Viagra 10 mg contains the active ingredient sildenafil citrate, a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). This overview is provided for educational purposes only. Viagra is a prescription-only medicine in the UK and worldwide, and it should only be used under the guidance of a licensed healthcare professional.
Viagra belongs to the drug class known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. By blocking the PDE5 enzyme, it helps relax blood vessels in the penis, improving blood flow and making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated.
The 10 mg strength is sometimes prescribed for men who require a lower dose due to age, health conditions, or sensitivity to side effects.
Enhances the natural erectile response by increasing nitric oxide–mediated vasodilation.
Requires sexual stimulation to be effective.
Begins working typically within 30–60 minutes of taking the tablet.
Duration of effect is usually up to 4 hours, though this may vary.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity.
Off-label use: Sildenafil is also used under different brand names and doses to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), though Viagra 10 mg is not typically the standard dose for that indication.
Standard adult dose for ED: Often higher than 10 mg (commonly 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg).
10 mg dose: May be considered for men who need a lower starting dose, have medical conditions requiring caution, or are taking interacting medicines.
Should be taken about one hour before sexual activity, with or without food.
High-fat meals can delay absorption and reduce effectiveness.
Most side effects are mild to moderate and temporary. Common ones include:
Headache
Flushing (warmth, redness)
Indigestion or upset stomach
Nasal congestion
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Changes in vision (blurred vision, blue-tinted vision)
Contraindicated with nitrate medicines (e.g., for chest pain) due to risk of dangerous blood pressure drop.
Use with caution in patients with heart disease, low blood pressure, or recent stroke/heart attack.
Rare but serious risks: priapism (erection lasting over 4 hours), sudden vision or hearing loss, or severe allergic reaction.
Not recommended for those under 18.
Do not take with nitrates or recreational “poppers” (amyl nitrate/nitrite).
Interacts with certain blood pressure medications and antifungal/antibiotic medicines (CYP3A4 inhibitors).
Grapefruit juice may increase sildenafil blood levels and side effects.
Viagra does not cause automatic erections; sexual arousal is still required.
Take only the dose prescribed; higher doses do not necessarily increase effectiveness and may raise risks.
Avoid alcohol in excess, as it can reduce the medicine’s effectiveness.
