Viagra Tablets

What is Viagra and How Does It Work?

Viagra is a brand name for the medication sildenafil citrate. It belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It is a prescription-only treatment designed for adult men with erectile dysfunction.

To understand how Viagra works, it helps to know the biology of an erection. When a man is sexually stimulated, his body releases nitric oxide in the penis. This nitric oxide triggers a series of reactions that relax the smooth muscles in the penile blood vessels. This relaxation allows these vessels to widen and become filled with blood, leading to an erection.

In many men with ED, an enzyme called PDE5 breaks down the chemicals that facilitate this process too quickly, preventing a sufficient erection from forming or being maintained. Viagra works by inhibiting this PDE5 enzyme. By blocking PDE5, Viagra helps to sustain the effects of nitric oxide, promoting the relaxation of blood vessels and significantly improving blood flow to the penis. This enhanced blood flow enables a firm erection when sexual stimulation occurs.

It is crucial to remember: Viagra does not cause an automatic erection. It requires sexual stimulation to be effective. It is not an aphrodisiac and does not increase libido.

What to Know Before Using Viagra

Viagra is a powerful and effective medication, but it is not suitable for everyone. A thorough assessment by a doctor is essential to ensure it is safe for you. Your doctor will review your medical history and current medications.

Who Should Not Take Viagra (Contraindications)

Do not take Viagra if any of the following apply to you:

• Allergy: You are allergic to sildenafil or any other ingredient in Viagra.
• Nitrate Medications: You are taking any medicines containing nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate/dinitrate) or use recreational drugs called "poppers" (amyl nitrite). The combination can cause a sudden, dangerous drop in blood pressure.
• Riociguat: You are taking the medicine riociguat (used for pulmonary hypertension).
• Severe Heart or Liver Problems: You have severe heart or liver disease.
• Recent Cardiovascular Events: You have recently had a stroke, heart attack, or have very low blood pressure.
• Certain Eye Conditions: You have a hereditary eye disease such as retinitis pigmentosa, or have previously had vision loss due to NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy).

Warnings and Precautions for Viagra Use

Talk to your doctor before taking Viagra if you have:

• Heart Problems: Your doctor needs to ensure your heart is healthy enough for sexual activity. This is especially important if you have angina, heart failure, or irregular heart rhythms.
• Blood Cell Disorders: Conditions like sickle cell anaemia, leukaemia, or multiple myeloma.
• Penile Conditions: Such as Peyronie's disease or an anatomical deformity of the penis.
• Stomach Ulcers or Bleeding Disorders: Like haemophilia.
• Kidney or Liver Problems: Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose (e.g., 25mg) if you have moderate kidney or liver impairment. It is not recommended for those with severe impairment.

You should not use Viagra if you are a woman, a person under 18 years of age, or if you do not have erectile dysfunction.

Viagra Dosage Guidelines

Always take Viagra exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The following information is a general guideline.

1. Starting Dose: The recommended starting dose is 50mg.
2. Timing: Take the tablet approximately one hour before you plan to be sexually active. It can be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before activity.
3. Frequency: Do not take Viagra more than once per day.
4. Administration: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. However, a heavy, high-fat meal may delay the time it takes for the medicine to start working.
5. Dose Adjustment: Based on efficacy and tolerance, your doctor may increase your dose to 100mg or decrease it to 25mg.

What to do if you miss a dose: Viagra is not for regular daily use; it is taken on an "as-needed" basis. There is no scheduling of missed doses.

What to do if you take too much Viagra: Taking more than the prescribed dose increases your risk of experiencing side effects. Do not take more than one tablet in 24 hours. If you have taken more than you should, or if someone else has taken it accidentally, seek medical attention immediately or call NHS 111 for advice.

Potential Side Effects of Viagra

Like all medicines, Viagra can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most side effects are mild to moderate and temporary. The following lists are based on the official Viagra Patient Information Leaflet.

