Viagra is a brand-name oral tablet prescribed for erectile dysfunction (ED). Viagra contains the active ingredient sildenafil.

Drug details

You’ll find key information about Viagra below.

Does Viagra work to treat ED?

Yes, it does. In several clinical studies, Viagra was effective in treating erectile dysfunction (ED). In these studies, males who used the drug had an improved ability to have and keep erections during sexual activity. To learn more about Viagra’s effectiveness, see the “Viagra uses” section below.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Viagra typically starts to work between 30 and 60 minutes after you take a dose of the drug. But Viagra itself doesn’t give you an erection. You’ll need to be sexually aroused in order for the drug to work.

Viagra keeps working in your body for up to 5 hours. This means that if you’re aroused, you should still be able to get an erection up to 4 hours after taking a dose of Viagra.

Even though Viagra keeps working in your body for several hours, your erection shouldn’t last this long. In fact, in rare cases, Viagra can cause priapism (a long-lasting and sometimes painful erection).

Priapism is a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away. If it’s not treated, the condition can damage the tissues in your penis and cause irreversible erectile dysfunction.

If you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

What can I do to make Viagra work faster?

Viagra may work faster if you take it on an empty stomach. If Viagra is taken with food, especially with a high fat meal, it will take longer to start working. And in this case, it could even be less effective for you.

Viagra is approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in males. With ED, you have trouble getting and keeping an erection that’s firm enough to allow you to have sex.

What causes an erection?

When you’re sexually aroused, your brain sends messages to your penis. These messages cause certain chemicals to be released in your penis.

One of these chemicals, called cyclic GMP, relaxes and widens certain blood vessels in your penis. Cyclic GMP also relaxes the muscles around the erectile tissue in your penis that’s called the corpus cavernosum. These actions allow blood to flow into the corpus cavernosum, which causes your penis to get hard and become erect.

What happens with ED?

ED can occur if you have certain problems that affect your body’s ability to have an erection. The condition can result from problems with messages being sent from your brain. ED can also result from problems with blood flow into your penis.

What does Viagra do for ED?

Viagra works to treat ED by helping you get and maintain an erection. The drug does this by improving blood flow into your penis when you’re sexually aroused.

Viagra is a type of drug called a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It works by inhibiting (blocking) the action of an enzyme called PDE5. (An enzyme is a protein that helps chemical reactions to happen inside your body.)

Usually, an erection goes away when PDE5 breaks down the cyclic GMP in your penis. But Viagra blocks the action of PDE5, so it allows cyclic GMP to keep working for a longer period of time than usual. This action improves blood flow to your penis and helps you get and keep an erection.

Does Viagra increase a man’s sex drive?

No, Viagra doesn’t directly increase your sex drive. And it doesn’t make you sexually aroused. However, some people find that if Viagra works to treat their erectile problem, it also increases their sexual confidence. And this may lead to an increased sex drive.

How can I tell if Viagra’s not working?

Viagra may not work for everyone, and it may not work every time you take it.

If you’re sexually aroused, Viagra should work to help you get or keep an erection within 30 minutes to 2 hours. But if you don’t get an erection within 4 hours after taking a dose, Viagra didn’t work for you this time.

If the drug doesn’t work for you, you shouldn’t take another dose until at least 24 hours later. And talk with your doctor if you feel Viagra isn’t helping to treat your ED. They may recommend that you try a different medication for your ED.

How can I get Viagra to work?

It’s important to remember that Viagra only works if you’re already sexually aroused. Arousal may involve having sexual thoughts, looking at sexual images, masturbating, or engaging in foreplay.

But if you feel anxious, nervous, depressed, or stressed, your body may not respond well to sexual stimulation. If this is the case, try to relax, make yourself comfortable, and take your time. In addition, if you drink alcohol, it’s best to avoid drinking a lot of it. This is because consuming large amounts of alcohol can make it more difficult to get an erection.

If you’re having trouble getting an erection, even while using Viagra, talk with your doctor.

Is Viagra a blood thinner?

No, Viagra isn’t a blood thinner. Instead, it belongs to a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Viagra works by blocking the action of a certain enzyme in your body.

Since Viagra has been released onto the market, there have been a few reports of bleeding in people who have taken the drug. However, there’s no evidence that Viagra caused these bleeding problems.

It’s not known if Viagra is safe for use in people with a bleeding problem. If you have any bleeding problems, talk with your doctor about whether Viagra is safe for you.

After taking a dose of Viagra, the drug’s level in your body will gradually decrease over a period of a few hours. You’ll have low levels of the drug in your body after about 4 hours. (And at this point, the drug won’t be working any longer.) But it can actually take about 24 hours for Viagra to be completely removed from your body.

If you have other questions about how long Viagra works, talk with your doctor.

