GDRX Logo

We’d Love To help

Reach out to us we will get back to you

Preferable Time to Call

What Is Viagra Used for? Uses, Working, Safety, Concerns

Julian Carter
Published

LAST UPDATED:

What Is Viagra Used for? Uses, Working, Safety, Concerns

Viagra, often referred to as ‘blue pill,’ is highly popular among men due to its promising effects in the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED). While many people may be aware of its role in improving erection and boosting sexual performance, can it be used for other health conditions?

This article will discuss the crucial question ‘What is Viagra used for?’ and how can you utilize it for the best results? We will also discuss Viagra’s working, what it cannot treat, and its safety for long-term uses. So, let’s learn in detail.

What was Viagra primarily used for?

Viagra is used as a first-line treatment for Erectile Dysfunction or impotence in men. However, Viagra was not intended to do so. In the year 1994, when Pfizer, the global manufacturer of Viagra, filed a patent for Sildenafil Citrate; it was meant to treat high blood pressure and Angina Pectoris (chest pain). There the researchers noticed the improved erection as a side effect of Sildenafil. This led to the approval of Viagra for the treatment of ED.

How does Viagra work?

You should also understand the workings of Viagra that make it a promising medicine. Viagra contains Sildenafil Citrate, an FDA-approved active ingredient, which is a PDE5 inhibitor. 

Sildenafil in Viagra inhibits the PDE5 enzyme, which breaks down cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) and reduces smooth muscle relaxation. Viagra also naturally boosts cGMP levels and facilitates smooth muscle relaxation, resulting in more blood flow to the various body organs, such as the penis and lungs.

On-label uses of Viagra

As an on-label treatment, Viagra can be used to treat the following medical conditions:

Erectile Dysfunction

As discussed earlier, Viagra is used for the treatment of ED. It is usually prescribed to men above 18 years old. It helps them get a firm and bold erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse.

Viagra inhibits the PDE5 enzyme, facilitates smooth muscle relaxation, and increases the blood influx to the penile region. The Viagra dosage (25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg) is generally prescribed by your doctor based on your personalized health condition. Sildenafil starts working within 30-60 minutes and lasts 4-6 hours.

You can also improve your erection and get rid of silent bedroom intimacy with generic Viagra. Some generic options of Viagra include Cenforce 100 mg, Cenforce 150 mg, Kamagra Gold 100 mg, and Kamagra Oral Jelly.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

Although it is generally prescribed to men, in the case of PAH, Sildenafil is prescribed to both men and women. PAH is high blood pressure in the lungs’ arteries that affects your heart. It causes intense chest pain and shortness of breath-like symptoms.

By inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme in the lungs, Sildenafil can increase the cGMP levels, which induces the relaxing and widening of the arteries. Since the arteries widen, it is easier for your heart to pump blood throughout the body, reducing its workload. Hence, it decreases high blood pressure in the lungs.

However, even if the active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil, Viagra is not FDA-approved to treat PAH. The other form of Sildenafil, Revatio, is approved to treat PAH.

Did you know:
Nearly 65 million people have received Sildenafil for treating their Erectile Dysfunction worldwide.

Off-label uses of Viagra/Sildenafil

Viagra is also prescribed by your doctor off-label due to its numerous benefits that are often linked to its effect on blood vessel dilation. 

Some other off-label uses for generic Viagra are as follows:

  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Viagra can be used as an alternative to Tadalafil (Cialis) to treat the symptoms of BPH. The condition can cause an enlarged prostate
  • Raynaud’s Phenomenon (RP): This medical condition causes fingers and toes to numb in cold conditions. Viagra is well-tolerated in men with RP
  • Premature Ejaculation (PE): In addition to ED, Viagra is also used to treat Premature Ejaculation. PE happens when you ejaculate before you or your partner wishes to
  • Reduce Peyronie’s Disease: Viagra may reduce the risks of injury, which can eventually prevent Peyronie’s Disease
  • Alzheimer’s Disease (AD): If you take Viagra, you may have reduced risks of developing AD and its progression. Furthermore, it improves memory performance
  • Hair growth: Due to its dilating properties, Sildenafil improves follicle blood flow and promotes hair growth
  • Altitude sickness: Short-term treatment of Sildenafil can reduce altitude sickness
  • Cardiovascular conditions: Sildenafil Citrate has beneficial effects in severe Coronary Obstructive Artery Disease
Women taking pill
Women taking pill

What is Sildenafil/Viagra for women?

