Famously called the little blue pill, Viagra is a prescription medicine that contains sildenafil, a pharmacological agent that has been a blockbuster Erectile Dysfunction (ED) drug.

If you have recently been diagnosed with ED and your doctor has advised Viagra, you must be aware of the fact that it should be taken in the right way to experience its effects.

The right Viagra dose usually depends on certain factors, such as age and the severity of ED. Your doctor will be able to prescribe you a specific dosage after taking your age, susceptibility, and the complexity of ED into account.

The recommended dose of Viagra for men between 18 and 64 is 50 mg, while some may need a 100 mg dose. For older men above 60, doctors may advise Viagra 25 mg.

Typically, Viagra should be taken an hour before you intend to indulge in sexual activity. It does not offer a spontaneous effect or an erection.

So, how can you maximize Viagra efficacy?

Avoid heavy meals while taking the dose. Viagra has been found highly effective when taken on an empty stomach. Eating a high-fat meal could delay drug absorption, meaning Viagra may take longer to work.

Make sure you give the drug some time to work. Do not expect the drug to give you an instant erection. Be patient. There is no rush. It is important to take the small blue pill at least an hour before you intend to make love. More importantly, sexual stimulation is necessary for Viagra to work. 

Avoid alcohol and grapefruits if you want to take Viagra. A glass of wine or beer is fine, but drinking more than that could after the efficacy of Viagra. Grapefruits have been found to have a substance that could adversely interact with sildenafil so doctors advise against taking Viagra with grapefruits or grapefruit juice.

Viagra does not last long forever. Post-dosage, the drug may remain in your system for four to six hours. And during that period, you can achieve an erection several times when you are sexually aroused.

Do not overdose. Take Viagra only once in any 24-hour period. Taking more than a single dose at a time could increase the risk of side effects, such as nasal congestion, headache, flushing, and a serious one like priapism, a prolonged, painful erection.

How does Viagra work? Simply put, the little blue pill works by increasing blood supply to the penile organ so you can get and maintain an erection hard enough to engage in long-lasting sexual activity.

Remember, never use Viagra recreationally. It must be used only if your doctor has advised it for your ED problem. Take Viagra as recommended, and make sure you follow all instructions carefully while using it. If you fail to experience any effects, see your doctor for other alternatives.