Viagra can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Viagra. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of Viagra, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to report to the FDA a side effect you’ve had with Viagra, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects of Viagra can include:*

  • headache
  • flushing
  • indigestion
  • mild and temporary vision changes, such as a blue tinge in your vision, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light
  • nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
  • back pain
  • muscle pain
  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • rash

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Viagra. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view the drug’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Viagra aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

  • Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which is an eye condition that causes damage to your optic nerve. This is a medical emergency that should be treated right away. Symptoms can include:
    • sudden decrease in vision in one or both of your eyes
    • sudden loss of vision in one or both of your eyes
  • Sudden decrease or loss of hearing. This condition may also involve other symptoms, such as:
    • tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in your ears)
    • dizziness
  • Priapism, which is a long-lasting and sometimes painful erection. This is a medical emergency that should be treated right away. Symptoms can include:
    • an erection that won’t go away, and may not be fully firm
    • pain in the penis

Other serious side effects, which are explained in more detail below in “Side effect details,” include:

Side effect details

You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug. Here’s some detail on several of the side effects this drug may cause.

Note: You can also refer to this in-depth article for details about Viagra’s side effects.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Viagra.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Viagra. But call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Low blood pressure

Viagra can temporarily lower your blood pressure after you take the drug. This occurred in clinical trials but was not significant enough to cause problems for most people.

But keep in mind that a sudden drop in your blood pressure could be dangerous if you have certain heart conditions. Sudden low blood pressure may also be dangerous if you’re taking certain other medications.

For example, you should not take Viagra if you take nitrate medications to treat chest pain. You should also avoid taking Viagra if you take a drug called riociguat (Adempas). Taking Viagra with these medications can cause a dangerous drop in your blood pressure that leads to heart attack or stroke.

If you have low blood pressure, taking Viagra could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, or cause you to faint. You’re also more likely to have these problems if you take Viagra with certain drugs used to treat high blood pressure or enlarged prostate. If you feel dizzy or faint after taking Viagra, lie down until this feeling passes.

If you have a heart problem or low blood pressure, talk with your doctor about whether Viagra is safe for you.

For more information about taking Viagra with other medications, see the “Viagra interactions” section below. And for more information about taking Viagra if you have heart or blood pressure problems, see the “Viagra precautions” section below.

Heart attack, irregular heartbeat, and stroke

On rare occasions, some people taking Viagra have had a heart attack, stroke, or an irregular heartbeat. These conditions mainly occurred in people who already had a heart problem. But sometimes these conditions occurred in people who didn’t have a heart problem. It’s not known for sure if Viagra caused the side effects.

If you have chest pain after taking Viagra, you should stop sexual activity right away. But call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

And if you have a heart problem, talk with your doctor before starting Viagra. They can discuss with you whether it’s safe for you to use this drug. For more information about taking Viagra if you have heart problems, see the “Viagra precautions” section below.

Headaches

Headaches are a common side effect of Viagra. Headaches, as well as flushing and dizziness, occur because Viagra widens certain blood vessels in your body. (The drug doesn’t just affect the blood vessels in your penis.)

If you have a headache after taking Viagra, it should go away fairly quickly. But if it’s bothersome, you can take a pain reliever containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a medication that’s safe for you to use.

If you have a severe headache or a headache that won’t go away, call your doctor. They’ll help determine the best treatment for your headache.

How to relieve Viagra side effects

Most of the mild side effects of Viagra either tend to go away within a few hours of taking your dose or can be easily relieved.

For example, headaches, flushing, and dizziness can often be eased by lying down and resting. Avoiding alcohol will also help reduce these side effects. Headaches and sensitivity to light can also be improved by turning off any bright lights around you. If you have bothersome headaches with Viagra, ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a pain reliever that’s safe for you to use.

If you get indigestion after taking Viagra, try taking your dose of Viagra with a snack or light meal. Just be aware that if you do this, Viagra may take slightly longer to start working for you. (This is especially true if you eat a high fat meal with your dose.) If your indigestion is bothersome, ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend medication to help reduce your discomfort.

Also keep in mind that certain side effects occur more often with higher doses of Viagra. These side effects include headaches, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and changes in your vision. So if these side effects are a problem for you, talk with your doctor about taking a lower dosage of Viagra.

When to call your doctor

Some of Viagra’s rare side effects need immediate medical attention. For example, you should call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you have:

  • an erection that doesn’t go away and lasts for more than 4 hours
  • chest pain, dizziness, or nausea while you’re having sex, and these symptoms don’t go away when you stop having sex and begin to rest
  • sudden loss of vision in one or both of your eyes
  • sudden decrease or loss of hearing

Viagra is a brand-name drug that contains the active ingredient sildenafil. This active ingredient is also available in generic forms. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.

Generics are considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. They tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If you’re interested in taking a generic form of Viagra, talk with your doctor. They can tell you if it comes in forms and strengths that can be used for your condition.

The Viagra dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • your age
  • whether you have liver or kidney problems
  • other medical conditions you may have
  • other medications you may be taking

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

For more information about Viagra’s dosage, see this comprehensive article.

Drug form and strengths

Viagra comes as tablets that you swallow. It’s available in three strengths: 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, and 100 mg.

