Let's be honest, searching "what viagra is used for" at 11 pm because you are too embarrassed to ask a doctor is more common than you think. You are not broken and you are definitely not alone.
Viagra is the world's most recognised name in erectile dysfunction treatment and because it works fast and is backed by decades of clinical data and it is one of the most studied viagra drug options on the market. But like any viagra prescription medication that comes with a few things you should know before you take it.
In this guide, DirectMeds will provide you with everything you need to know about exactly what viagra is used for, how the viagra tablet actually works in your body, the real stats behind its effectiveness and every side effect worth knowing all in plain English, no lecture required.
What Is Viagra?
What might one define as Viagra? In short, Viagra is the very first brand of the medicine known as sildenafil, which belongs to the class of PDE5 inhibitors. The medicine was introduced back in 1998 by Pfizer, and since then it has gained the status of one of the oldest medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Viagra is classified as a Schedule 4 prescription medicine in Australia, meaning that one should always have a prescription from a registered AHPRA doctor to obtain it, either via telehealth or face-to-face.
Quick Facts Table
Detail | Information |
Generic name | Sildenafil (citrate) |
Drug class | PDE5 inhibitor |
Ingredients | Sildenafil citrate (active): lactose, cellulose, dyes (inactive, varies by strength) |
Approved since | 1998 (FDA), long standing use in Australia under TGA regulation |
Onset of action | Approximately 30 to 60 minutes |
Duration of effect | Around 4 hours (up to 5 in some men) |
Legal status in Australia | S4 (prescription only) |
What Is Viagra Used For?
Viagra is mainly prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, which is a condition characterized by persistent trouble in achieving or maintaining an erection adequate for sexual intercourse. This drug does not induce sexual arousal or desire but only facilitates the blood flow necessary for erection once the patient is sexually aroused.
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the major use of the viagra pill among males.
- Revatio also contains sildenafil but it is approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension with different dosing than Viagra. The two should not be substituted for each other without a doctor's guidance.
As people think, ED is much more common nowadays than one may suggest. According to a major Australian study performed among more than 108,000 men aged 45 and older, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, only 39.3% of respondents report no ED, which means that almost 60% of Australian men within the mentioned age category are prone to expressing different forms of ED issues; in other words, they have some erectile problems ranging from mild to severe.
How Does Viagra Work?
Grasping how the mechanism of action of the tablet can help greatly in using it in the right manner. When one is sexually aroused, nitric oxide is released, initiating a condition where the blood vessels in the penis relax, allowing increased blood to flow through.
Sildenafil serves as a PDE5 inhibitor, an enzyme responsible for blocking the process from taking place sooner than it should be. Therefore, by blocking PDE5 action, Viagra allows for increased blood flow in the penis. However, this only takes place in cases of natural arousal.
How Do I Take Viagra?
The most common question that arises is that of how to take the medication. The usual recommended dose is 50 mg taken approximately one hour before sexual activity, adjustable between 25 mg and 100 mg depending on effect and tolerability, with a maximum of one dose in any 24 hour period.
Standard Dosage Guide
Age/Health Group | Typical Dose | When to Take |
Most adults | 50 mg as needed (adjustable to 25–100 mg based on response) | Approximately 1 hour before activity |
Older patients, mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment (e.g. cirrhosis), or severe renal impairment | A 25 mg starting dose may be considered | Approximately 1 hour before activity |
This 25 mg starting dose applies to mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment (such as cirrhosis) and to severe renal impairment; mild-to-moderate kidney impairment doesn't require a dose reduction. Severe hepatic impairment is a contraindication; Viagra's safety has not been established in these patients and it should not be used without explicit guidance from a treating doctor.
Your physician may change your viagra dosage according to your reaction and conditions. Never make up any missing doses since it is taken as necessary which means that there are no doses that need to be taken.
You may use it either before or after having your meals. However, heavy meals may lead to a slower onset of its effect. You should also make sure to avoid taking grapefruit or its juices.
Does Viagra Require a Prescription?
Yes. Viagra prescription necessary is one of the most common inquiries concerning this drug in Australia, and the answer is a clear yes. Viagra is a Schedule 4 medicine, which means to purchase it, you'll have to visit the doctor and get a prescription. There are legitimate telehealth resources where you'll get a valid prescription but if you see a site that is offering high-quality medications without a consultation, that means that it might be a scam.
Viagra vs. Generic Sildenafil
Generic sildenafil has come to mean the increased availability of a cheaper alternative for men since the expiration of Viagra's patent; however, the same active ingredients are used, but there are a few practical differences to take note of.
Factor | Brand-Name Viagra | Generic Sildenafil |
Active ingredient | Sildenafil citrate | Sildenafil citrate (identical) |
Cost | Higher | Typically lower |
Manufacturer | Pfizer | Multiple approved manufacturers |
Effectiveness | Clinically established | Bioequivalent per regulatory testing |
Prescription required (Australia) | Yes (S4) | Yes (S4) |
Viagra Side Effects
As with any prescription medication, there may be side effects of Viagra. In most cases, those side effects are mild and temporary but in some cases, emergency medical help may still be required.
Common Side Effects
- Headaches or dizziness
- Flushing (face or chest feeling hot or turning red)
- Stuffy nose or nosebleeds
- Upset stomach
- Changes to eyesight such as blurred vision or vision with a blue tinge
- Back or muscle aches
Serious Side Effects — Seek Medical Help
- Chest pain or heart attack symptoms — seek urgent help, don't take nitrates or poppers for it, and tell the treating doctor you have taken Viagra
- Sudden loss of vision or hearing
- An erection that lasts more than four hours (priapism)
- Severe allergic reaction such as swollen face, lips or throat and difficulty breathing
Viagra must not be taken together with medicines containing nitrates (such as those used for heart disease or angina), in any form or dose as this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. This also includes recreational drugs containing nitrites such as amyl nitrite ("poppers") these must never be combined with Viagra. It must also not be taken with guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat, for the same reason. Viagra is also contraindicated in men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular disease, such as severe heart failure or unstable angina; this should be assessed by a doctor before starting treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Viagra
What is the Viagra tablet actually made of?
The active ingredient of Viagra is sildenafil citrate and the inactive compounds differ from manufacturer to manufacturer but usually include some fillers such as lactose and cellulose and a few colors.
When to take Viagra for the best results?
Viagra is usually taken 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity for best results. Its effects typically last around 4 hours, so timing intercourse within that window after taking it gives the best chance of success.
Can I buy a Viagra tablet online without a prescription?
Not legally in Australia, as a prescription of some kind is necessary, although this does not necessarily have to originate from a face-to-face visit as it can also be obtained through a telehealth consultation.
How long does one dose last?
The duration of the effects is roughly four hours, although this can also depend on individuals, as well as their metabolism, specific dosage and health issues.
Is Viagra the same as generic sildenafil?
Yes. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra, it is not a separate or newer medicine. Viagra is simply the original brand name for sildenafil citrate; generic sildenafil products contain the exact same active ingredient, just sold under its chemical name rather than a brand name usually at a lower price.