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Viagra (Sildenafil)
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Viagra is an effective prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men, containing the active ingredient sildenafil citrate to improve blood flow and help achieve a firm erection.
- Original Pfizer brand "blue pill" with proven clinical efficacy for male impotence
- Fast-acting treatment that typically works within 30 to 60 minutes
- Available in multiple strengths
- Lasts for up to four hours, providing a reliable window for sexual activity
More information
You can purchase Viagra safely through Mail My Meds by completing a short, confidential online consultation which is reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber. Once your clinical assessment is approved, your prescription is dispensed by our pharmacy (GPHC Number: 9011560) and sent via a discreet home delivery service in plain packaging to ensure your privacy.
The price of Viagra depends on the pack size and strength you require, but we strive to offer a competitive Viagra pill price to ensure affordable access to genuine medication. While branded Viagra is the premium option, we also provide sildenafil tablets, the generic version, which offers the same medical benefits at a lower cost for patients on a budget.
We provide multiple delivery options including Royal Mail Tracked 24 and 48 services to ensure you receive your medication promptly and securely. All orders are sent in neutral, unbranded packaging with no mention of the pharmacy or the medication on the outside of the box, ensuring total discretion at your delivery address.
Viagra is a medicine used to treat adult men with erectile dysfunction, sometimes known as impotence or male sexual dysfunction. ED affects approximately 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70. Viagra helps these men achieve an erection by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, though it only works when you are naturally sexually aroused.
The active ingredient in every Viagra tablet is sildenafil citrate, a potent and selective inhibitor of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This chemical compound is responsible for the "blue pill" effect, allowing smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum. Inactive ingredients (excipients) include microcrystalline cellulose, calcium hydrogen phosphate, and croscarmellose sodium.
Most men report a significant improvement in their ability to achieve and maintain an erection after taking the blue pill, often feeling more confident in their sexual relationships. While experiences vary, clinical trials indicate that over 80% of men find the medication effective. Some users may notice a slight blue tint to their vision or facial flushing, which are known, temporary effects of sildenafil.
You can find the official Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) inside every box of Viagra, or you can download a digital version from the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC). It is vital to read the PIL before starting your treatment as it contains exhaustive details on ingredients, contraindications, and expiry dates.
Viagra works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme, which usually breaks down a substance called cGMP that is responsible for relaxing blood vessels in the penis. By maintaining higher levels of cGMP, sildenafil ensures that blood flow remains sufficient to sustain an erection during sexual stimulation. It is important to note that the medication is not an aphrodisiac and requires sexual arousal to function.
You should take one Viagra tablet approximately one hour before you plan to have sex by swallowing it whole with a glass of water. For the best results, avoid taking the medication with a heavy or high-fat meal, as this can delay the absorption of the sildenafil into your bloodstream. You should never take more than one dose in a 24-hour period.
The standard starting dose for most men is the 50mg Viagra tablet, though your prescriber may adjust this based on your health history and the effectiveness of the treatment.
| Strength | Typical User |
|---|---|
| 25mg | Men with underlying health issues or those sensitive to side effects. |
| 50mg | The recommended starting dose for most healthy adults. |
| 100mg | For men who did not see sufficient results with the 50mg dose. |
Common side effects of Viagra include headaches, indigestion, facial flushing, nasal congestion, and dizziness. Most side effects are mild and resolve quickly as the medication leaves your system. Rare but serious side effects include a prolonged erection lasting over four hours (priapism) or sudden vision loss; if these occur, you must seek immediate medical attention via A&E or 999.
You must not take Viagra if you are taking nitrates for chest pain (angina), as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Men with severe heart or liver problems, or those who have recently had a stroke or heart attack, should consult their GP before use. Always disclose your full medical history during your Mail My Meds online consultation to ensure sildenafil is safe for you.
Viagra is the original brand-name version of sildenafil, whereas Cialis (Tadalafil) and Levitra (Vardenafil) are different chemical compounds used for the same purpose.
- Viagra (Sildenafil): Lasts 4 hours; ideal for planned sexual activity.
- Cialis (Tadalafil): Lasts up to 36 hours; known as the "weekend pill."
- Levitra (Vardenafil): Often preferred by men with diabetes or those sensitive to other ED meds.
Can I buy Viagra over the counter in the UK?
Yes, a specific version called Viagra Connect is available over the counter, but the standard 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg Viagra tablets require a prescription from a healthcare professional or an online pharmacy service like Mail My Meds.
Does Viagra make you last longer in bed?
Viagra is primarily designed to help you get and keep an erection; it is not a treatment for premature ejaculation. However, by improving erectile quality and confidence, some men find it helps their overall sexual performance.
Is it safe to drink alcohol with Viagra?
Drinking excessive alcohol can make it more difficult to get an erection and may increase the risk of side effects like dizziness. It is recommended to keep alcohol consumption to a minimum when using sildenafil citrate pills.
How long does it take for a Viagra pill to work?
Most men find that Viagra starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes. To ensure it works as quickly as possible, take it on an empty stomach.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
This clinical content is regularly reviewed by our team of medical experts and UK-registered pharmacists to ensure it remains up-to-date, accurate, and aligned with current BNF and NICE guidelines.

