Viagra Soft Tabs
Viagra Soft Tabs, manufactured primarily by Viatris UK Healthcare Limited (formerly Upjohn), is a medication designed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. The active ingredient within these tablets is sildenafil citrate – a potent PDE5 inhibitor. It’s not a cure-all, but rather a helping hand when natural arousal isn’t quite enough to achieve or maintain an erection satisfactory for sexual activity.
Sildenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis, enabling a firmer and longer-lasting erection during sexual stimulation. Think of it as opening up the pathways for increased circulation – like widening a narrow road to allow more traffic through. It’s important to remember that Viagra Soft Tabs doesn’t cause an erection; it enhances your body’s natural response to sexual arousal.
The availability of sildenafil has dramatically changed over the years, with generic versions becoming significantly cheaper than branded Viagra. In fact, a 50mg tablet of sildenafil can be found for as little as 50p, while branded Viagra costs around £5. This price difference makes treatment more accessible to many men experiencing ED.
Forms and Dosages Available
Viagra Soft Tabs are primarily available in tablet form, offering varying strengths to suit individual needs. Currently, you can find them in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg dosages. The typical starting dose is 50mg, taken approximately 30-60 minutes before anticipated sexual activity.
Unlike some other medications, Viagra tablets aren’t scored – meaning they don’t have a line down the middle for easy splitting. However, they can be carefully broken in half using a pill cutter, though this may lead to slight variations in dosage between halves. It is generally recommended not to cut 25mg tablets as it can affect their efficacy.
Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing (as of June 2025) for generic Viagra tablets from Dr Fox Pharmacy:
| Tablet Type | 4 Tablets | 8 Tablets | 16 Tablets | 32 Tablets | 64 Tablets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generic Viagra 25mg | £4.20 | £8.00 | £14.70 | £27.40 | £43.60 |
| Generic Viagra 50mg | £5.95 | £11.20 | £19.90 | £39.80 | £47.50 |
| Generic Viagra 100mg | £6.80 | £12.50 | £23.20 | £41.00 | £69.00 |
Who Can Take It?
Viagra Soft Tabs are specifically intended for adult men experiencing erectile dysfunction. While age isn’t a strict barrier, men over 65 typically start with the lowest dose (25mg) due to potential increased sensitivity to the medication. It is not approved for use in women and should never be taken by anyone under the age of 18.
Extra caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart problems, liver disease, kidney disease, or a history of stroke. Men with these conditions should consult their doctor before taking Viagra Soft Tabs to ensure it’s safe for them. It’s also crucial to discuss any other medications you are currently taking, as interactions can occur (more on that later).
How to Take Viagra Soft Tabs
Taking Viagra Soft Tabs correctly is key to experiencing its benefits. The standard recommendation is to take one tablet with a glass of water approximately 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. It’s best not to take it on an empty stomach, as a light meal can help slow down absorption and potentially reduce the risk of side effects.
Avoid consuming large meals, especially those high in fat, as these can significantly delay the medication’s onset of action. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption or grapefruit juice should be avoided, as they can interfere with how sildenafil is metabolized by your body. Remember, Viagra Soft Tabs are not intended for daily use; do not take more than one tablet within a 24-hour period.
If you miss a dose, simply take it when you remember – but only if sexual activity is anticipated soon. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one. Always adhere to your doctor’s instructions and read the patient information leaflet (PIL) carefully before starting treatment.
How It Works: A Simplified Explanation
At its core, Viagra Soft Tabs works by targeting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This enzyme is responsible for regulating blood flow in the penis. When a man becomes sexually aroused, nitric oxide is released, which signals the smooth muscles in the penis to relax and allow increased blood flow. PDE5 then works to counteract this effect, reducing blood flow and causing an erection to subside.
Sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra Soft Tabs, inhibits PDE5, effectively blocking its action. This allows the nitric oxide signal to persist for longer, resulting in sustained vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) and a firmer, more durable erection. However, it’s crucial to remember that sexual stimulation is still required – Viagra doesn’t create an erection out of thin air; it simply enhances your body’s natural response.
Contraindications: Who Should Avoid It?
Certain medical conditions and medications make taking Viagra Soft Tabs unsafe. Individuals with severe heart disease (e.g., unstable angina, recent heart attack), uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of stroke should absolutely avoid this medication. Those who have recently taken nitrates for chest pain are also at serious risk, as combining the two can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Furthermore, if you have a known allergy to sildenafil citrate or any other ingredients in Viagra Soft Tabs, do not take it. People with severe liver problems should exercise extreme caution and consult their doctor before use. Finally, individuals taking guanylate cyclase stimulators (e.g., riociguat) should never combine them with Viagra Soft Tabs due to the risk of dangerously low blood pressure.
