Key takeaways
- Viagra is a prescription tablet that’s used to treat erectile dysfunction in adults. It comes in three strengths (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg) and is taken as needed up to 4 hours before sexual activity.
- Common side effects of Viagra include headache, flushed skin, muscle and back pain, and vision changes. The frequency and severity of some side effects may increase at higher doses of Viagra.
- The price of Viagra tablets can depend on multiple factors, including where you buy it, whether you’re prescribed the brand-name or generic drug, and whether you qualify for any coupons or savings programs. You may also be able to fill your Viagra prescription through an online pharmacy.
Viagra is a brand-name medication. It’s also available in a generic form called sildenafil.
Keep reading to learn more about the drug, including details about its side effects, price, and how to get it.
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Like most drugs, Viagra may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Viagra may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.
Mild side effects of Viagra that have been reported include:
- headache
- nasal congestion
- back or muscle pain
- nausea
- dizziness
- flushing
- rash
- vision problems
- heartburn
Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Viagra can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Viagra, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects of Viagra that have been reported include:
- priapism (sometimes painful erection that lasts longer than 4 hours)
- loss of vision in one or both eyes
- decreased hearing or loss of hearing
- heart problems, such as heart attack
- low blood pressure
Allergic reactionSome people may have an allergic reaction to Viagra.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
- skin rash
- itchiness
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
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. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.
Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Viagra. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
The table below outlines the basics of Viagra’s dosage as recommended by the drug’s manufacturer. But your doctor will recommend the dosage of Viagra that’s right for you.
| Form | Strengths | Recommended dose | Maximum dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| oral tablet | 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg | 50 mg as needed, no more than once per day | 100 mg |
Note: Other forms of sildenafil (the active drug in Viagra) comes in other strengths, such as 20 mg. But Viagra only comes in the three strengths listed above.
When is the best time to take Viagra?
For the best results, you should take Viagra at least 30 minutes before sexual activity.
For most people, the best time to take Viagra is about 1 hour before sex. But it’s safe to take up to 4 hours in advance, depending on how slowly your body processes the drug.
Viagra overdose
Viagra should only be taken once per day. Taking Viagra more frequently or at higher doses than prescribed increases the risk of severe side effects from the drug.
Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Viagra. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. However, if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Viagra.
Viagra decreases erectile dysfunction symptoms by helping you get and keep an erection. Erections happen when a protein called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is released, causing more blood to flow into your penis. Then, another protein called phosphodiesterase-type 5 (PDE-5) breaks down cGMP, stopping the erection. In people having difficulty with erections, PDE-5 may work too quickly.
Viagra works by blocking PDE-5 from working. This way, blood flow to the penis can occur and not be stopped by PDE-5. This also widens your blood vessels to allow more blood to flow into your penis.
If you have more questions about how Viagra works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Yes, Viagra may help you keep an erection, even after you ejaculate.
But if you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, consult a doctor right away. This could be a medical emergency, and it can cause damage to your penis.
Viagra can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with alcohol and certain foods.
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, or supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
| Medications that can interact with Viagra | • nitrate drugs, such as nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur) • alpha-blocker drugs, such as prazosin (Minipress) • blood pressure drugs, including amlodipine (Norvasc) • HIV medications such as ritonavir (Norvir) • certain other drugs used for erectile dysfunction, such as tadalafil (Cialis) • other forms of sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra), such as Revatio |
|---|---|
| Foods and drinks that can interact with Viagra | • high fat meals • alcoholic beverages |
For a more detailed overview of these interactions and what effects they might cause, see this guide to Viagra interactions.
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:
- heart problems, such as a history of heart attack, stroke, or high blood pressure
- heart surgery within the past 6 months
- irregular penis shape, such as a curved penis (Peyronie’s disease)
- blood cell disorders, such as sickle cell anemia or low platelet count
- eye conditions or vision impairment
- low blood pressure
- bleeding disorder
- active or previous stomach ulcer
- previous allergic reaction to Viagra or any of its ingredients
- kidney or liver problems
Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering Viagra. What you’ll pay for Viagra may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use.
Here are a few things to consider regarding cost:
- Comparing pharmacies: The price of Viagra may vary depending on which pharmacy you use, so it can help to compare prices across pharmacies to find the lowest cost.
- Generic form: Viagra is available as the generic drug sildenafil. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. Talk with your doctor if you’d like to know whether sildenafil could be an option for you.
- Drug coupons: You may be able to find drug coupons on prescription discount websites that can reduce the cost of your medication. These coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits, but the discounted price may be lower than what you would pay through insurance.
If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to get Viagra
To learn more about Viagra’s price and how to get it, check out these resources:
If you have erectile dysfunction, your doctor may recommend that you take Viagra.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications you take before starting Viagra. Your doctor can determine if this drug is right for you.
Some questions that you may wish to ask your doctor include:
- Is Viagra safe for me given my medical history?
- What’s the best dosage of Viagra for me?
- What should I do if Viagra doesn’t work?
- How should I manage side effects of Viagra?
To learn more about Viagra, see these articles:
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Q:
Will Viagra cure my erectile dysfunction?
AnonymousA:
No, Viagra will not cure ED, but it will help manage its symptoms. Viagra helps to decrease symptoms of ED by helping you to get and keep an erection.
The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Disclaimer: Healthline 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.