Dosage for ED

The typical dose of Viagra for erectile dysfunction (ED) is 50 mg. You can take this dose 30 minutes to 4 hours before you plan to have sexual activity. But for most people, it’s recommended that you take your dose about an hour before having sex. Don’t take Viagra more than once per day.

If Viagra isn’t working for you, your doctor may increase your dose of the drug. The maximum dose of Viagra is 100 mg.

Your doctor may prescribe a different dosage of Viagra for you depending on several factors. These factors may include having liver or kidney problems, taking certain other medications, and being 65 years or older. If any of these factors apply to you, your starting dose might be 25 mg, which is lower than the typical recommended dose.

You can also refer to this in-depth article for details about Viagra’s dosage.

Dosage questions

Below, we answer some common questions related to Viagra’s dosage.

Is Viagra’s dosage based on age or weight?

Your Viagra dosage won’t be based on your weight, but it may be based on your age.

For example, people ages 65 years and older tend to get higher levels of Viagra in their blood after taking a dose. So, if you’re over 65 years of age, your doctor will usually recommend a starting dose of Viagra for you that’s lower than the typical starting dose. For example, they may recommend that you take 25 mg of the drug rather than 50 mg.

Can I take Viagra just for fun, even if I don’t have ED? If so, how much is safe to take?

No, you should not take Viagra if you don’t have ED. Viagra is a prescription medication that can have serious side effects. And it’s approved only to treat ED, not to be used recreationally.

You should only take Viagra if it’s been prescribed to you by a doctor who knows your medical history.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Maybe. If you and your doctor determine that Viagra is safe and effective for you, you can likely take it for as long as you continue to need it.

Other drugs are available that can treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Viagra, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat ED include:

Natural and over-the-counter alternatives for ED

Natural and over-the-counter (OTC) products for treating ED are widely available, especially on the internet. However, these products have not been tested for safety or effectiveness by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Because the products aren’t regulated, there’s no way to be certain of what these products actually contain. If you want to try a natural or OTC product for ED, you should first discuss it with your doctor.

The American Urological Association doesn’t recommend using products that contain yohimbine, ginseng, and l-arginine for ED treatment. (This includes products that contain these ingredients either alone or in combination with other ingredients.) This is because there’s not enough evidence to say whether the products work. And these products may cause harmful side effects.

Examples of products that contain one or more of these ingredients include Libido-Max and Extenze.

Products that claim to contain sildenafil

You should also avoid products you can buy online without a prescription that claim either to be generic forms of Viagra or to contain sildenafil. (Sildenafil is the active drug in Viagra.)

If these drugs are available without a prescription, that means that they haven’t been tested or approved by the FDA. As a result, it’s unknown if they’re effective or safe. And there’s no guarantee that the products actually contain sildenafil.

You may wonder how Viagra compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Viagra and Cialis are alike and different.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Ingredients

Viagra contains the drug sildenafil, while Cialis contains the drug tadalafil. Both Viagra and Cialis belong to a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

Uses

Viagra and Cialis are both approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in males ages 18 years and older. These drugs work to treat ED by helping you get and maintain an erection when you’re sexually aroused. But the drugs don’t work if you’re not aroused.

In addition, Cialis is approved to treat symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH refers to having an enlarged prostate. These symptoms include needing to pass urine frequently or urgently. They can also include having a weak flow of urine or being unable to fully empty your bladder.

Drug forms and administration

Viagra and Cialis both come as tablets that you take by mouth.

With Viagra, you’ll take the drug between 30 minutes and 4 hours before you plan to have sex. The medication can help you get an erection up to 4 hours after you’ve taken a dose. Viagra shouldn’t be taken more than once a day.

With Cialis, you’ll take a dose at least 30 minutes before you plan to have sex. This medication can help you get an erection up to 36 hours after you’ve taken a dose. Cialis shouldn’t be taken more than once a day.

While you can take Cialis just as needed for ED treatment, another option is to take a low dose of the drug regularly each day. Doing this can help you to get an erection at any time when you’re sexually aroused. This may help make sex more spontaneous for you.

Side effects and risks

Viagra and Cialis both contain the same type of drug. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.

Mild side effects

These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with Viagra, with Cialis, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

  • Can occur with Viagra:
    • mild and temporary vision changes, such as a blue tinge to your vision, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light
    • nausea
    • dizziness
    • rash
  • Can occur with Cialis:
    • pain in your arms or legs
    • upper respiratory tract infection
    • cough
    • diarrhea
  • Can occur with both Viagra and Cialis:
    • headache
    • flushing
    • indigestion
    • nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
    • back pain
    • muscle pain

Serious side effects

The following list contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with either Viagra or Cialis.

Effectiveness

Viagra and Cialis have different approved uses, but they’re both used to treat ED.

The use of Viagra and Cialis in treating ED has been directly compared in several clinical studies. One review of these studies found the two drugs were similarly effective in improving the ability of males to have and maintain erections.

