What is Viagra? Essential Information Guide

Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil citrate, a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Manufactured by Pfizer, Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis when sexually aroused. EverydayMeds offers both branded Viagra and generic sildenafil, allowing patients to choose the option that best suits their needs and budget during checkout.

  • Viagra contains sildenafil citrate as the active ingredient
  • Available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablet strengths
  • Works within 30-60 minutes and effects may last 4-6 hours
  • Requires sexual stimulation to be effective - does not cause automatic erections
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Not sure which one? Here's the honest comparison.

Sildenafil
~60 min
~4 hrs
you like to plan ahead
Explore now
Tadalafil (as-needed)Most prescribed
~30 min
up to 36 hrs
you want a whole weekend covered
Explore now
Tadalafil Daily
always active
continuous
you never want to think about timing
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Vardenafil
~15–30 min
~8 hrs
you want the fastest onset
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How ED treatment works in your body.

Increases blood flow

Increases blood flow

When PDE5 is suppressed, blood is able to flow more freely through the body—including to the (you guessed it) penis.

Increase erections

Increase erections

More blood flow to the penis means harder, more satisfying erections once you're sexually stimulated.

How Viagra Works and Clinical Information

Understanding Viagra's Mechanism of Action

Viagra belongs to a class of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors. It works by blocking the phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme, which increases blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. It's important to understand that Viagra does not cause automatic erections - sexual stimulation is still required for the medication to be effective.

Available Dosages and Administration

Viagra is available in three strengths: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets. The typical starting dose is 50mg, taken approximately 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. Your prescriber may adjust this to 25mg or 100mg based on how well the medication works for you and any side effects experienced. Only one dose should be taken in any 24-hour period.

Branded vs Generic Options

At EverydayMeds, patients can choose between branded Viagra and generic sildenafil during checkout. Both contain the same active ingredient and work identically - the main difference is cost, with generic sildenafil typically being more affordable. This choice allows patients to select the option that best fits their preferences and budget.

Who Can Take Viagra

Viagra is suitable for adult men aged 18 and over who experience erectile dysfunction. Before prescribing, a UK-licensed clinician will assess your medical history, current medications, and cardiovascular health through our clinical assessment process. This ensures the medication is safe and appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Important Safety Considerations

Viagra is not suitable for everyone. It should never be taken alongside nitrate medications (such as GTN spray) due to dangerous interactions that can cause severe drops in blood pressure. Men with certain heart conditions, recent strokes, severe liver problems, or those taking specific medications may not be suitable candidates. Our clinical team will review your medical history to ensure safe prescribing.

What to Expect

Viagra typically begins working within 30-60 minutes of taking it, though this can vary between individuals. Heavy or fatty meals may delay its onset. The effects can last up to 4-6 hours, though this doesn't mean an erection will last this long. The medication simply makes it easier to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused during this timeframe.

What you need to know about erectile dysfunction

It's one of the most common conditions we treat, and one of the most treatable.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?
ED means finding it hard to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex. It's not unusual to have an off night; the point at which it's worth doing something is when it's happening regularly, or when it's starting to bother you.
How will I feel when I take ED medication?
For most men, nothing feels different day to day. The medication works in the background — when you're sexually aroused, it helps blood flow where it's needed, so erections come more easily and last longer. It doesn't cause arousal on its own. Some men notice mild, short-lived effects like a headache, facial flushing or a stuffy nose, which usually pass as the dose wears off.
Why do I need a prescription for ED medication?
ED treatments are prescription-only medicines in the UK because they aren't suitable for everyone — for example, alongside certain heart conditions or medications like nitrates. That's why we ask you to complete a short online consultation first. A UK-registered prescriber reviews your answers to make sure your chosen treatment is safe and right for you before it's dispensed.
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