Although prescribed for male sexual problems, Viagra can also be used for Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD). If you have FSD, your doctor may prescribe you Viagra, as many researchers believe it can promote blood flow to the female genitals and elevate the sexual experience. 

You can also use Sildenafil-containing Lovegra 100 mg and Lovegra Oral Jelly Rx 100 mg. However, it is recommended to consult your doctor for faster recovery.

What is Sildenafil/Viagra not used for?

While Viagra has many benefits for both men and women, however, Viagra is unlikely to be used for the following issues:

  • Curing ED: Although Viagra can treat ED, it does not cure it 
  • Boosting sex drive: Viagra has no impact on your libido or sex drive. So, if you are taking Viagra to elevate your sex drive, it is less likely to give you the preferred results
  • Arousal: Viagra is unlikely to improve erection if you are not sexually stimulated or aroused. Sexual arousal is necessary for the proper working of Viagra and its alternatives
  • STDs: Viagra should only be used as an erection-improving pill. It does not protect you against Sexually Transmitted Diseases, such as HIV
  • Contraceptive: Viagra should not be used as a contraceptive or to prevent pregnancy

Furthermore, Viagra is a safe medicine for many people but not suitable for everyone. You should not use Viagra if:

  • You are allergic to Sildenafil
  • Have a severe kidney, liver, or heart problem
  • Have low blood pressure
  • Have/had a history of Sickle Cell Anemia
  • Take Nitrates or blood pressure-lowering medicines
  • Have bleeding disorders
Warning:
Viagra may cause side effects, such as Nausea, vomiting, or prolonged erection. Consult your doctor if the side effects persist for longer.

How to use Viagra for best results?

For best results, use Viagra in the following ways:

  • Use Viagra only after a doctor’s prescription
  • Take this medicine with water. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet (unless oral jelly)
  • Take this medicine at least 30-60 minutes before the intended sexual intercourse

Is Viagra/Sildenafil safe for daily use?

Yes, Viagra and its generic counterparts are safe to use daily. However, it is advised to take Viagra once in 24 hours only. Keep a gap of around 24 hours between two consecutive doses. 

Furthermore, you can also use Viagra for a long time, as it is less likely to cause serious problems. However, caution should be taken. You should consult your doctor before taking Viagra and have routine check-ups to make necessary changes in its doses.

Conclusion

The answer to the question ‘What is Viagra used for?’ is vast due to several benefits of this erection-improving blue pill. Viagra is used as a first-line treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men. 

Viagra also treats Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) by lowering blood pressure in the lungs and reducing the heart’s workload. For off-label uses, Viagra is beneficial for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Raynaud’s Phenomenon, Premature Ejaculation, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), and Sexual Dysfunction in women.

However, it does not stimulate sexual arousal, boost libido, or prevent pregnancy. Furthermore, if you take Nitrates, blood pressure-lowering medicines, or alcohol, consult your doctor and seek prompt medical attention. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you take Viagra?

Viagra contains Sildenafil, which inhibits the PDE5 enzyme and aids in erection. PDE5 enzyme breaks down the cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP), facilitating smooth muscle relaxation. By inhibiting the enzyme, Viagra promotes blood flow to the body’s organs, like a penis, and improves erection. Consult your doctor before taking Viagra.

What is the main purpose of Viagra?

The main purpose of Viagra is the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Viagra is FDA-approved for treating ED, in which the PDE5 enzyme breaks down specific molecules that hinder erection. However, Viagra inhibits this enzyme and leads to an increase in the number of molecules, which helps in erection.

Does Viagra work the first time?

Viagra doesn’t always work the first time for everyone. Viagra is used for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction, and like other medicines, it may take some time before it works effectively for you. However, if stays ineffective for longer, consult your doctor, who may change its dose or prescribe alternatives.

Is Viagra good to make you last longer in bed?

Yes, Viagra can give you a form and bold erection, which can make you last longer in bed. If you experience difficulties getting an erection or maintaining it for satisfactory sexual intercourse, consult your doctor and take prescribed Viagra. You can also take various generic Viagra, such as Cenforce 100 mg.

When to use Viagra for the best results?

You can take the prescribed dose of Viagra at least 30-60 minutes before the intended sexual intercourse. It will give Viagra a proper time for the onset of action and improved effectiveness. However, you should not take Viagra with Nitrates and blood pressure-reducing medicines. Consult your doctor for more information.

Citations:
When referencing outside resources, GoodrxMedicine always provides full citations. To learn more about the measures we use to maintain the quality of our content, please review our Content Information Policy.

Leave a Comment