However, researchers found that people who took Cialis had improved confidence in their sexual ability. So, the people were more likely to prefer Cialis over Viagra. This is likely due to the long-lasting effect of Cialis, which allows people to have more spontaneous sex. (Cialis’s dosing schedule allows less planning for when you need to take a dose before having sex.)

The study also found that males who took Cialis were more likely to have back or muscle pain than those taking Viagra. But people taking Cialis were less likely to have flushing compared with those taking Viagra.

Costs

Viagra and Cialis are both brand-name drugs. Generic forms of both drugs are available. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.

The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, your prescribed dosage, and the pharmacy you use.

Visit Optum Perks to find coupons and savings for Viagra and Cialis.

Sildenafil is the active drug in Viagra. In addition to being available as the brand-name drug Viagra, it’s available as a generic drug. Here we look at how Viagra and sildenafil are alike and different.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Ingredients

Viagra, which contains the active drug sildenafil, is a brand-name drug. But sildenafil is also available as a generic medication.

A generic medication is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers generics to be just as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Drug forms and uses

Viagra is approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in males ages 18 years and older. It comes as tablets that you take by mouth. Viagra is available in the following strengths:

  • 25 milligrams (mg)
  • 50 mg
  • 100 mg

Like Viagra, certain forms of sildenafil are approved to treat ED in males ages 18 years and older. For example, sildenafil 25-mg, 50-mg, and 100-mg tablets are approved for this use.

In addition, sildenafil also comes as 20-mg tablets, an oral liquid suspension, and a solution given by injection. These forms of sildenafil are generic versions of a brand-name drug called Revatio. But unlike Viagra, they’re not used to treat ED. Revatio and these forms of sildenafil are used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). With PAH, you have high blood pressure in the artery between your heart and lungs.

Effectiveness and safety

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers generics to be just as safe and effective as the original drug. This means that generic sildenafil is just as effective in treating ED as Viagra is when it’s taken at the same doses as Viagra. It also means that sildenafil and Viagra can cause the same side effects.

For information on the possible side effects of Viagra, see the section “Viagra side effects” above.

Costs

Viagra is a brand-name drug, while sildenafil is a generic form of Viagra. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.

The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and your prescribed dosage.

Visit Optum Perks to find coupons and savings for Viagra and sildenafil.

Like Cialis (described above), Levitra is also prescribed for similar uses as Viagra. Here we look at how Viagra and Levitra are alike and different.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

The brand-name form of Levitra was discontinued in 2021. However, the active drug in Levitra is available as a generic medication called vardenafil. The generic form has the same use, dosage, safety, and effectiveness as the brand-name drug.

The information about Levitra in this article also applies to vardenafil unless otherwise noted.

Ingredients

Viagra contains the drug sildenafil, while Levitra contains the drug vardenafil. Both Viagra and Levitra belong to a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

Uses

Viagra and Levitra are both approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in males ages 18 years and older. These drugs work to treat ED by helping you get and maintain an erection when you’re sexually aroused. But the drugs don’t work if you’re not aroused.

Drug forms and administration

Viagra and Levitra both come as tablets that you take by mouth.

With Viagra, you’ll take a dose between 30 minutes and 4 hours before you plan to have sex. With Levitra, you’ll take a dose about 1 hour before sexual activity. The medications can help you get an erection up to 4 hours after you take a dose. But neither drug should be taken more than once a day.

Side effects and risks

Viagra and Levitra both contain the same type of drug. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.

Mild side effects

These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with Viagra, with Levitra, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

  • Can occur with Viagra:
    • mild and temporary vision changes, such as a blue tinge to your vision, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light
    • rash
    • muscle pain
  • Can occur with Levitra:
    • sinusitis (inflammation in your sinuses)
    • flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, and body aches
  • Can occur with both Viagra and Levitra:
    • headache
    • flushing
    • indigestion
    • nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
    • nausea
    • dizziness
    • back pain

Serious side effects

The following list contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with either Viagra or Levitra.

Effectiveness

The only condition both Viagra and Levitra are used to treat is ED.

The use of Viagra and Levitra in treating ED has been directly compared in several clinical studies and compared in several reviews of studies. Based on study information, the American Urological Association considers Viagra and Levitra to be similarly effective in improving the ability of males to get and maintain erections.

Costs

Viagra and Levitra are both brand-name drugs. Generic forms of both drugs are available. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.

The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Viagra.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Can Viagra make sex last longer?

No, studies haven’t shown that Viagra makes sex last longer. However, the drug can help you to get and keep an erection. And studies have shown that Viagra can increase satisfaction from sex.

Does Viagra increase the size of a man’s penis?

No, Viagra doesn’t increase the size of a male’s penis. There aren’t any known ways to permanently increase the size of a penis.

Viagra helps you get an erection if you’re sexually aroused. This may temporarily increase the size of your penis, until the erection goes away. But Viagra doesn’t permanently increase the size of your penis.

Is Viagra safe to use?

Yes, Viagra is generally considered safe to use if:

  • it’s been prescribed by a doctor who knows your medical history, and
  • you’re taking the drug as directed

Viagra’s safety has been shown in several clinical studies. The drug does have a few serious side effects, but these rarely occur. For more information about the side effects of Viagra, see the section “Viagra side effects” above.