Interactions: What You Need To Know
Drug interactions can significantly impact the safety and effectiveness of Viagra Soft Tabs. Combining it with nitrates, as mentioned earlier, is a major contraindication. Alpha-blockers (used to treat high blood pressure or prostate problems) can also lower blood pressure when taken with sildenafil, potentially causing dizziness or fainting.
Certain antifungal medications (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) and some HIV protease inhibitors can increase the levels of sildenafil in your bloodstream, raising the risk of side effects. Even seemingly harmless substances like grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of sildenafil, leading to increased drug concentrations. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, before starting Viagra Soft Tabs.
Side Effects: What To Expect
Like all medications, Viagra Soft Tabs can cause side effects. Common side effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, and visual disturbances (e.g., blurred vision, sensitivity to light). These are usually mild and temporary, resolving on their own as your body adjusts to the medication.
Less common side effects may include dizziness, muscle aches, and back pain. Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention. These include sudden loss of vision or hearing, priapism (a prolonged erection lasting more than four hours), and signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, hives, swelling). If you experience any concerning symptoms while taking Viagra Soft Tabs, seek medical help immediately.
Overdose Risks: What To Do
An overdose of Viagra Soft Tabs can lead to severe side effects, including dangerously low blood pressure, fainting, and even heart attack or stroke. While the exact amount considered an overdose varies depending on individual factors, exceeding the maximum recommended dose of 100mg within a 24-hour period is generally considered risky.
Symptoms of an overdose may include severe headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, and chest pain. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or going to the nearest hospital. Do not attempt to self-treat an overdose.
Price and Availability
The price of Viagra Soft Tabs varies depending on the dosage, quantity purchased, and whether you choose branded or generic versions. As previously mentioned, generic sildenafil is significantly cheaper than branded Viagra. Online pharmacies like Dr Fox often offer competitive pricing and convenient access to medication, as well as options like Cialis.
You can purchase Viagra Soft Tabs from registered online pharmacies (like https://medicade.co.uk/) and some retail pharmacies with a valid prescription. Be wary of websites offering suspiciously low prices or selling the medication without a prescription, as these may be counterfeit or unsafe.
Buying Drugs Without Prescription Info (UK)
In the United Kingdom, Viagra Connect (containing 50mg sildenafil citrate) is available over-the-counter from pharmacies without a prescription following a short consultation with a pharmacist. However, higher dosages and branded Viagra still require a prescription from a doctor. Purchasing medication online is legal in the UK, provided you are using a registered pharmacy that operates under strict regulations.
Here’s an example of estimated delivery times:
| City | Estimated Delivery Time |
|---|---|
| London | 1-2 business days |
| Manchester | 2-3 business days |
| Birmingham | 2-3 business days |
| Edinburgh | 3-5 business days |
| Cardiff | 2-4 business days |
Alternatives to Viagra Soft Tabs
Several alternatives to Viagra Soft Tabs are available, both pharmaceutical and natural. Other PDE5 inhibitors like Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Spedra (avanafil) offer similar mechanisms of action but differ in their duration of effect and side effect profiles. Cialis, for example, has a much longer duration of action (up to 36 hours) compared to Viagra’s four-hour window.
Natural alternatives like L-arginine, ginseng, and yohimbine have been touted as potential ED remedies, but their effectiveness is often limited and not well-supported by scientific evidence. These supplements may also interact with other medications or cause unwanted side effects. It’s crucial to discuss any alternative treatments with your doctor before trying them.
Precautions: Important Considerations
Before starting Viagra Soft Tabs, it’s essential to inform your doctor about all medical conditions you have and all medications you are taking. Be honest about your lifestyle habits, including alcohol consumption and smoking, as these can impact the effectiveness of the medication. Store Viagra Soft Tabs in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Avoid sharing your medication with others, even if they have similar symptoms. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage and duration of treatment. If you experience any unusual or concerning side effects, stop taking the medication and seek medical attention immediately.
FAQ Section
Q: How long does Viagra Soft Tabs last? A: Typically, Viagra Soft Tabs remain active in your system for around four hours.
Q: Can I take Viagra Soft Tabs with alcohol? A: While not strictly prohibited, excessive alcohol consumption can worsen ED symptoms and increase the risk of side effects. It’s best to limit your alcohol intake when taking this medication.
Q: Is Viagra Soft Tabs safe for men with heart conditions? A: Men with severe heart conditions should avoid Viagra Soft Tabs due to the potential for dangerous interactions. Consult your doctor before use if you have any heart problems.
Reviewed by a Medical Professional
Reviewed by a medical professional Isabel D White.
