What Is Viagra? Complete UK Treatment Guide | Cured

Clinically Proven UK Registered Pharmacy

What is Viagra? Your Complete Treatment Guide

UK-registered clinical team
Confidential and secure
No GP visit needed
Fast and discreet delivery
Start Your Free Consultation

Takes less than 2 minutes to complete 100% online

EDNEW 20% off for new customers
Genuine Products
UK-licensed only
Fast Delivery
Next-day available
Expert Advice
UK pharmacists
Man using Cured Pharmacy online consultation for erectile dysfunction treatment
From £0.45 Starting dose — clinically approved
LIVE PRICING

Our Pricing

Pricing Disclaimer: Prices on some pages may not be up to date — the live pricing table below and pricing shown during consultation are official current prices and take precedence over any other figures on the site.

Sildenafil - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Sildenafil

From £0.45

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment
Tadalafil - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Tadalafil

From £9.99

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment
Sildenafil Eropid - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Sildenafil Eropid

From £8.99

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment
Tadalafil (Teva) - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Tadalafil (Teva)

From £9.99

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment
Avarante Tablets Tadalafil Tablets 10mg - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Avarante Tablets Tadalafil Tablets 10mg

From £11.49

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment
Viagra Connect 50mg - UK-licensed prescription Treatment
Treatment

Viagra Connect 50mg

From £11.49

Future orders save 5%
Start Assessment

What is Viagra? Your Complete Treatment Guide

Understanding what is Viagra used for UK is essential for men considering treatment for erectile dysfunction. Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil citrate, a prescription medication licensed by the MHRA to treat erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation [1]. At Cured Pharmacy, our UK-registered clinical team provides free online consultations and access to genuine Viagra and sildenafil alternatives from £0.45 per tablet.

What Is Viagra and How Does It Work?

Viagra contains sildenafil citrate, a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor first developed by Pfizer and approved for erectile dysfunction treatment in 1998 [1]. The medication works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme, which normally breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the smooth muscle cells lining blood vessels in the penis.

When sexual stimulation occurs, nitric oxide is released in the penile tissue, triggering cGMP production. By inhibiting PDE5, sildenafil allows cGMP levels to remain elevated, promoting relaxation of smooth muscle and increased blood flow to the erectile tissue [2]. This mechanism enables men with erectile dysfunction to achieve and maintain erections sufficient for sexual activity.

Clinical trials demonstrated that Viagra improved erectile function in approximately 70-80% of men with erectile dysfunction across various underlying causes, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and psychological factors [1][2]. The medication typically takes effect within 30-60 minutes and remains active for up to four hours, though individual response varies.

Viagra vs Sildenafil: Understanding the Difference

Viagra is the original branded medication containing sildenafil citrate, whilst generic sildenafil contains the identical active ingredient at the same therapeutic doses. Both are bioequivalent, meaning they work identically in the body and produce the same clinical effects [3].

The primary difference lies in price and packaging. Generic sildenafil became available in the UK after Pfizer's patent expired in 2013, offering significant cost savings whilst maintaining the same quality standards required by MHRA licensing. At Cured Pharmacy, generic sildenafil is available from £0.45 per tablet, making treatment more accessible without compromising efficacy.

Some patients prefer branded Viagra for familiarity or reassurance, whilst others choose generic sildenafil for value. Your UK prescriber can discuss which option suits your needs during your free online consultation, with both requiring the same clinical assessment and prescription approval.

Which Should You Choose?

The choice between Viagra and generic sildenafil is largely personal preference and budget. Both undergo rigorous MHRA quality testing, contain identical active ingredients at identical doses (25mg, 50mg, or 100mg), and deliver equivalent clinical outcomes [3]. Our clinical team can help you decide based on your individual circumstances and treatment goals.

Viagra Dosage and How to Take It Safely

Viagra is available in three strengths: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets. The recommended starting dose for most men is 50mg, taken approximately one hour before anticipated sexual activity [1]. Your UK prescriber may adjust this to 25mg if you experience side effects or have certain medical conditions, or increase to 100mg if the 50mg dose proves insufficient.

The medication should be swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food, though high-fat meals may delay absorption and reduce effectiveness. Viagra should not be taken more than once in a 24-hour period, and sexual stimulation is required for the medication to work — it does not cause automatic erections [2].