However, Viagra may not be safe to use if you have certain medical conditions, including heart disease. And it’s not safe to use Viagra if you’re taking certain other medications, such as nitrates. (Nitrates are sometimes used to treat chest pain that’s related to heart problems.) This is why you should only take Viagra if it’s been prescribed by a doctor who knows your medical history.

For more information about conditions that may make it unsafe for you to take Viagra , see “Viagra precautions” below. And for more information about taking other medications with Viagra, see “Viagra interactions” below.

Can you take Viagra if you have high blood pressure?

That depends on how high your blood pressure is.

For example, if you have high blood pressure that’s not managed, your heart may not be healthy enough for sexual activity. (With unmanaged high blood pressure, your blood pressure is greater than 170/110 mmHg.) If this is the case, talk with your doctor about whether Viagra is safe for you.

However, if you have high blood pressure that’s managed with medication and you also don’t have a heart condition, it’s usually fine to take Viagra. Just be aware that taking the drug could lower your blood pressure.

Low blood pressure from Viagra usually isn’t a problem for most people. But if you’re taking a type of blood pressure drug called an alpha-blocker, taking Viagra might cause certain side effects. These side effects can include dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. For more information about using Viagra with alpha-blockers, see the “Viagra interactions” section below.

If you have high blood pressure that’s managed with medication, your doctor may prescribe a dose of Viagra for you that’s lower than the typical dose.

Before starting Viagra, talk with your doctor about any blood pressure problems you have.

Does Viagra work the first time you use it?

Yes, for most people, Viagra works the first time they use it. But for other people, it may take a few times of trying the drug to get the desired effect. Keep in mind that you should not take Viagra more than once every 24 hours.

If Viagra doesn’t seem to work for you, talk with your doctor. They may increase your dosage or recommend that you try a different medication.

Does Viagra help me keep an erection after ejaculation?

It might. But even if your erection goes away after you’ve ejaculated, Viagra can help you to get another erection up to 4 hours after you’ve taken a dose.

Can I take Viagra by snorting it?

No, you should not snort Viagra. The safety and effectiveness of taking Viagra through the nose hasn’t been tested. This drug is only approved to be taken by mouth.

Does Viagra prevent ejaculation?

No, Viagra doesn’t stop you from ejaculating.

Can I take Viagra after I’ve had my prostate removed?

Yes, you can if your doctor recommends it.

However, Viagra may be less effective at treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in people who have had their prostate removed than it is in people who haven’t.

If you have questions about using Viagra after you’ve had your prostate removed, talk with your doctor.

Does Viagra treat ED that’s related to diabetes?

Yes, it can be used for this purpose. In fact, one study found that Viagra was effective in more than half of males with erectile dysfunction (ED) that was thought to be related to diabetes.

Does Viagra help with premature ejaculation?

Yes, it could. In several studies, Viagra has been looked at as a possible treatment for premature ejaculation (PE). (With PE, you ejaculate before you want to. And typically, you’ll ejaculate within 1 minute of penetration when you’re having sex.)

Some studies found that Viagra can help people with PE to delay ejaculation longer than they could without treatment. However, other studies didn’t show that Viagra had a significant effect in treating PE. More research is needed to know for sure whether or not Viagra is effective for treating PE.

Keep in mind that Viagra isn’t approved in the United States to treat PE. And it’s not recommended in current PE treatment guidelines from the American Urological Association. However, Viagra is recommended in similar guidelines from the European Association of Urology.

If you’re interested in taking Viagra to treat PE, talk with your doctor.

What’s the youngest age for which Viagra is safe to use?

Viagra is approved for use in males ages 18 years and older. You shouldn’t take Viagra if you’re younger than 18 years. The safety and effectiveness of Viagra haven’t been studied in people of this age group.

The manufacturer of Viagra doesn’t give any specific warnings about drinking alcohol while using this drug. But in general, it’s best to avoid drinking lots of alcohol with the medication.

This is because certain side effects of Viagra may be worsened by alcohol, including headaches, flushing, and dizziness. And drinking lots of alcohol can also make it more difficult to get an erection.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe for you to drink while you’re taking Viagra.

Viagra can interact with several other medications. Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.

See this article for more information about Viagra’s interactions.

Viagra and other medications

Below are lists of medications that can interact with Viagra. These lists don’t contain all the drugs that may interact with Viagra.

Before taking Viagra, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Viagra and other ED medications

You shouldn’t take Viagra with any other medications for erectile dysfunction (ED). This includes prescription medications, such as:

  • tadalafil (Cialis)
  • avanafil (Stendra)
  • vardenafil
  • alprostadil (Muse, Caverject, Caverject Impulse, Edex)

It also includes natural or over-the-counter ED treatments, such as l-arginine and yohimbine.

Taking Viagra with other ED medications increases your risk of certain side effects, such as low blood pressure and priapism. Priapism refers to a long-lasting and sometimes painful erection that doesn’t go away. This is a medical emergency that needs to be treated right away.

