Viagra is a powerful drug that increases blood flow to the penis so you can get and maintain an erection. It’s effective, but it can also cause some side effects.
For use in erectile dysfunction:
- Adults ages up to 64 years old typically take 100 milligrams (mg) 1 hour before sexual intercourse, no more than once a day.
- For adults ages 65 and older using Viagra for erectile dysfunction, or for those with cirrhosis or severe renal impairment, the average dose is 25 mg as a single dose, taken 1 hour before sexual intercourse, but no more than once a day.
Viagra may also be taken between 30 minutes to 4 hours prior to sexual intercourse.
Viagra is a brand-name version of the generic drug sildenafil. It’s a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. PDE5 is an enzyme that regulates certain chemicals in your blood, but because of its effect on the body, it can make it harder for you to get and keep an erection.
Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). While it helps you temporarily maintain an erection so you can have sex, it does not cure ED. It does not affect sexual desire either. You still need mental or physical stimulation to get an erection.