Certain medications interact with sildenafil and must be avoided, particularly nitrates used for angina (such as glyceryl trinitrate), as the combination can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure [4]. Alpha-blockers, some antifungals, HIV protease inhibitors, and other medications may require dose adjustments. Always disclose all current medications during your clinical assessment.

What If Viagra Doesn't Work?

If Viagra proves ineffective at the 50mg dose, your prescriber may recommend increasing to 100mg or trying on multiple occasions, as response can improve with repeated use. Alternatively, switching to a different PDE5 inhibitor such as tadalafil (which has a longer duration of action) may be more suitable for your needs. Our clinical team can adjust your treatment plan based on your response and preferences.

Treatment Active Ingredient Duration Starting Price
Sildenafil (Generic) Sildenafil citrate 4-6 hours From £0.45
Viagra Connect Sildenafil citrate 50mg 4-6 hours From £11.49
Tadalafil (Generic) Tadalafil Up to 36 hours From £9.99
Cialis (Branded) Tadalafil Up to 36 hours From £53.00

Common Viagra Side Effects and Safety Considerations

Most men tolerate Viagra well, but like all medications, it can cause side effects. The most common include headache (reported by approximately 16% of users), facial flushing (10%), indigestion (7%), and nasal congestion (4%) [1][2]. These effects are typically mild to moderate and resolve within a few hours as the medication clears from the system.

Visual disturbances occur in approximately 3% of users, including temporary blue-tinted vision or increased light sensitivity, due to sildenafil's mild effect on PDE6 enzymes in the retina [2]. These are usually temporary and harmless, but persistent visual changes should be reported to a healthcare professional immediately.

Serious side effects are rare but require urgent medical attention. Priapism (an erection lasting more than four hours) occurs in less than 0.1% of users but constitutes a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage [4]. Sudden vision or hearing loss, chest pain, or severe allergic reactions also warrant immediate medical care.

Viagra is contraindicated in men taking nitrates, those with severe cardiovascular disease, recent stroke or heart attack, uncontrolled blood pressure, or rare inherited eye conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa [4]. Your UK prescriber will assess your medical history to ensure Viagra is safe and appropriate for you.

Viagra Alternatives Available at Cured Pharmacy

Beyond Viagra and generic sildenafil, several alternative PDE5 inhibitors are available through UK pharmacies, each with distinct characteristics. Tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) offers a significantly longer duration of action — up to 36 hours compared to Viagra's 4-6 hours — making it suitable for men who prefer spontaneity without timing intercourse around medication [5].

Tadalafil is also available as a low-dose daily tablet (2.5mg or 5mg), providing continuous treatment rather than on-demand dosing. This approach suits men who engage in sexual activity more than twice weekly and prefer not to plan around tablet timing [5]. Clinical trials show similar efficacy rates between sildenafil and tadalafil, with choice often depending on lifestyle preferences.

Viagra Connect is a 50mg sildenafil formulation available without prescription for men aged 18 and over without underlying health conditions. Whilst convenient, it costs more than prescription sildenafil and excludes men with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or those taking interacting medications. A prescription consultation provides access to all dose strengths and comprehensive medical screening.

Choosing the Right Treatment for You

Your ideal erectile dysfunction treatment depends on factors including how frequently you're sexually active, whether you prefer planned or spontaneous intimacy, your response to previous treatments, and any underlying health conditions. During your free consultation at Cured Pharmacy, our UK prescribers assess your medical history and preferences to recommend the most suitable option, whether that's Viagra, generic sildenafil, tadalafil, or another licensed alternative.

How to Buy Viagra Online Safely in the UK

Purchasing Viagra or sildenafil online in the UK requires using a registered pharmacy with a legitimate prescribing service. Cured Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC Registration Number 9012511), with superintendent pharmacist Tarun Kumar (GPhC 2233073) overseeing all dispensing and clinical services.

Our process begins with a free online consultation taking under three minutes, where you provide your medical history and current medications. A UK-registered prescriber reviews your information to ensure Viagra is safe and clinically appropriate for you. If approved, your prescription is dispensed by our registered pharmacy team and dispatched in discreet, unmarked packaging with next-day delivery options available.

