Viagra, or ‘the little blue pill’ has been trusted and used to help couples achieve better sexual performance since the 1990s. Despite this, if you’re new to erectile dysfunction treatments, you may have a few questions about Viagra safety, and if you are eligable. Let’s explore Viagra, how it works, and if it’s the right medication for you.

Viagra: The basics

Viagra, a branded version of the medication sildenafil, is an erectile dysfunction treatment that works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping users to achieve and maintain an erection.

How does Viagra work and how long does it last?

Viagra (sildenafil) is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which causes the smooth muscle cells in the penis to relax, allowing blood to flow in and causing an erection. It’s important to note that Viagra only takes effect during arousal, so sexual stimulation is necessary to begin the increased blood flow.

Who can take Viagra?

Sildenafil is prescribed to men over 18 who have difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection, providing they meet their healthcare professional’s medical requirements. It shouldn’t be used recreationally [1], as it can pose some health risks, along with psychological factors including reduced confidence in your erections and less sexual satisfaction.

Who may not be able to take Viagra?

There are a number of factors that may make some people ineligible for oral erectile dysfunction treatments like Viagra (sildenafil). The first, and most obvious, is that it shouldn’t be taken by anyone who is allergic or hypersensitive to PDE5 inhibitors or any other specific ingredients mentioned.

Blood pressure

If you have low blood pressure, Viagra should be avoided. low is if the first number (systolic) in your blood pressure reading is below 90. Not sure what your blood pressure is? If you don’t have an at-home machine, you can visit a local pharmacy or contact your GP.

Physical activity

Viagra isn’t recommended for anyone who has difficulty walking at a fast pace for around 5 minutes, or for people who have been advised to avoid strenuous activities. This is because sexual activity puts stress on the heart.

Mental health

If you feel you may have depression, and have not sought treatment for this, it’s important to do so before trying a PDE5 inhibitor like Viagra (sildenafil) for erectile dysfunction. We recommend contacting your GP to find out about treatments and local counselling options. There are no known interactions between Viagra and mental health medications such as antidepressants (SSRIs), so it’s safe to use these together if you’re experiencing depression or anxiety.

Taking Viagra for erectile dysfunction safely

Firstly, it’s important to always read the leaflet provided and follow your healthcare professional’s recommended dosage. Viagra is typically taken once a day, with water, approximately an hour before planned sexual activity. It’s available in doses of 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg, but 50 mg is the usual starting dose — this can be adjusted depending on how well you react to the medication and how you’re impacted by any side effects.

What are Viagra’s side effects?

Most side effects of Viagra are mild and temporary, but it’s important to consider them before you begin treatment.

Common side effects

These mild side effects are experienced by one in 10 and one in 100 people: headaches, feeling faint, nausea, upset stomach, nasal congestion, visual disturbances and hot flushes.

Less commonly, (only affecting between 1 in 100 and 1 in 10,000 people using Viagra), some experience side effects including: vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain, rashes, eye irritation (pain, blurred vision, double vision, bloodshot eyes), tinnitus, vertigo, nose bleeds, increased heart rate, fainting, muscle pain, fatigue, chest pain, numbness, or hypersensitivity to pain, and blood in the urine.

To learn how to manage common Viagra side effects, check out our blog here.

Serious side effects

Although extremely rare, there have been cases where people have experienced severe side effects and reactions to Viagra, including:

• Heart attack or heart failure
• Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, rash, swelling of the face, throat and tongue)
• Sudden drop in blood pressure
• Eye issues such as double vision, reduced sharpness, swelling, or seeing halos around lights
• Swelling inside the nose
• Sudden hearing loss or irritation

Some serious side effects require immediate medical attention:

Allergic reactions: Symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and swelling.

Chest pain: Especially if it occurs during or after sex. Sit in a semi-sitting position and relax, but do not take nitrates.

Prolonged erections: If an erection lasts more than 4 hours, seek medical help immediately.

Vision problems: Abnormal vision, such as sudden decrease or loss of vision.

Skin reactions and seizures: Severe skin reactions or seizures also need urgent attention.

Common questions about Viagra

Can Viagra cause drug interactions?

Yes, Viagra can cause interactions with other prescription drugs. Some of the significant interactions include:

Nitrates: Combining sildenafil with nitrates can lead to severe hypotension.

Alpha-blockers: These treatments, used to treat high blood pressure or prostate conditions, can also cause significant drops in blood pressure when combined with sildenafil.

CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Medications like ketoconazole, itraconazole, or protease inhibitors for HIV can increase sildenafil levels in the blood, enhancing its effects and side effects.

Recreational drugs: The effects of recreational drugs combined with Viagra are unpredictable, and could be severely harmful.

Other erectile dysfunction medications: Combining sildenafil with other medications for ED is not recommended and can increase the risk of adverse effects.

Is Viagra bad for your heart?

For most people with stable cardiovascular conditions, Viagra is considered safe. However, anyone with severe cardiovascular conditions, such as unstable angina or severe heart failure, should avoid Viagra due to the potential risk of significant drops in blood pressure.

If you have heart disease or are taking medications for heart conditions, it’s best to consult with a doctor to determine if it’s safe to use Viagra.

Can Viagra damage your penis?

While Viagra is generally safe for your penis when used as prescribed, there is a potential risk of a condition called priapism — a prolonged and painful erection lasting more than 4 hours. If not treated quickly, priapism can cause permanent damage to the penis. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience this condition.

To see more answers to popular questions about Viagra, take a look at our FAQs.

Looking to try a treatment like Viagra? Find out what treatment is suitable for you on MedExpress.

References 

1. Harte CB, Meston CM. Recreational Use of Erectile Dysfunction Medications and Its Adverse Effects on Erectile Function in Young Healthy Men: The Mediating Role of Confidence in Erectile Ability. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2012 Jul;9(7):1852–9.