What Is The Best Viagra Option For Men

All Viagra contains sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient that makes the medication effective for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). The only difference between the various Viagra pills available is in the amount of sildenafil they contain. For instance, Viagra Connect contains less sildenafil per pill than regular brand name Viagra.

Viagra Tablets (25mg, 50mg & 100mg)

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Different forms of the medication offer different benefits, so there’s no real best Viagra option for men. The most appropriate option for you will depend on your age, health, size, lifestyle and budget. Your doctor will be able to talk you through the various options to find the right choice for you.

There are three main Viagra choices for treating erectile dysfunction available in the UK. These are:

• brand name Viagra – the famous “little blue pill” made by Pfizer that contains sildenafil citrate. It was the first erectile dysfunction medication on the market.
• generic sildenafil – the affordable generic form of Viagra. It has the same active ingredient but is generally cheaper than Viagra.
• Viagra Connect – an over-the-counter version of Viagra that you can buy without a prescription.

Viagra Connect (50mg) Tablets

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Many find generic sildenafil to be a great choice, as it offers the same benefits as Viagra but at a more affordable price.

Sildenafil Tablets (25mg, 50mg & 100mg)

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Here’s all you need to know about choosing the best Viagra for men.

Key Takeaways:

• Viagra is available as branded tablets, lower-cost generics, and convenient over-the-counter doses, giving men a choice of options to fit different budgets and lifestyles.
• Your doctor will help to determine the ideal Viagra dose strength for you based on your age, medical fitness, and the severity of your erectile dysfunction.
• Through decades of rigorous testing and research, all properly prescribed Viagra formulas prove safe for most men. Extra precautions need to be taken for those with pre-existing health conditions.

Comparing the Different Viagra Options

Different Viagra Strengths

Viagra tablets come in a few different sildenafil citrate dose strengths, typically 25mg, 50mg, or 100mg per pill. Determining the ideal strength level to prescribe depends on individual patient factors like:

• severity of erectile dysfunction - men with mild, infrequent ED may benefit from 25-50mg tablets. While more advanced dysfunction often needs the stronger, 100mg Viagra pill for sufficient erection firmness during sexual activity.
• age and pre-existing health conditions - older patients, or those with additional medical issues affecting blood pressure, liver function, etc., typically receive conservative starting doses like 25mg. The dose may be adjusted once tolerance and efficacy are established.
• experiencing any side effects - if you experience side effects like vision changes or headaches, your doctor may reduce your dose. A lot of men find that lower doses of 25-50mg, result in fewer side effects.

Open dialogue with your doctor is the best way to identify the Viagra strength that’s right for you.

Viagra Connect - The Over-The-Counter Alternative

Viagra Connect offers patients an erectile dysfunction treatment option available over-the-counter. This means you don’t need to visit a medical professional or get a prescription. It contains the same active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, used in branded and generic Viagra tablets, but in smaller doses per pill

Here are some key facts on Viagra Connect for UK men:

• availability: being an over-the-counter medication means Viagra Connect can be easily purchased in local pharmacies without the need for a doctor’s prescription. This makes access quicker and more convenient.
• dosages: unlike prescription-grade Viagra, Viagra Connect is available only in 50mg doses.
• suitability: Viagra Connect may be suitable for men experiencing occasional or milder erectile challenges. Those facing more severe or advanced-stage dysfunction often require higher, 100mg sildenafil doses which are only available on prescription in the UK.

The easy accessibility of Viagra Connect can make it a good choice for some patients. However, the lower concentration of active sildenafil medicine may make it slightly less effective compared to stronger, prescription-only options, especially for men experiencing more severe ED.

See our guide on Viagra vs Viagra Connect to learn more.

Brand Name Viagra vs. Generic Sildenafil

Pills sold under the brand name Viagra are made by Pfizer and contain the active ingredient sildenafil citrate. Generic versions of sildenafil also contain sildenafil citrate, but are made by other drug companies and are sold unbranded.

Some important facts when comparing brand name Viagra and generic sildenafil:

• effectiveness: multiple medical studies show that generic sildenafil works just as well as original brand Viagra. Both medications improve blood flow by widening blood vessels for firmer, longer-lasting erections.
• cost: when Pfizer’s patent on Viagra ended, it allowed generic versions to be sold on the UK market. Generic sildenafil is available at much lower prices per pill compared to branded Viagra.
• quality: when it comes to choosing the best Viagra for men UK regulations demand that generic medications undergo testing that’s just as thorough as branded tablets. These regulations ensure generic tablets offer a similar quality and performance as branded medications.

Low-cost generic sildenafil tablets offer very similar effectiveness as original, branded Viagra pills. However, some men may still prefer to pay more for the familiar blue pills.

Safety and Performance of Viagra Options

Evaluating Safety Profiles

All forms of Viagra treatment - including prescription-strength sildenafil tablets and lower dose over-the-counter Viagra Connect capsules - have undergone careful testing for safety through extensive clinical trials. Some common side effects may include:

• visual changes - a small percentage of men experience temporary changes in colour vision or light sensitivity.
• muscle pain - a small number of patients report back pain or muscle aches, especially with higher 100mg Viagra doses prescribed for more significant erectile dysfunction.
• headaches – headaches typically go away after the first week of Viagra use. However, talk to your doctor if it takes longer or if the pain is severe.

