How long does Viagra last?

What is Viagra?

Viagra is a medicine that can help men, aged 18 or over, who have symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) get and maintain an erection hard enough for sex. Viagra works by improving blood flow to the penis, which can help to improve the sex life of men and their partners.

Viagra is a blue diamond-shaped pill which can be prescribed by doctors or clinicians in strengths of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. The 50mg strength is generally prescribed as the starter strength for patients who are new to the treatment. 

Viagra Connect 50mg* has come onto the market as the first over-the-counter erectile dysfunction treatment. Viagra must be prescribed, whereas Viagra Connect can be purchased from a pharmacy. You should always read the label before taking Viagra or Viagra Connect, and should only take it once in a 24-hour period. 

How long does Viagra last?

Viagra should be taken 30-60 minutes before you plan on having sex, and the effects usually last up to four hours. This doesn’t mean that you’ll have an erection for the full length of time, but it should help you get an erection once you’re sexually aroused within that time period.

Priapism, a condition where an erection lasts longer than four hours, is a rare side effect that’s been associated with Viagra. If you take Viagra and experience this, contact a doctor or call 111 immediately. An erection which lasts an excessive amount of time can permanently damage the penis unless treated quickly. Read the leaflet that comes with your Viagra to make sure you have the full information about your medicine. 

The amount of time Viagra takes to work can be affected by different factors, such as:
•    Sexual stimulation – Viagra isn’t an aphrodisiac, it requires sexual stimulation to take effect and won’t guarantee an erection
•    Drinking alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption can temporarily reduce your ability to get an erection
•    Eating a heavy or high-fat meal – Eating a heavy meal can cause the drug to take effect more slowly

What should I do if Viagra doesn’t work?

If you find that Viagra isn’t working for you, don’t get too disheartened. You may have to try Viagra up to eight separate times (but never take more than one dose in 24 hours) before ruling it out. If after eight attempts it still isn’t working for you, you may want to consider a higher strength or a different oral treatment. If you do consider a different oral treatment, avoid generic Sildenafil as that’s unlikely to work given that sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra.

Can I increase the dosage of Viagra I take?

It’s important that you only take the dosage that’s been prescribed to you, as this will be based on your health and lifestyle choices. Taking more than the dosage prescribed won’t give you an erection in a shorter space of time or improve your sexual performance. Before taking Viagra, you should always read the instructions on the box and in the patient information leaflet. Doses should be taken at least 24 hours apart and never more than one tablet a day. 

If you do take too much Viagra, it can increase your chances of side effects and put your health at risk. It can also increase your risk of priapism, which can cause permanent damage to your penis. If you take more than you’re prescribed, contact your GP immediately or call 111.

What are the side effects of Viagra?

The most common side effects of taking Viagra, which may affect up to one in 10 people, are:
•    Headaches
•    Facial flushing or hot flushes
•    Stuffy or running nose
•    Upset stomach
•    Dizziness
•    Changes in vision

If you experience loss of vision, stop taking Viagra immediately and seek medical attention. To view the full list of possible side effects, read the patient information leaflet. 

It’s especially important to check if you’re taking medicines known as nitrates for chest pain, as combining these with Viagra could lead to dangerously low blood pressure. You’ll also find the full list of medications you should avoid combining Viagra with and who Viagra isn’t suitable for in the patient information leaflet. If you’re still unsure, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist for further advice before taking Viagra or Viagra Connect. 

How do I access Viagra?

If you’re considering Viagra, you can talk to a GP or use a reputable online service such as the Boots Erectile Dysfunction Online Clinic (subject to online consultation and clinician approval). Our discreet and confidential clinic includes a number of treatment options including Viagra. 

Our online clinic provides access to Viagra Connect (sildenafil 50mg) and Viagra 100mg. The 25mg strength is only available through the clinic as generic sildenafil. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra and Viagra Connect. 

Boots will always need you to answer questions before giving you access to Viagra Connect or Viagra 100mg. If you order with Boots, once you’ve completed your consultation it’ll be reviewed by a pharmacist or a clinician who will decide if Viagra Connect or Viagra is suitable for you – if it’s not, you’ll be given advice to see your GP.

If you do decide to use our online clinic, it’s still important that you do speak to your GP about your ED symptoms. That’s because ED can sometimes be the result of an underlying health issue, such as diabetes or heart disease, so it’s important that you get yourself checked out.

^{*Viagra Connect contains 50mg sildenafil, is sold under the supervision of a pharmacist and is subject to suitability assessment. For men aged 18 or over who have erectile dysfunction symptoms. Always read the label.}