Viagra sildenafil
pronounced as (sil den' a fil)
First PDE5 inhibitor for ED. 30-60 min onset, 4-6 hour duration. Now widely available as generic sildenafil.
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Viagra vs Cialis
Onset vs duration is the real decision. Sildenafil (Viagra) works in 30-60 min for 4-6 hours; tadalafil (Cialis) lasts up to 36 hours for less clock-watching.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is the original brand-name sildenafil, FDA-approved for ED in 1998. The patent expired in 2017, making generic sildenafil widely available at a fraction of the brand price.
How does Viagra work?
Sildenafil blocks the PDE5 enzyme, which breaks down cGMP in penile tissue. With cGMP preserved, blood vessels stay relaxed and erection is maintained when sexually stimulated. Does not cause erection without arousal.
Who can take Viagra?
Adult men with ED. Contraindicated with nitrate medications (severe hypotension risk). Caution with alpha-blockers, certain antifungals, and cardiovascular disease.
How is Viagra taken?
25-100mg as needed, 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. Maximum 1 dose per 24 hours.
How much does Viagra cost?
Branded Viagra ~$70/tablet. Generic sildenafil $1-5/tablet at most pharmacies with GoodRx-style coupons. Telehealth platforms charge $30-90/month for a typical monthly supply.
What side effects can Viagra cause?
Headache (10-15%), flushing, nasal congestion, mild visual changes (slight blue tint). Stop and seek care for chest pain, sudden vision loss, or hearing loss.
What if I miss a dose of Viagra?
Viagra is taken as-needed before sexual activity, not on a daily schedule. There's no 'missed dose' in the traditional sense. Take 30-60 minutes before intended activity. Do not exceed one dose per 24 hours. If a planned activity doesn't happen, don't take an extra dose later same day — wait for next session.
Where to get Viagra
Licensed US telehealth providers that prescribe/ship Viagra. We earn commission when you book. See disclosure.
Hims
from $13/mo- Best for cash-pay
- Best for speed
Hims ED — generic sildenafil from $13/mo
Why we picked itGeneric sildenafil at roughly half the chewable-competitor per-dose cost, with branded Viagra/Cialis available if you want it.
Who should skipSkip if you want fast-onset chewables — Hims uses standard tablets.
Off-Rx: no planFlaws but not dealbreakers (2)
- No chewable format
- Subscription auto-renews — set a calendar reminder if unsure
We may earn a commission. Pricing on partner site is final.
Ro
from $2/mo- Best for clinical oversight
Ro — original online ED brand, sildenafil & tadalafil
Why we picked itCleaner clinical voice and quarterly auto-ship with reminders means less reorder friction once you've settled on a dose.
Who should skipSkip if you want the lowest entry price — Hims undercuts Ro's starting tier.
Off-Rx: no planFlaws but not dealbreakers (2)
- Entry price slightly above Hims
- No chewable option
We may earn a commission. Pricing on partner site is final.
Not sure which Viagra program fits?
5 questions, ~60 seconds. We'll match you with three programs and explain the trade-offs.
Start free assessmentNo email required. Resume any time.
How often do you experience symptoms?
- Occasional
- Frequent
- Almost always
Have you tried ED medication before?
- Never
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
+ 3 more in the full assessment
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Related terms
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How to get it
Take the eligibility quiz
5 minutes of medical-history questions matched to the medication's FDA criteria. Free, no commitment.
Submit ID + a recent photo
Required by every legitimate US telehealth platform to verify identity and meet state prescribing rules.
Async clinical review
A licensed clinician in your state reviews your history and decides whether the medication is appropriate. Typically within 24-48 hours.
Prescription ships
If approved, the medication is sent from a partner pharmacy. Initial titration dose arrives in 3-7 days for most US states.
Ongoing support
Most programs include follow-up check-ins, dose adjustments, and side-effect support. Coverage varies by program.
Sources
Primary references this page draws from. We cite original sources so you can verify any claim.
Other ed treatment medications
More on Viagra
For clinicians: see the Viagra prescribing summary.