What Is Viagra? Essential Patient Information

Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil citrate, a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. Manufactured by Pfizer, Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. At EverydayMeds, patients can choose between branded Viagra or the generic sildenafil alternative at checkout, both containing the same active ingredient but at different price points.

  • Viagra contains sildenafil citrate as the active ingredient
  • Available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablet strengths
  • Requires prescription following online consultation with UK prescriber
  • Generic sildenafil offers the same effectiveness at lower cost
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Not sure which one? Here's the honest comparison.

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

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 What to Expect

Understanding Viagra's Mechanism of Action

Viagra belongs to a class of medications called PDE5 inhibitors. It works by blocking the phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme, which increases blood flow to the penis when you're sexually aroused. Importantly, Viagra does not cause automatic erections - sexual stimulation is still required for the medication to be effective.

Dosage and Timing Guidelines

Viagra is typically prescribed in three strengths: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets. Most patients start with the 50mg dose, which can be adjusted based on effectiveness and tolerability. The medication should be taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity, with effects lasting 4-6 hours. This doesn't mean your erection will last this long - rather, the medication remains active in your system during this period.

Branded vs Generic Options

EverydayMeds offers both Viagra (the branded version) and sildenafil (the generic alternative). Both medications contain identical active ingredients and work in exactly the same way. The main difference is cost - generic sildenafil typically offers significant savings whilst maintaining the same clinical effectiveness as branded Viagra.

Eligibility and Safety Considerations

Viagra is suitable for adult men with erectile dysfunction who pass our online clinical assessment. Our UK-licensed prescribers evaluate your medical history, current medications, and cardiovascular health to ensure the treatment is safe for you. The medication is not suitable for men taking nitrates, those with severe heart conditions, or individuals with certain other medical conditions.

Getting Started with Treatment

To access Viagra or sildenafil through EverydayMeds, you'll need to complete our confidential online consultation. This involves answering questions about your health, medical history, and current medications. Once approved, you can choose between branded Viagra or generic sildenafil at checkout, with discreet delivery to your preferred address.

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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