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This blue diamond-shaped tablet is prescribed to treat men suffering from impotence or erectile dysfunction. The Sexual Dysfunctional Association explains how it works and who it can help.
In this articleHow it works How to take it Possible side effects Does it work for everyone?How it works Taking Viagra relaxes the blood vessels in the penis. This allows blood to flow into the penis causing an erection. However, it will only help you get an erection if you're sexually stimulated. Viagra isn't an aphrodisiac and it doesn't increase your sex drive.
How to take it Viagra is available in three doses: 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. Your doctor will select the dose most suitable for you. The tablet should be swallowed whole with some water about an hour before sexual activity. Viagra works better on an empty stomach, so it's best to avoid having a large meal or a lot of alcohol before taking the tablet.
It takes about 20 minutes to an hour to work and is effective for about four hours. Within this four-hour period you should be able to get an erection in response to sexual stimulation.
Possible side effects Side effects are generally mild and brief, with the most common side effects being headaches and facial flushing. Less often, men have reported indigestion, a runny nose and a blue tint to the vision.
Does it work for everyone?Although a safe and effective drug, Viagra isn't suitable for everyone and doesn't work in all cases. If you fall into either category, your doctor can advise you of other effective treatment options. Viagra reduces blood pressure slightly, which isn't a problem in most men. However, this effect is greatly exaggerated if taken with nitrate treatment, which is prescribed for angina (chest pain). Viagra taken with this will cause a large drop in blood pressure which could prove fatal. If you're taking nitrates, you shouldn't take Viagra. Viagra isn't licensed for use in women and its safety in women hasn't been established.
If you have a heart condition it's important that you discuss your condition and medication with your doctor before taking Viagra. Men who have any of the following conditions should also avoid taking it:
severe heart or liver problems recent stroke or heart attack low blood pressure certain rare inherited eye diseases Take care!Remember: it's dangerous to get Viagra through the internet or other advertised sources. Drugs from unknown sources may be fake and if taken with some medicines (as mentioned above) the result could be fatal.
In LifestyleImpotenceDifficulty ejaculatingElsewhere on bbc.co.ukPersonal experiences with ViagraElsewhere on the webSexual Dysfunction AssociationBasrtRelateThe BBC is not responsible for content on external websites
About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy
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Accessibility help
Text only BBC Homepage
LifestyleRelationshipsSex and sexual healthSexual problemsSexual addictionHave you gone off sex?Difficulty reaching orgasmWhen sex hurtsBlocked intercoursePremature ejaculationDifficulty ejaculatingImpotencePeyronie's diseaseViagra TV and radioTalkNewsletterContact Us
Like this page?
Send it to a friend!
Viagra
This blue diamond-shaped tablet is prescribed to treat men suffering from impotence or erectile dysfunction. The Sexual Dysfunctional Association explains how it works and who it can help.
In this articleHow it works How to take it Possible side effects Does it work for everyone?How it works Taking Viagra relaxes the blood vessels in the penis. This allows blood to flow into the penis causing an erection. However, it will only help you get an erection if you're sexually stimulated. Viagra isn't an aphrodisiac and it doesn't increase your sex drive.
How to take it Viagra is available in three doses: 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. Your doctor will select the dose most suitable for you. The tablet should be swallowed whole with some water about an hour before sexual activity.
Viagra works better on an empty stomach, so it's best to avoid having a large meal or a lot of alcohol before taking the tablet.
It takes about 20 minutes to an hour to work and is effective for about four hours. Within this four-hour period you should be able to get an erection in response to sexual stimulation.
Possible side effects Side effects are generally mild and brief, with the most common side effects being headaches and facial flushing. Less often, men have reported indigestion, a runny nose and a blue tint to the vision.
Does it work for everyone?Although a safe and effective drug, Viagra isn't suitable for everyone and doesn't work in all cases. If you fall into either category, your doctor can advise you of other effective treatment options.
Viagra reduces blood pressure slightly, which isn't a problem in most men. However, this effect is greatly exaggerated if taken with nitrate treatment, which is prescribed for angina (chest pain). Viagra taken with this will cause a large drop in blood pressure which could prove fatal. If you're taking nitrates, you shouldn't take Viagra.
Viagra isn't licensed for use in women and its safety in women hasn't been established.
If you have a heart condition it's important that you discuss your condition and medication with your doctor before taking Viagra. Men who have any of the following conditions should also avoid taking it:
severe heart or liver problems recent stroke or heart attack low blood pressure certain rare inherited eye diseases Take care!Remember: it's dangerous to get Viagra through the internet or other advertised sources. Drugs from unknown sources may be fake and if taken with some medicines (as mentioned above) the result could be fatal.
In LifestyleImpotenceDifficulty ejaculatingElsewhere on bbc.co.ukPersonal experiences with ViagraElsewhere on the webSexual Dysfunction AssociationBasrtRelateThe BBC is not responsible for content on external websites
About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy