How To Use Vitaros Cream

Complete Step-by-Step Usage Guide, Dosage Instructions & Safety Information

Key Takeaways: How To Use Vitaros Cream

  • Apply 5–30 minutes before sex: Erection starts within that window.
  • One dose only per 24 hours: Maximum 2–3 times per week.
  • Use the AccuDose exactly as shown: Do not insert the tip into the urethra.
  • Always wash hands before and after. Avoid contact with eyes.
  • Condom needed if partner is pregnant, breastfeeding, or at risk of STIs.
  • Do not combine with other ED treatments. Seek help for erections >4 hours.

Using Vitaros cream correctly is essential for it to work and to avoid side effects. This guide walks you through each step, explains the right dose, and tells you who should avoid it. Always follow your doctor’s advice.

Important Medical Advice

If you get an erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism), feel faint, or experience sudden vision loss, seek immediate medical attention. Do not use Vitaros more than once a day.

How to Apply Vitaros Cream: Step‑by‑Step Usage Guide

Based on the official Patient Information Leaflet, follow these steps carefully.

  1. Prepare: Wash your hands. Tear open the sachet and remove the AccuDose container. Keep the sachet for later disposal.
  2. Warm the cream: Roll the container between your palms for about 30 seconds to bring it to room temperature (if it was refrigerated).
  3. Twist the plunger: Twist the plunger a few times to make sure it moves smoothly, then remove the cap.
  4. Position the penis: Gently squeeze the tip of the penis to open the urethral opening. If you are uncircumcised, retract the foreskin and hold it back.
  5. Apply the cream: Hold the barrel close to the opening (do not insert the tip into the urethra). Slowly and firmly push the plunger down until all the cream is expelled into the opening.
  6. Hold upright: Keep your penis upright for about 30 seconds. Use a fingertip to gently move any excess cream into the opening. Do not urinate immediately.
  7. Discard: Replace the cap, put the used container into the foil sachet, fold and throw away. Wash your hands again.

🗒️ Pro tip: Urinate before applying – this clears the urethra and helps the cream stay in place. Avoid urinating for at least 30 minutes after application.

Vitaros Cream Dosage Guide: Strength & Frequency

Vitaros comes as a 3 mg/g cream (300 micrograms alprostadil per 100 mg of cream). Each AccuDose contains one single dose.

  • Starting dose: Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate strength (only one strength available in UK – 3 mg/g). Do not change the dose yourself.
  • Maximum frequency: Do not use more than once in 24 hours, and not more than 2–3 times per week.
  • Onset: Erection usually occurs within 5–30 minutes and lasts about 1–2 hours.
  • If ineffective: Speak to your doctor – do not apply a second dose the same day.
StrengthAmount of alprostadilFrequency
3 mg/g cream300 micrograms/doseMax once daily, 2–3 times/week

Who Should Use Vitaros Cream?

Vitaros is for adult men (18+) with erectile dysfunction who:

  • Cannot take or prefer not to use oral PDE5 inhibitors (like sildenafil).
  • Have stable cardiovascular health and are cleared for sexual activity.
  • Are able to follow the application instructions correctly.
  • Have tried other treatments with insufficient effect or side effects.

Always discuss your full medical history with a doctor before starting.

Who Should NOT Use Vitaros Cream (Contraindications)

Do not use Vitaros if any of the following apply:

  • Allergy to alprostadil or any ingredient (see section 6 of PIL).
  • Conditions that might cause prolonged erections: sickle cell anaemia/trait, leukaemia, multiple myeloma, polycythaemia, thrombocythaemia.
  • Abnormal penis shape (angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, Peyronie’s disease).
  • Inflammation or infection of the penis (balanitis, urethritis).
  • History of priapism (erection >4 hours).
  • Hyperviscosity syndrome or tendency for venous thrombosis.
  • You have been advised to avoid sex for health reasons (recent heart attack, stroke).
  • Partner is pregnant or breastfeeding (unless using a condom).

Can Vitaros Cream Be Taken With Food?

Vitaros is applied topically to the penis, so food does not affect its absorption. However, consider these timing tips:

  • Empty bladder: Urinate just before applying to avoid washing out the cream.
  • Alcohol: Excessive drinking can impair erection and may increase dizziness. Small amounts are unlikely to interact.
  • Heavy meals: Not relevant for this medicine, but feeling bloated may reduce arousal – apply before a meal if you prefer.

Special Conditions: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Partner Safety

Vitaros can be transferred to a partner during vaginal, oral, or anal sex. To protect your partner:

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Always use a latex condom if your partner is pregnant, breastfeeding, or could become pregnant. The effects on a fetus or infant are not known.
  • Sexually transmitted infections: Vitaros does not protect against STIs. Use a condom to reduce risk.
  • Oral/anal sex: Condoms should also be used to prevent transfer of the cream to mucous membranes.

If your partner experiences vaginal burning or itching, wash with water and consider using a condom next time.

Vitaros Cream Usage FAQs

No, you should only use Vitaros once in any 24‑hour period and not more than 2–3 times a week. Overuse increases the risk of side effects and does not improve effectiveness.

Vitaros can irritate the eyes. Rinse immediately with plenty of cool water and seek medical advice if irritation persists.

No, you should not use Vitaros if you have an active penile or urinary tract infection. Wait until the infection has cleared, after consulting your doctor.

Store unopened sachets in a refrigerator (2°C–8°C). Once removed, they can be kept below 25°C for up to 3 days. Do not freeze. Keep out of children’s sight.

Vitaros does not affect sperm or fertility. However, if pregnancy is possible, you must use a condom during sex to prevent exposing your partner to the cream.

Need a Prescription for Vitaros Cream?

If you are suitable for Vitaros and want a confidential consultation, speak to a UK‑registered doctor online.

Secure Prescription & Next‑Day Delivery

MHRA‑compliant | GPhC‑registered pharmacy | Discreet packaging | UK‑registered doctors

Start ED Consultation
Nabeel M. - Medical Content Manager at Chemist Doctor
Authored byNabeel M.

Medical Content Manager

Nabeel is a co-founder, and medical content manager of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date.

Medical Doctor

Dr. Feroz is a GMC-registered doctor and a medical reviewer at Chemist Doctor. He oversees acute condition and urgent care guidance.

Usman Mir - Superintendent Pharmacist
Approved byUsman Mir

Medical Director

Usman is a co-founder, and medical director of Chemist Doctor. He leads the organisation's strategic vision, bridging clinical and operational priorities.

Review Date: 15 February 2026

Next Review: 15 August 2026

Published on: 15 February 2026

Last Updated: 15 February 2026