Viagra (Sildenafil)

Viagra contains the active ingredient Sildenafil, which belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors).

Sildenafil is intended to be taken before sexual activity. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection.

It usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes to start working, and it can remain effective for up to five hours. For the best results, always read the patient information leaflet before using Viagra.

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, can have various causes and is more common in men over 40. It’s normal for men to occasionally have trouble getting or keeping an erection, especially if they’re stressed, tired, anxious, or have been drinking alcohol.

However, some cases of erectile dysfunction have underlying medical causes. These can include issues with blood vessels, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, spinal injuries, or nerve damage. When ED is linked to a medical condition, treating the underlying cause is important.

In some cases, Sildenafil can be used alongside other treatments to improve erectile function.

For an erection to occur, sexual arousal is necessary. When aroused, signals from the nerves cause the muscles in the penis to relax, allowing blood to flow in. This blood fills spaces in the erectile tissue (corpus cavernosum), which causes the penis to expand and become erect.

When erectile dysfunction is caused by restricted blood flow, Sildenafil works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels in the penis. This allows more blood to enter, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection—but only with sexual stimulation.

Sildenafil is available as tablets or a liquid. Tablets should be swallowed with water. The standard starting dose is 50mg, taken approximately one hour before sexual activity.

For the best results, take Sildenafil on an empty stomach, as food can delay its effects.

If 50mg does not provide the desired effect, speak to a healthcare professional to see if a higher dose might be suitable.

Sildenafil may not be suitable for everyone. At EU Meds, your prescriber will carefully review your health information to ensure it’s appropriate for you.

You should avoid Sildenafil if you:

• Take nitrates for chest pain
• Use recreational drugs known as poppers
• Have heart disease, low blood pressure, angina, or a history of heart attack
• Have experienced a stroke
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have a stomach ulcer or other bleeding condition
• Have sickle cell disease
• Have a history of blood or bone marrow cancer
• Have experienced vision loss
• Have any condition affecting the shape or structure of your penis
• Are taking other medications
• Have had an allergic reaction to Sildenafil or a similar medication

Grapefruit juice should be avoided when taking Sildenafil, as it can increase the drug levels in your bloodstream, raising the risk of side effects.

Lastly, excessive alcohol consumption (over 14 units per week) can make it harder to achieve an erection. For best results, avoid alcohol before sexual activity when taking Sildenafil.