On rare occasions, more serious issues, such as significant drops in blood pressure, may occur. If you experience such symptoms, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.

Your safety when taking Viagra is our top priority. Taking unprescribed Viagra, or taking a higher than approved dose, can increase the risk of side effects. Get in touch with an experienced member of our team for help and support finding the right ED pills for you.

See our guide on: How To Use Viagra For The Best Results

Clinical Efficacy and Effectiveness

Prescription-strength Viagra and generic sildenafil tablets show comparable efficacy and effectiveness for treating erectile dysfunction.

Key points on performance from the results of multiple clinical trials:

• effective in 70% of men – sildenafil improved the ability to get and sustain erections firm enough for sex in about seven out of 10 patients taking a daily 50mg sildenafil dose.
• response times – both Viagra and generic sildenafil are most effective 30-120 minutes after taking a standard 50mg dose with sexual stimulation.
• duration of effects - the effects of Viagra and sildenafil last for around four hours on average.

See our guide on: How Long Does Viagra Take To Work

Tailoring Your Viagra Choice: Health and Lifestyle Factors

Health Considerations in Selecting Viagra

The right Viagra option for you will depend on your health, pre-existing medical conditions and the severity of ED you’re experiencing:

• severity assessment: doctors often prescribe higher 50 mg or 100 mg sildenafil doses, as Viagra or generic tablets, for more significant cases of erectile dysfunction. Milder issues may respond to Viagra Connect or lower doses.
• cardiovascular factors: precautions may be taken for patients with high blood pressure, as Viagra can briefly lower pressure. Heart disease also requires medical clearance first.
• other health conditions: pre-existing conditions which require medication, surgeries that impact nerves or blood vessels, or psychiatric disorders, should be taken into account by your doctor when deciding which version and strength of Viagra to prescribe.

Talking openly and honestly with your doctor allows key aspects of your unique medical history to be factored in when finding the most suitable Viagra choice for you.

Lifestyle Considerations and Viagra Selection

Lifestyle habits, and needs around sexual activity, should be weighed when personalising Viagra treatment choices:

Planning vs Spontaneity

For active men who want occasional erectile support, the accessibility of over-the-counter Viagra Connect offers discretion and avoids regular trips to the doctor.

For routine regular dosing, prescription Viagra may suit better.

Activity Patterns

Occasional erectile challenges, such as 1-2 times per month, could be managed by taking Viagra Connect when issues present. Those experiencing more persistent weekly issues often require 50-100 mg prescriptions.

Discuss personal habits around relationships, activity preferences, convenience needs and affordability concerns with our team to find the best Viagra for your needs.

Take the Next Step with The Independent Pharmacy

The Independent Pharmacy offers men experiencing erectile dysfunction discreet access to licensed UK prescriptions and medical advice for treating this common condition:

• free online assessment: Our website features a private questionnaire where you can share symptoms and medical history to determine if Viagra may help counteract your challenges.
• personalised recommendations: Our team can suggest Viagra strengths and provide usage instructions tailored to your assessed degree of erectile issues and health profile.
• ongoing medical support: As an accredited online UK pharmacy with affiliated physicians, The Independent Pharmacy features ongoing consultations to address patient questions, adjust dosing if necessary, and proactively support you during treatment.
• convenient ordering: Once approved for prescription Viagra or over-the-counter Viagra Connect, orders can be quickly and discreetly delivered right to your home.

Take the first step by visiting The Independent Pharmacy’s website to complete our erectile dysfunction questionnaire today and get custom Viagra recommendations.

Related Reading

Here are some of our best guides related to Viagra:

• Can You Take Viagra Daily
• Does Viagra Make You Bigger
• Can You Get Viagra On The NHS
• How Does Viagra Work

FAQs

Which Viagra Is Best for Males?

There is no single “best” Viagra for all men. Factors like pre-existing medical conditions, the severity of erectile dysfunction, and lifestyle help to determine which Viagra option could work well for your situation when discussed with a healthcare provider.

What Is the Best Pill to Stay Hard Longer?

UK-approved prescription sildenafil, or branded Viagra tablets containing 50-100mg of sildenafil, promote firmer, more sustained erections averaging 3-4+ hours during sexual activity. Over-the-counter Viagra Connect erection benefits may be shorter lasting.

Is There Anything Better Than Viagra?

While newer erectile dysfunction medications have been introduced in the wake of Viagra’s success, medical guidelines still endorse the prescription of oral Viagra or clinically equivalent generic sildenafil. Both are highly effective first-line treatments that are supported by decades of research and are generally safe when used as directed under medical supervision.

What Is the Strongest Viagra to Take?

In the United Kingdom, the highest available single dose of sildenafil citrate - the active erectile dysfunction medicine in Viagra - is 100mg when prescribed by a doctor. Taking more than the recommended maximum strength can increase the risk of short-term side effects and cause serious safety issues if uncontrolled long-term.

We encourage you to closely follow your doctor’s guidance and prescription instructions. Remember, they are there to ensure your safety and help you achieve the best possible results from your treatment.

Sources:

Side effects of sildenafil - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Tune-in-to-mens-worries.pdf (viagraconnect.co.uk)

Does generic Viagra work just like regular Viagra? (drugs.com)