are under the influence of drugs.

How long does Viagra last?

The effects of Viagra typically last between 2-3 hours, but can last up to 4 hours. This will depend on your dosage, your body’s metabolism, and other external factors. Some medication may interact with it and make it more or less effective so it's always important to check that it's safe to use with the medications you are taking.

How effective is Viagra?

Viagra has been shown to be effective in 75% of men who take it, and in 2016 there were nearly 3 million prescriptions issued for Viagra in the UK alone. It’s important to know that Viagra and other ED medications don’t work 100% of the time and there are some factors that can make it less effective. Eating a big meal, alcohol, and drugs are all things that can impact how it works. It will also be less effective if you are not already aroused.

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How do you take Viagra?

Only take one tablet of Viagra at a time, up to 4 hours before you want to have sex. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water or juice. Do not take Viagra with grapefruit juice, as this could trigger headaches or low blood pressure. Take only as advised by your doctor or pharmacist.

How often can you take Viagra?

Viagra can be taken every day, but you can only have one tablet a day, even if it is a low dose. Taking more than you have been prescribed, or combining it with other ED medication, could cause side effects such as permanent damage to the penis. You should only ever take as prescribed by your doctor. 

How much Viagra should you take the first time?

Most men start off by taking Viagra 50mg, but if you feel like 50mg isn’t enough or it isn’t having the desired effect, you can ask your doctor if you can try a higher dosage. You should never change dose without speaking to your doctor first. You can also find out what it’s like to take Viagra for the first time.

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Viagra comes in 3 dosages, 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. Your doctor will prescribe you a dose that they think is suitable for you, but it may take several tries to find the dose that works best.

Viagra 25mg

This the lowest dosage available. This dose may be prescribed if you’re currently on any medications, like HIV treatment or high blood pressure medication, that may interact with Viagra. 25mg may also be recommended for men who were able to get an erection when taking 50mg, but also experienced side effects. As it is a lower dose, there is a lower chance of side effects.

Viagra 50mg

This is the starting dose for most men. This is because this dose is usually effective for most men, but it is also a good starting point to measure its effectiveness and your tolerance to it. From here, the dose can easily be reduced or increased to better suit your needs.

Viagra 100mg

This is the highest dosage available. A doctor might recommend 100mg if the  standard 50mg dose didn’t work well enough for you, and you found you had no serious side effects. 100mg has the strongest effect, but also has a higher risk of causing side effects. If Viagra 100mg doesn’t work for you, then you’ll need to look at other treatments for erectile dysfunction.

Read more on Viagra dosages.

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What are the side effects of Viagra?

Like any medication, Viagra may cause side effects for some men., These become more likely as the dosage increases.

Common side effects include:

• Headaches

• Feeling sick

• Dizziness

• Indigestion

• Nosebleed

• Blocked nose

• Backache

Uncommon side effects include:

• The common cold

• Blurred vision

• Rash

• Difficulty sleeping

• Fever

• Trouble breathing

• Urinary tract infection

Rare side effects include:

• Chest pains

• Prolonged or painful erections

• Sudden loss of vision

• Serious skin reaction

• Fits (seizures)

If you get any of the rare side effects, stop taking Viagra and call 999 straight away.

Read more on the side effects of Viagra.

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Drug interactions

Viagra can interact with certain medications and make them less effective, or cause unintended and potentially dangerous side effects. It is important to tell your doctor about any other medication you are taking before you take it.

Some medications that are known to interact with Viagra are:

• Aspirin

• Fish oil

• Ibuprofen

• Tramadol

• Adderall

Read more on Viagra’s other drug interactions.

Pre-existing conditions

If you are male and aged 18 and over, Viagra could be an effective treatment for ED. Viagra is not suitable for you if you have any of the following pre-existing conditions:

• An allergy to Viagra or Sildenafil

• Low blood pressure

• Heart or liver condition

• Recently had a stroke or heart attack

• A rare inherited eye disease

When should I not take Viagra?

