• What is Viagra and how does it work?

  Viagra is the original brand of sildenafil, a medicine that helps treat erection difficulties by improving blood flow to the penis when you are sexually aroused. It relaxes blood vessels so erections are easier to achieve and maintain. Many men respond well to Viagra when timing, dose and arousal are all right, especially if ED is linked to reduced blood flow.

• Is Viagra more effective than generic sildenafil?

  Viagra and generic sildenafil work in exactly the same way, as they contain the same active ingredient at the same strengths. Effectiveness and side effects are essentially identical. Some men prefer Viagra because of familiarity with the brand or because they’ve used it for years, but clinically the two medicines perform the same.

• How long before sex should I take Viagra, and how long does it last?

  Viagra usually works best when taken 30–60 minutes before sex, and you need to be sexually aroused for it to have an effect. Most men find it lasts for around four to five hours, although this varies depending on meals, alcohol, and your general health. Planning ahead helps the tablet work more reliably.

• What side effects can Viagra cause?

  Common side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion and a blocked nose, which are usually mild and settle as the medicine wears off. Some men notice dizziness or temporary visual changes. Rarely, serious problems such as chest pain or a prolonged erection can occur and require urgent medical help. A prescriber will confirm Viagra is safe for you.

• Who should not take Viagra?

  Viagra is unsuitable if you take nitrate medicines, have very low blood pressure, serious heart problems, severe liver disease, or have recently had a stroke or heart attack. It’s also not advised for some rare eye conditions. A prescriber will check your health history and medicines to ensure Viagra is safe for your situation.

• Do I need a prescription for Viagra in the UK?

  Yes. Viagra is a prescription-only medicine in the UK, unlike Viagra Connect, which is available through a pharmacist. A prescriber will review your symptoms and health to ensure Viagra is appropriate, safe, and at the right dose for your type of erection difficulty.

• How effective is Viagra for erectile dysfunction?

  Viagra is effective for roughly seven in ten men when taken correctly. It works best for ED caused by blood flow problems rather than stress or anxiety. Timing, dose, and avoiding heavy meals all influence results. If Viagra doesn’t work well, a prescriber may suggest adjusting the dose or trying a different ED medicine.

• Why do some men prefer Viagra over generic sildenafil?

  Some men choose Viagra because it’s the original brand they trust, especially if they’ve used it for many years. Others feel more confident using a branded product even though generics work the same way. Familiarity, consistency and personal preference often guide this choice rather than clinical differences, as both options contain identical sildenafil.

• Does Viagra feel stronger or faster than sildenafil?

  Clinically, Viagra and generic sildenafil start working at the same speed, but some men report that Viagra “feels” faster or more reliable. This is usually down to confidence, familiarity, and consistent use rather than any difference in the medicine. Both options work best when taken correctly and at the right dose.

• Why is Viagra more expensive than sildenafil?

  Viagra costs more because it is the original branded version made by the manufacturer that developed sildenafil. Generic sildenafil is medically identical but usually cheaper because multiple companies can produce it once the patent expires. Many men switch to generics for cost savings without losing effectiveness.

• Can Viagra cause different side effects to sildenafil?

  No. Because Viagra and generic sildenafil contain the same active ingredient, their side-effect profiles are identical. Differences in packaging, colour, or branding do not affect how the medicine works in the body. If you notice unusual side effects, it’s usually linked to dose or timing rather than the brand itself.

• Does Viagra work if you’ve already tried sildenafil?

  Viagra often works the same as sildenafil, but some men feel more confident using the brand, which can influence how well treatment seems to work. If sildenafil didn’t help, the issue may be timing, dose, or underlying causes rather than the specific brand. A prescriber can review what adjustments may help.

• Does Viagra interact with alcohol differently?

  Viagra interacts with alcohol in the same way as generic sildenafil. Small amounts are usually fine, but heavy drinking makes erections harder to achieve and increases dizziness or low blood pressure. Sticking to lower alcohol intake helps Viagra work more reliably.

• How do I know whether to choose Viagra or Cialis?

  Viagra works for about four to five hours, while Cialis lasts up to 36 hours and can be taken daily for more spontaneity. Some men prefer Viagra for predictable timing, while others prefer Cialis for flexibility. Your choice may depend on how you plan sex, how you respond to each medicine, and any side effects.

• Can Viagra affect vision or colour perception?

  Some men notice a blue tint, blurred vision or sensitivity to light when taking Viagra. These effects are usually short-lived. Severe or sudden vision problems need urgent medical assessment.

• Can I split a Viagra tablet?

  Viagra tablets have a film coating designed to deliver the full dose, so splitting may affect accuracy. Only split tablets if advised by your prescriber and if the tablet design allows it.

• Can I use Viagra long term?

  Yes. Viagra is safe for long-term use with clinical supervision. Periodic reviews ensure it remains appropriate and effective as your health or medications change.

If you have any questions, concerns, or need advice, our team is always available to help, just as you'd expect from your local pharmacy.