If you’re using Viagra, don’t use any other medications for ED without talking with your doctor.

Viagra and nitrates

You shouldn’t take Viagra with nitrate drugs. This includes certain prescription drugs, such as nitroglycerin, used to treat angina (a type of chest pain). It also includes certain illegal drugs called poppers, such as amyl nitrate.

Taking Viagra with nitrates can cause a dangerous drop in your blood pressure that can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Examples of nitrate drugs that should not be taken with Viagra include:

  • nitroglycerin (Nitromist, Nitro-Dur, Nitrolingual Pumpspray, Gonitro, others)
  • isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket)
  • isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate SR, Isordil)
  • glyceryl trinitrate
  • amyl nitrate
  • alkyl nitrate
  • butyl nitrate

Viagra and drugs for pulmonary arterial hypertension

You shouldn’t take Viagra if you’re taking the pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) drugs listed below. Taking Viagra with these medications can cause your blood pressure to drop too low.

Examples of drugs used to treat PAH that should not be taken with Viagra include:

  • riociguat (Adempas)
  • sildenafil (Revatio)
  • tadalafil (Adcirca)

Viagra and blood pressure drugs

Viagra can sometimes cause low blood pressure. Taking Viagra with drugs used to treat high blood pressure can cause your blood pressure to drop even lower.

Examples of drugs used to treat high blood pressure include:

If you take a drug for high blood pressure, your doctor might prescribe a dose of Viagra for you that’s lower than the typical dose.

Viagra and alpha-blockers

If you’re taking a type of blood pressure drug called an alpha-blocker, the extra drop in blood pressure from Viagra could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. It could even make you faint. If you’re taking an alpha-blocker, your doctor will recommend a starting dose of 25 milligrams (mg) of Viagra, which is lower than the usual starting dose.

Examples of alpha-blocker drugs used for high blood pressure include:

If you take one of the drugs listed above, tell your doctor if you feel dizzy or lightheaded, or faint after taking Viagra.

Viagra and illegal drugs

You shouldn’t take Viagra with illegal drugs called poppers. Poppers contain nitrate drugs such as amyl nitrate, alkyl nitrate, and butyl nitrate. Taking Viagra with poppers can cause a dangerous drop in your blood pressure that can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Viagra hasn’t been tested for use with illegal drugs other than poppers. But it’s possible that taking Viagra with certain other illegal drugs could also have dangerous effects on your heart and blood pressure.

Examples of illegal drugs that could have dangerous effects if taken with Viagra include:

If you’re thinking of taking illegal drugs with Viagra, talk with your doctor about whether this is safe for you to do.

Viagra and certain BPH drugs

Viagra can sometimes cause low blood pressure. Certain drugs used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can also cause low blood pressure. These drugs are called alpha-blockers.

Taking Viagra with alpha-blockers can cause your blood pressure to drop even lower. This could make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, or even cause you to faint.

Examples of alpha-blockers that are used to treat BPH include:

If you’re taking an alpha-blocker, your doctor will recommend a starting dose of 25 mg of Viagra, which is lower than the usual starting dose. And if you take one of the drugs listed above, tell your doctor if you feel very dizzy, lightheaded, or faint after taking Viagra.

Viagra and Adderall

Viagra hasn’t been tested for use with Adderall or Adderall XR, so it’s not known what effects the drugs would have if taken together. But that doesn’t mean there wouldn’t be an interaction.

Adderall, which contains amphetamine salts, is approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall has stimulant effects in your body, and it could cause serious heart-related side effects.

Viagra, on the other hand, may cause low blood pressure. So it’s possible that taking it with Adderall could have dangerous effects on your heart or blood pressure.

If you take Adderall, ask your doctor if it’s safe for you to take Viagra as well.

Viagra and Xanax

Viagra hasn’t been tested for use with Xanax, so it’s not known what effects the drugs would have if taken together. But that doesn’t mean there wouldn’t be an interaction.

Xanax, which is a benzodiazepine, contains the active drug alprazolam. Xanax can sometimes cause low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting. Viagra may also lower your blood pressure. So it’s possible that taking it with Xanax could have dangerous effects on your heart or blood pressure.

If you take Xanax, ask your doctor if it’s safe for you to take Viagra as well.

Viagra and antidepressants

It’s usually fine to take Viagra with antidepressants. It’s important to note that erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect of certain antidepressants. This is particularly true for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline (Zoloft). And Viagra is sometimes prescribed to treat ED that’s caused by antidepressants.

If you have questions about whether you can take Viagra with an antidepressant, talk with your doctor.

Viagra and certain antimicrobials

Taking Viagra with certain antimicrobials (drugs used to treat infection) can slow the breakdown of Viagra in your body. This can cause Viagra to build up inside your body, which may increase your risk of side effects from the drug.