Even if you don’t have a pre-existing condition, there are other situations where you shouldn’t take Viagra. You shouldn’t take Viagra if you:

• Are taking other ED medications

• Have sickle cell anaemia

• Have a deformity of your penis

• Are taking nitrates for chest pain

• Have certain eye conditions, such as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)

Read more on when you shouldn’t take Viagra.

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Read on for answers to some of the questions our doctors get asked most frequently about Viagra and ED.

What is it like before and after Viagra?

Viagra is one of the most popular treatments around the world for erectile dysfunction, and is effective for most men who try it. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in your penis, which helps you to get an erection when you're aroused. Taking it for the first time can feel like a big step, especially if you've never taken treatment for erectile dysfunction before. Our doctors have created a guide to help you understand what you need to know, and to expect, before and after taking Viagra.

Does Viagra make you last longer?

Viagra can help you to get and maintain an erection, so you can stay harder for longer if you struggle to keep an erection naturally. However, it does not delay ejaculation so it will not make you last longer if you are orgasming too quickly. For more information, you can read our doctors’ advice on how to last longer, and if Viagra can help.

Can you take Viagra with alcohol?

No, Viagra should not be taken with alcohol, but it is usually safe in moderation. While alcohol is often used to overcome nerves and sexual anxiety, drinking too much can actually make it harder to get an erection - and can make it less effective. Alcohol can also worsen the side effects, even when drinking in moderation. Read what our doctors have to say about the risks of taking Viagra with alcohol.

Can you get Viagra over the counter?

You cannot buy Viagra over the counter, as it is a prescription-only medication. However, Viagra Connect is another treatment for ED that works in the same way that you can buy over the counter without a prescription. Read more to find out how to buy Viagra over the counter.

Can you get Viagra on the NHS?

Viagra is not usually prescribed on the NHS, but alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction are more commonly prescribed. One example is Sildenafil, which is a generic version that works in the exact same way. To find out if you can get a prescription for ED treatment from your GP, check out our doctors advice on how to get Viagra on the NHS.

Can women take Viagra?

No, women can’t take Viagra. It is only licensed for male use in the UK. Female Viagra is a term often used to describe different medications used to treat women with low sex drives, and it doesn’t always mean using the brand named medication Viagra to treat it. For more information, read our doctors' advice about what happens when women take Viagra.

Are there any alternatives to Viagra?

There are several alternative treatments you can take if you have ED. Other similar medicines include Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil and Avanafil, which you’ll still need a prescription to get. Some men find that lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier and exercising, can also be helpful in overcoming ED. For more helpful information on what other options are available to treat ED, read our doctors recommendations on Viagra alternatives.

What's the difference between Viagra, Viagra Connect, and Sildenafil?

Viagra is the most well known treatment for ED, but not many people know that it is a branded version of a drug called Sildenafil - which works the exact same way as Viagra and is less expensive. You need a prescription to buy Viagra and Sildenafil, whereas Viagra Connect is available over-the-counter. To help you choose which one is best for you, we’ve created a guide on the differences between Viagra, Viagra Connect, and Sildenafil.

Viagra, Cialis & Levitra: what's the best?

Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are all treatments for ED, but work in different ways to help you get and maintain an erection. For example, the effects of Cialis last up to 36 hours, and Levitra starts to take effect faster than Viagra. To find out which ED treatment is best for you, check out our doctors advice on how to choose between Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. 

Does herbal Viagra work?

Herbal Viagra is a name given to a number of products, such as Horny Goat Weed, that are sold as a treatment for ED. However, no herbal treatments are currently recommended or licensed to treat ED, and these products can actually cause more harm than good. Read our doctors’ advice on whether you should try “natural alternatives” like herbal Viagra.

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Drugs.com: Viagra drug interactions (2020) [accessed 23 August 2020]

Viagra: patient information leaflet (2020) [accessed 23 August 2020]

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