Common Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Headache
• Facial flushing (redness)
• Indigestion or upset stomach
• Feeling nauseous
• Stuffy or blocked nose (nasal congestion)
• Dizziness
• Visual disturbances (e.g., blurred vision, colour tinge to vision, increased sensitivity to light)

Uncommon Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

• Vomiting
• Skin rash
• Eye irritation, bloodshot eyes, eye pain
• Rapid or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
• Muscle aches
• Feeling drowsy or sleepy
• High or low blood pressure
• Dry mouth, stuffy sinuses
• Nosebleeds

Rare but Serious Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

• Priapism: A prolonged and painful erection lasting more than 4 hours.
• Sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes.
• Sudden decrease or loss of hearing.
• Serious skin reactions including severe peeling and blistering.
• Serious cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke, or chest pain (angina), particularly in men with pre-existing heart disease.
• Seizures or fainting.

This is not a complete list. For a full list of side effects, please refer to the official leaflet inside the medicine pack. If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed. You can also report side effects directly via the UK's Yellow Card Scheme.

Viagra and Other Medicines

It is vital to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal remedies. Some medicines can interact dangerously with Viagra.

• Nitrates (ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATION): As stated, combining Viagra with nitrates (used for angina) can cause a life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
• Riociguat (ABSOLUTE CONTRAINDICATION): Used for pulmonary hypertension, its blood pressure-lowering effects are increased by Viagra.
• Alpha-blockers: Used for high blood pressure or prostate problems, can also lower blood pressure. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose of Viagra (25mg) if you are taking these.
• Protease Inhibitors: Used for HIV treatment, can increase the level of Viagra in your blood. A maximum dose of 25mg within a 48-hour period is usually recommended.
• Other PDE5 Inhibitors: Do not use Viagra with other ED treatments like Cialis (tadalafil) or Levitra (vardenafil), or with PAH treatments containing sildenafil (Revatio).
• Ketoconazole and Erythromycin: These antibiotics/antifungals can increase sildenafil concentrations.

How to Take Viagra for Best Results

To ensure you get the most out of your Viagra treatment while staying safe, follow these best practices:

1. Consult a Doctor First: Never obtain Viagra without a prescription. A proper consultation ensures it's safe for you and rules out underlying health issues.
2. Timing is Key: Plan to take it about an hour before activity. Experiment (under your doctor's guidance) to find the timing window that works best for you.
3. Mind Your Meal: A light meal won't affect it much, but a large, fatty meal (like a fried breakfast) can significantly delay its absorption.
4. Moderate Alcohol: While a glass of wine is unlikely to cause problems, heavy drinking can impair your ability to get an erection and increase dizziness.
5. Sexual Stimulation is Required: Remember, the pill alone won't cause an erection. Adequate sexual stimulation is necessary.
6. Be Patient and Relaxed: Anxiety about performance can contribute to ED. Try to be in a relaxed state of mind.

Common Misconceptions About Viagra

• Myth: Viagra is an aphrodisiac that increases desire.
  Fact: It only works on the physical response to arousal; it does not affect libido.
• Myth: You can get Viagra safely from unregistered online pharmacies.
  Fact: This is extremely dangerous. Counterfeit pills may contain incorrect dosages, wrong active ingredients, or harmful substances. Always use a legitimate source like a registered pharmacy following a doctor's consultation.
• Myth: A higher dose will always give you a better erection.
  Fact: The effective dose varies per individual. Higher doses only increase the risk of side effects without improving efficacy beyond a certain point.
• Myth: Viagra is a "party drug" for recreational use.
  Fact: It is a prescription medication for a medical condition with serious potential risks if misused.

Where to Buy Viagra in the UK

Secure Prescription & Next-Day Delivery

At Chemist Doctor, we provide a safe, legal, and discreet route to access genuine Viagra.

• MHRA-compliant: Our services and medications fully comply with UK regulations.
• GPhC-registered pharmacy: All prescriptions are dispensed by qualified pharmacists.
• Discreet packaging: Your privacy is paramount. All deliveries are in plain packaging.
• UK-Registered Doctors: Our online consultations are conducted by GMC-registered medical professionals.
• Next-Day Delivery: Receive your treatment quickly and conveniently.

Begin your journey by completing a simple online consultation. Our doctors will review your information and, if appropriate, provide a prescription. Your genuine medication will then be dispensed and shipped directly to you.

Viagra FAQs