Examples of antimicrobial drugs that can increase the risk of side effects from Viagra include:

  • certain antibiotics, such as:
  • certain antifungals, such as:
    • ketoconazole (Nizoral)
    • itraconazole (Sporanox)
    • posaconazole (Noxafil)
    • voriconazole (Vfend)
  • certain antivirals used for HIV, such as:
    • atazanavir (Reyataz)
    • cobicistat (Tybost)
    • ritonavir (Norvir)
    • indinavir sulfate (Crixivan)
    • nelfinavir mesylate (Viracept)
    • saquinavir mesylate (Invirase)

If you take one of the drugs listed above, your doctor will recommend you take a starting dose of 25 mg for Viagra. (This is lower than the typical starting dose of Viagra.) And if you take ritonavir, you should not take more than one 25-mg dose of Viagra within a 48-hour period.

Viagra and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Viagra. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Viagra.

Viagra and foods

There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Viagra. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Viagra, talk with your doctor.

Viagra and grapefruit

Grapefruit juice can affect the levels of some medications in your body. But there’s not much evidence to show that the fruit or its juice can affect Viagra levels.

One small study in 2002 showed that drinking grapefruit juice with Viagra slightly increased people’s blood level of the drug. This could possibly increase the risk of certain side effects such as headaches, flushing, or dizziness. But these side effects weren’t specifically reported in the study.

If you want to drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit while you’re taking Viagra, talk with your doctor. They can recommend whether this is safe for you to do. If you do have increased side effects with this combination, try avoiding grapefruit while you’re taking Viagra.

Viagra comes as tablets that you swallow. You should take Viagra according to your doctor or healthcare professional’s instructions.

When to take

For most people, it’s recommended that you take Viagra as needed, about 1 hour before you plan to have sex. But Viagra can actually be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity.

It’s important to remember that you should not take the medication more than once a day.

Taking Viagra with food

You can take Viagra either with or without food. But if you take it with a meal, the drug may take about an hour longer than usual to start working. This is especially the case if you eat a high fat meal, such as a cheeseburger with fries.

You don’t need to wait to take Viagra if you’ve recently eaten a meal. Just be aware that it might take a bit longer for the drug to work.

It’s also important to remember that if Viagra gives you indigestion, taking the drug with food may help to reduce this side effect.

Can Viagra be crushed, split, or chewed?

The safety and effectiveness of Viagra tablets that are crushed, split, or chewed haven’t been tested. And Viagra tablets are meant to be swallowed whole. It’s not known if crushing or chewing the tablets will make them work any differently than usual.

If you have trouble swallowing Viagra tablets, you might find it easier to swallow the tablet with different drinks, such as water, juice, or milk. Or talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how else you can take the drug.

If you want to crush, split, or chew Viagra tablets, ask your doctor or pharmacist if this is safe to do.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Viagra to treat certain conditions. Viagra may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Viagra for ED

Viagra is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in males ages 18 years and older. With ED, you’re not able to get and keep an erection that’s firm enough to have sex. This condition is a common problem that’s experienced by many people.

ED can be caused by several different factors. These include psychological or emotional problems, such as:

But ED may also be caused by physical problems, such as:

Viagra increases blood flow to your penis, which helps you have and maintain an erection. However, the drug itself doesn’t give you an erection. It only works if you’re sexually aroused.

To learn more about ED, see our men’s health hub.

Effectiveness for ED

In several clinical studies, Viagra was effective in treating ED. In these studies, males who used the drug had an improved ability to have and keep erections that helped them have sex.

Effectiveness of Viagra at different doses

Some studies looked at the effect of different doses of Viagra. These studies, which involved 1,797 males, lasted up to 6 months. Improved erections were reported in:

  • 63% of people who took 25 mg of Viagra
  • 74% of people who took 50 mg of Viagra
  • 82% of people who took 100 mg of Viagra
  • 24% of people who took a placebo (no active drug)

Effectiveness of Viagra for ED with different causes

Other studies have looked at the effect of Viagra in males whose ED had different causes.

For example, one study specifically looked at people with ED that was related to complications of diabetes. Improved erections were reported in:

  • 57% of people who took Viagra
  • 10% of people who took a placebo

One study only involved males with ED that resulted from a spinal cord injury. Improved erections were reported in:

  • 83% of people who took Viagra
  • 12% of people who took a placebo

Also, using information from multiple studies, researchers looked at how well Viagra worked in males with ED that developed after they’d had surgery to remove their prostate gland. Improved erections were reported in:

  • 43% of people who took Viagra
  • 15% of people who took a placebo

In addition, males whose ED had psychological causes were specifically looked at as part of one study. Improved erections were reported in:

  • 84% of people who took Viagra
  • 26% of people who took a placebo

Off-label use for Viagra

In addition to the use described above, Viagra may be used off-label. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved for one condition is given for a different condition that’s not approved. Below is an example of an off-label use for Viagra.

Viagra for Raynaud’s disease

Viagra isn’t approved to treat Raynaud’s disease, but sometimes it’s used off-label for this condition.

