Pros
Taken as needed
Lasts for up to 4-6 hours
Starts working within 30 to 60 minutes
Proven to help men with ED achieve and maintain an erection
Viagra is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which works by relaxing muscles found in the walls of blood vessels to increase blood flow.
Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and impotence in men. Viagra is available only by prescription. The generic medication is known as sildenafil.
Viagra may be prescribed as a tablet. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you are prescribed Viagra, be sure to complete the full course of the ED medication unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.
There are several FDA-approved uses for Viagra, but your healthcare provider may also prescribe it off-label to treat other medical conditions.
Your doctor may prescribe Viagra for any of the following reasons, or other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Viagra is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction and impotence in men.
Another brand of sildenafil, Revatio, is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure) and improve exercise capacity in men and women. However, since Revatio and Viagra both contain the active ingredient, sildenafil, some physicians may prescribe Revatio for erectile dysfunction. Viagra comes in tablets of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg, whereas Revatio comes in tablets of 20 mg.
Taken as needed
Lasts for up to 4-6 hours
Starts working within 30 to 60 minutes
Proven to help men with ED achieve and maintain an erection
Rarely, can cause vision disturbances
Interacts with medications containing nitrates
Rare but serious risk of a long and painful erection
Helps ED symptoms, but doesn't cure the underlying cause
Can cause low blood pressure
The side effects associated with taking Viagra are typically mild. Most Viagra side effects are associated with dizziness and flushing.
Viagra has some common side effects. They may include:
Headache or dizziness
Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling sensation)
Changes in vision
Upset stomach
Back or muscle pain
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
Chest pain, nausea, and sweating
Vision changes or sudden vision loss
Erection that lasts longer than four hours
You should seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these side effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. The use of Viagra in children under age 18 is not recommended.
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Viagra prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Viagra can come in different doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. This medication usually comes in the form of a tablet.
General instructions may include:
Viagra is typically taken when needed, 30 minutes to one hour before sexual activity.
You may take it up to four hours before sexual activity.
Do not take Viagra more than once per day.
Viagra has 312 drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter medicines.
Possible drug interactions with Viagra include:
Medications used to treat high blood pressure or a prostate disorder
Antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or telithromycin
Antifungal medications
Medicine used to treat HIV and AIDs
Medications used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension
Nitrates
Do not take Viagra with nitrate medicine. When taken together, these medications can cause a sudden and serious decrease in blood pressure.
Viagra may cause low blood pressure, and drinking alcohol may increase this effect. Talk to your healthcare provider before drinking alcohol. Drinking grapefruit juice with Viagra may lead to unwanted side effects.
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest other ED medications in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Depending on your pharmacy, Viagra costs around $166 for two 100 mg tablets without insurance. Fortunately, generic brands, such as generic sildenafil, offer an affordable alternative. Our prescription discount card can also offer significant discounts on Viagra.
To refill your Viagra prescription, book a virtual appointment with a board-certified PlushCare doctor. After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
Viagra typically starts working within 30 minutes, although some people have reported that it works in as little as 12 minutes. Viagra may cause side effects, such as headache, runny nose, or a nosebleed.
Viagra can help you get and keep an erection. It may help you last longer in bed if you find it difficult to stay erect during sexual stimulation.
Avoid taking Viagra if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
Heart disease or heart rhythm problems
A history of heart attack, stroke, or congestive heart failure
High or low blood pressure
Blood cell disorders, such as sickle cell anemia
Stomach ulcer
Retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited eye condition)
Tell your doctor if you’ve been advised not to have sexual intercourse for health reasons. You should also tell your doctor if you’re taking nitrates or medication to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Because Viagra is taken as needed, you’re unlikely to miss a dose.
If you’ve taken too much Viagra, seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center.
Step 1
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
How it works
To get a new or refill on your Viagra prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
$16.99/month
First month free
Copay
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
$16.99/month
First month free
$129
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Food and Drug Administration. Viagra (sildenafil citrate) tablets. Accessed on September 25, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/20895s039s042lbl.pdf
MedlinePlus. Sildenafil. Accessed on September 25, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699015.html
University of California San Francisco. Oral Medications for Erectile Dysfunction. Accessed on September 25, 2022. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/oral-medications-for-erectile-dysfunction
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.