Viagra is a prescription drug that helps treat erectile dysfunction (ED). If you have ED, you are unable to have or maintain an erection. Viagra is not under the recommendation for use by any male below 18 years old.
Viagra consists of the drug sildenafil that belongs to the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors category. It functions by increasing blood flow to the penis, which helps you have an erection. This drug works only when you are sexually aroused.
Viagra comes in tablet form, and you must take it orally. In most cases, doctors advise you to take it an hour before sexual activity, but you can take it half an hour to four hours beforehand. Viagra is available in three strengths: 100 mg, 50 mg, and 25 mg.
Do not use Viagra if you are also taking a nitrate drug for heart problems or chest pain. It includes isosorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin, and isosorbide mononitrate. Nitrates are also available in some recreational drugs, such as nitrite (“poppers”) or amyl nitrate. Taking Sildenafil with a nitrate drug can cause a severe sudden decrease in blood pressure.
Viagra can reduce blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye that can cause sudden vision loss. There is evidence of this condition in a small number of people taking Viagra, most of whom also had diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, specific pre-existing eye issues, or high blood pressure, and in those who were smoking or were over 50 years old. It is still a question whether Viagra is the actual cause of vision loss or not.
Before taking any erectile dysfunction drug like Viagra, you should know if you are allergic to it or any other form of Sildenafil, or:
To ensure Viagra is safe for you, tell each of your medical healthcare providers if you have ever had:
Viagra is not harmful to an unborn baby. Tell the doctor about your pregnancy (if you are pregnant) or your plan to conceive. It is still unknown whether Viagra passes into breast milk or if it could cause harm to a nursing baby. Tell your medical healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding a nursing baby.
Viagra is not under the recommendation for use by anyone under 18 years of age without medical consultation.
Take Viagra precisely as per the prescription. Follow all instructions on your medication guides. Never take this drug in smaller or larger amounts or for longer than prescribed. People usually take Viagra only when needed, 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity. You may use it up to four hours before sexual activity. Do not take Viagra more than one time a day.
Viagra can help you have an erection only when sexual stimulation occurs. Just taking a pill will not cause an erection; you need sexual stimulation too. Follow your doctor’s directions carefully.
Store Viagra away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
During sexual activity, if you become nauseous or dizzy or have numbness, pain, or tingling feeling in your arms, chest, jaw, or neck. Stop and call your doctor immediately. You could be having severe side effects from Viagra.
Your Viagra dosage will depend upon your age, other medical conditions you have, whether you have kidney or liver disease, other medications you might be taking.
The usual adult dosage of Viagra for erectile dysfunction (ED) is 50 mg. Take it half an hour to four hours before having sexual activity. For most people, doctors recommend taking the dose an hour before sexual activity.
In case of an overdose of Viagra, take immediate medical help or call the Poison helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
Consumption of alcohol with Viagra can cause side effects. Avoid taking any other drugs to treat impotence, such as yohimbine or alprostadil, with prior consultation with your doctor.
Interaction of grapefruit and grapefruit products juice with Viagra can lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid taking grapefruit products while using this medicine.
Viagra can cause mild or severe side effects. Mild side effects may go away after a few days, but inform your medical healthcare provider if they persist or worsen. Mild side effects of Viagra may include:
Severe side effects of this drug are rare, but they can occur. Immediately contact your medical healthcare provider if you have severe side effects. Call 911 if you feel the symptoms are life-threatening or if you think you have a medical emergency. Severe side effects to Viagra may include:
Several other medications can interact with Viagra. Different interactions can cause various side effects, and some interactions can interfere with the functioning of this drug in your body. It includes prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, such as yohimbine and I-arginine. Taking Viagra with other medications increases the risk of particular side effects, such as priapism and low blood pressure.
It would help if you did not take Viagra with other drugs for erectile dysfunction, including prescription medications such as avanafil (Stendra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Staxyn, Levitra), alprostadil (Caverject, Muse, Caverject Impulse, Edex)