Beware of websites offering Viagra without any consultation or medical questions — these are operating illegally and may supply counterfeit or dangerous products. The MHRA estimates that up to 62% of erectile dysfunction medications purchased from unregulated online sources are counterfeit, containing incorrect doses, harmful contaminants, or no active ingredient at all [6]. Always verify a pharmacy's GPhC registration before purchasing prescription medications online.

At Cured Pharmacy, transparent pricing is displayed upfront, with genuine UK-licensed sildenafil available from £0.45 per tablet. There are no hidden fees, and you see the exact cost before completing your clinical assessment. Our lowest price guarantee ensures you receive competitive UK pricing without compromising on quality, safety, or regulatory compliance.

Scientific References

  1. Goldstein, I., Lue, T. F., Padma-Nathan, H., Rosen, R. C., Steers, W. D., & Wicker, P. A. (1998). Oral sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. New England Journal of Medicine, 338(20), 1397-1404. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199805143382001
  2. Eardley, I., Ellis, P., Boolell, M., & Wulff, M. (2002). Efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate in the treatment of men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. British Journal of Psychiatry, 181(1), 55-59. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.181.1.55
  3. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. (2013). Generic sildenafil now available in the UK. Drug Safety Update, 6(11), A1. https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update
  4. Electronic Medicines Compendium. (2023). Viagra 50mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1169
  5. Carson, C. C., & Lue, T. F. (2005). Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction. BJU International, 96(3), 257-280. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-410X.2005.05614.x
  6. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. (2017). Falsified medicines and devices. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/falsified-medicines-and-devices

Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. All prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication.

How it Works?

Select from our recommended UK-licensed medications.

1

Choose your treatment

Step 1: Choose your treatment from Cured Pharmacy

Select safe UK treatments. Quick answers.

2

Answer quick questions

Step 2: Answer quick consultation questions

We will deliver direct to you as quickly as tomorrow.

3

Get it delivered fast

Step 3: Fast discreet delivery to your door

Start Your Assessment For Erectile Dysfunction

Start your journey to better health today.

  • Reviewed by UK-based prescribers
  • Takes under 3 minutes
  • Discreet Packaging

Start Your Journey To Better Health Today

Once you complete a short online assessment you will be able to choose your preferred treatment from safe medically approved options tailored to you.

Start My Assessment

Returning Customer?

Log in to Your Account

Faq

What is Viagra used for in the UK?
Viagra is a prescription medication licensed by the MHRA to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It works by improving blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, helping achieve and maintain erections sufficient for sexual activity.
How quickly does Viagra work?
Viagra typically takes effect within 30-60 minutes after taking the tablet, with peak plasma concentrations reached around one hour. Sexual stimulation is required for the medication to work, and effects last approximately 4-6 hours.
Can I buy Viagra online without seeing a doctor?
You cannot legally obtain prescription-strength Viagra without a clinical consultation. At Cured Pharmacy, our free online consultation with UK prescribers takes under three minutes and ensures the medication is safe and appropriate for you before dispensing.
Is generic sildenafil as effective as branded Viagra?
Yes, generic sildenafil contains the identical active ingredient at the same doses and is bioequivalent to branded Viagra, meaning it works identically in the body. Both undergo the same MHRA quality testing and produce equivalent clinical results.
What are the most common Viagra side effects?
The most common side effects include headache (16% of users), facial flushing (10%), indigestion (7%), and nasal congestion (4%). These are typically mild and resolve within hours as the medication clears.
Can I take Viagra with alcohol?
Small amounts of alcohol are unlikely to affect Viagra's efficacy, but excessive drinking can impair erectile function and increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness or low blood pressure. Moderate alcohol consumption is advisable when using erectile dysfunction medications.
How long does Viagra last?
Viagra remains active in the body for approximately 4-6 hours, though this varies between individuals. The medication does not cause continuous erections — sexual stimulation is required each time, and you can achieve multiple erections within the effective window.
What's the difference between Viagra and tadalafil?
Both are PDE5 inhibitors that treat erectile dysfunction, but tadalafil lasts significantly longer (up to 36 hours versus 4-6 hours for Viagra). Tadalafil is also available as a low-dose daily tablet, whilst Viagra is taken on-demand before sexual activity.