Viagra Professional — what you need to know

Viagra Professional is a branded form of sildenafil citrate sold by some online pharmacies. It’s marketed as a faster or stronger version of standard sildenafil, but the active ingredient is the same drug that treats erectile dysfunction (ED). That means it works the same way: widening blood vessels to increase blood flow to the penis when you're sexually stimulated.

How Viagra Professional works and dosing

Sildenafil usually starts working within 30–60 minutes and lasts about 4 hours. Many sellers of Viagra Professional advertise faster onset, but clinical proof that it’s meaningfully different from regular sildenafil is limited. Typical sildenafil dosing is 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg taken before sex. Some versions labeled “Professional” are sold at 100 mg, which is the higher end of dosing—so be cautious.

Never mix doses or up your dose without talking to a clinician. Your doctor can help pick the right dose based on your health, other medicines, and how well you tolerate side effects.

Safety, interactions, and side effects

Common side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion, stuffy nose, and mild vision changes. Serious but rare problems are priapism (a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours), sudden vision loss, or sudden hearing loss. If any of those happen, get emergency care immediately.

Do not take sildenafil if you’re on nitrates (commonly prescribed for chest pain). The combo can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Also use caution with alpha-blockers, some HIV protease inhibitors, and certain antibiotics or antifungals—these can change sildenafil levels in your blood. Tell your doctor about every prescription, OTC drug, and supplement you take.

Buying tips: only use reputable pharmacies. A good online pharmacy will require a prescription, list a real address, show pharmacist contact info, and have clear return and privacy policies. Avoid sites that sell prescription meds without asking any medical questions. Check reviews, look for pharmacy accreditation if available, and use secure payment methods.

Alternatives to sildenafil include tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra). Tadalafil lasts much longer and can be taken daily at low doses. If Viagra Professional causes side effects or doesn’t work well, these are reasonable options to discuss with your clinician.

Final tip: ED can be a sign of heart disease, diabetes, or other health issues. Treating the underlying cause may improve erections without needing stronger meds. Always talk with a healthcare provider before starting or changing ED medication. A quick phone call or visit can keep treatment safe and effective.