With Raynaud’s disease, the blood vessels in your hands and feet spasm and temporarily become narrowed. These narrowed blood vessels restrict blood supply to your fingers or toes. This can cause your fingers and toes to look white and feel cold, painful, or numb. Episodes of spasm can be triggered by cold temperatures or stress.

Viagra works to treat Raynaud’s disease by relaxing and widening certain blood vessels in your body. One review of studies found that PDE5 inhibitors, including Viagra, can improve Raynaud’s disease. (PDE5 inhibitors describes a certain class of drugs. Medications in the same class of drugs work in a similar way inside your body.)

In fact, in the studies, these drugs reduced the number of Raynaud’s disease episodes people had. And the drugs also decreased how long the episodes lasted.

If you have questions about using Viagra for Raynaud’s disease, talk with your doctor.

Viagra and children

Viagra is only approved for use in adult males with ED. It hasn’t been studied in people younger than 18 years of age.

Viagra is approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in males. But you may have questions about whether Viagra can be used in females. Or you may be wondering if there’s a drug similar to Viagra that can help females with sexual dysfunction. We provide answers to these questions below.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male” and “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Can women take Viagra?

No, Viagra isn’t approved for use in females. And there isn’t enough evidence to show that Viagra works for treating sexual problems in females.

One review of studies showed that current research has conflicting results on how Viagra affects females. For example, in females with female sexual arousal disorder, the review showed the following findings:

  • In one study, some females who’d gone through menopause were given Viagra. They had improved arousal, vaginal lubrication, and orgasm when they took the drug.
  • In another study, both females who’d gone through menopause and those who hadn’t were given Viagra. They reported no significant positive effects from taking the drug.

In males, Viagra improves blood flow to the penis by blocking the action of a chemical called PDE5. This chemical is also found in the vagina and the clitoris of females. So, in theory, if a female takes Viagra, it could increase blood flow to the genitals.

However, there’s less PDE5 in a female’s genitals than there is in a male’s penis. This could explain why Viagra has less of a physical effect in females than it does in males.

And keep in mind that sexual problems can be related to reduced sexual desire and arousal. Viagra is unlikely to address these issues.

Is there a “female Viagra”?

While Viagra isn’t approved for use in females, a drug called Addyi is approved for use in certain females. Some people refer to Addyi as female Viagra. However, Addyi doesn’t work like Viagra does. Below, we describe the condition Addyi is approved to treat and how the drug works.

If you have questions about using Addyi, talk with your doctor.

What is Addyi?

Addyi is a brand-name prescription drug that’s approved to treat hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HDSS). It’s prescribed for females who haven’t yet gone through menopause. Addyi contains the active drug flibanserin.

What is HDSS and how does Addyi work to treat it?

With HDSS, you have very low sexual desire that’s troublesome for you. The condition can have various physical or psychological causes.

Unlike Viagra, which improves blood flow to male genitals, Addyi doesn’t work by improving blood flow to female genitals. Instead, Addyi affects the activity of certain neurotransmitters that are involved in sexual desire and arousal. (Neurotransmitters are chemicals found in your brain.)

The neurotransmitters affected by Addyi include dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. But it’s not known for sure how the drug’s action affects sexual function.

How well does Addyi work?

For some females with HDSS, Addyi can improve sexual desire and increase the number of sexually satisfying events. But the drug hasn’t been found to be very effective. And keep in mind that it can take up to 8 weeks for Addyi to start working to treat HDSS.

When you get Viagra from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication remains effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, ask your pharmacist how to correctly dispose of it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good (also called shelf-life) can depend on many factors. These factors include how and where you store the medication.

Viagra tablets should be stored at room temperature between 68oF and 77°F (20oC and 25°C). It should be kept in a tightly sealed container away from light. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as in bathrooms.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Viagra and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your medication.

Using more than the recommended dosage of Viagra can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Viagra than your doctor recommends.

What to do if you think you’ve taken too much Viagra

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Before taking Viagra, discuss your health history with your doctor. Viagra may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Viagra, see the “Viagra side effects” section above.

As with all medications, the cost of Viagra can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. To learn more about the cost of Viagra, refer to this article.

Drug coupons: You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Viagra. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Viagra, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A savings card is available for Viagra. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, visit the program website.

Generic version: Viagra is available as generic sildenafil. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. To find out how the cost of sildenafil compares to the cost of Viagra, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

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Viagra isn’t approved for use in females. And it hasn’t been studied in pregnant people. It’s unknown whether this drug is safe to take during pregnancy.

In animal studies, Viagra didn’t cause fetal harm when given to pregnant animals. But animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.

If you have questions about the safety of Viagra use during pregnancy, talk with your doctor.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

It’s not known if Viagra is safe to take during pregnancy. (But keep in mind that the drug isn’t approved for use in females.)

If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about whether you’ll need to use birth control while you’re taking Viagra.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Viagra isn’t approved for use in females. And it hasn’t been studied in people who are breastfeeding. Viagra may pass into breast milk, but it’s not known if this could affect a breastfed child.

If you have questions about the safety of using Viagra while breastfeeding, talk with your doctor.

Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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