Viagra (generic name: sildenafil citrate) is the oldest and the most popular erectile dysfunction medication. Launched in 1998 by pharmaceutical company Pfizer, Viagra was warmly embraced by men suffering from erectile dysfunction for years. Viagra gave them a new-found confidence and a freedom to get intimate with their partners without fears of failure.

Even after a decade, Viagra remains the prime treatment for erectile dysfunction. Its safety and efficacy has been tested my millions of men with ED across the world who pop Viagra every time they want to have sex with their partners.

Viagra enjoyed complete monopoly as erectile dysfunction medication until the launch of Levitra and Cialis in 2003. Though the availability of Cialis - the long lasting pill proved to be a real challenge, Viagra still remains a popular treatment for erectile dysfunction.

How Viagra works?

Viagra helps men with erectile dysfunction, also called impotence in men get harder and prolonged erection necessary for successful penetration. Active ingredient in Viagra – Sildenafil belongs to a class of medicine called Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Sildenafil makes the blood vessels in the penis to relax so that more blood rushes in to the penis. The engorgement of the penis with blood causes a man to get a harder and prolonged erection. Viagra starts working in the body in as little as 60 minutes and its effects last for up to 4 hours, allowing enough time to complete sexual intercourse.

It may be noted that Viagra does not cause penile erection on its own. Sexual stimulation is required for erection even after taking Viagra. Similarly, after the climax when the stimulation gets over, penis returns to its normal flaccid state.

Who can take Viagra?

Viagra is a prescription only medication for men suffering from erectile dysfunction - a condition under which a man is consistently not able to get or maintain an erection long enough to complete sexual intercourse.

Viagra can be availed by adult male only. The medicine is not recommended for use in children and women.

Further, Viagra is contraindicated with any medicines that contain nitrates often prescribed for chest pain. Viagra should be used with caution by men taking alpha-blocker medicines used to combat blood pressure. Hence it is important to discuss your medical condition and medicines you may be taking while seeking prescription for Viagra. Also inform your doctor if you suffer from any conditions such as heart disease where it might not be safe to have sexual intercourse.

When to take Viagra?

Viagra is to be taken orally when needed. In most men Viagra starts working within an hour, so it will be good if you swallow the pill an hour before anticipated sexual activity. Do not drink too much alcohol before taking Viagra as this cause the treatment to be not as effective as it is supposed to be. Also avoid taking fatty food while on Viagra treatment as it can affect the absorption of Viagra in your body. Once taken, the effect of Viagra remains in your body for 4 hours allowing you enough time to have sexual intercourse with your partner. In any case, do not take Viagra more than once in a day and do not take two doses of Viagra at one time.

Always consult your doctor before taking Viagra and never alter Viagra dosage strength without seeking your doctor’s advice.