Viagra

Name of the Drug - Viagra (Sildenafil)

Viagra (Sildenafil) is orally administered medication in the management of erectile dysfunction (male impotence). On consumption, the drug begins to provide results in 30 minutes and the effects remain for around five hours or so. The drug is also ranked high for its safety standards.

Uses of the Drug

Viagra (Sildenafil) is orally administered medication in the management of erectile dysfunction (male impotence). The medication is helpful in increasing the probability of the person acquiring and retaining erection of the penis following proper stimulation.

Instructions for Taking the Drug

The recommended dose is consumed an hour prior to possible sexual activity although it can be taken anytime between 30 minutes to four hours prior to expectations of having sex.

Drug Class and the Way in which it Works

Viagra belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase inhibitors that function in increasing the penile blood flow thus improving the possibility of acquiring and retaining penile erection.

In Case You Forget to take the Drug

As Viagra is used only when needed in lieu of expected sexual activity, the chance of forgetting to take the drug is not of significance.

The Best Way to Store

The best way to store the drug is in the container in which it was originally packed. The right storage is at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) although it can be stored in the temperature range between 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F).

Precautionary Information

The combination of Viagra with any nitrate containing medications like nitroglycerin patches (Transderm-Nitro, Nitro-Dur), nitroglycerin tablets (Nitrostat, Nitro-Bid), nitroglycerin ointment (Nitrol, Nitro-Bid) or isosorbide tablets (Isordil, Sorbitrate, Dilatrate-SR) can result in severe and serious hypotension. So, people on these medications should not use Viagra.

People suffering from any heart ailments wherein any tiring activity like having sex, activity sports, etc is not advisable should also avoid taking Viagra. Viagra should be used with excessive caution if you have had any problems such as stroke, probably fatal heart conditions or an acute heart attack in the six months prior to this. The same degree of caution needs to be exercised in people with seriously high or low levels of blood pressure, unstable angina or heart failure.

If you are experiencing any symptoms indicative of cardiac problems like nausea, pain in the chest or dizziness, etc upon taking the medication, immediately discontinue the use of the drug and seek early medical help.

People with Peyronie's disease or other genital problems should use the drug exercising excess caution. Some conditions like leukemia, sickle cell anemia and multiple myeloma predispose the possibility of causing pain during erections or prolonging of erections (beyond four hours) that can cause permanent damage and lead to serious issues like permanent impotence when the person takes Viagra. So, people with these conditions should use the drug with care.

Other conditions where the drug needs to be used with care are eye problems like retinitis pigmentosa, bleeding disorders and ulcers of the stomach as the effects and adverse effects of the drug in such conditions have not been thoroughly researched.

Probable Side Effects

Some users might experience severe side effects that call for immediate cessation of use of the medication and seeking timely and immediate medical help. These severe side effects comprise the following

• Serious allergic manifestations
• Any heart abnormalities or pain in the area of the chest
• Breathing difficulties
• Pain with erection or erections that lasts for more than four hours
• Nausea, angina symptoms or dizziness of severe type
• Swelling in the area of the leg or the ankle
• Dizziness that lasts for an extended period.

Some users might experience minor side effects wherein the person can continue the use of the medication but should inform the doctor about its occurrence. Some of these minor side effects comprise the following

• Headache
• Vision problems including tinting
• Diarrhea
• Mild type of dizziness
• Nasal congestion
• Flushing
• Rashes or Itching

Some people might experience other side effects that are not mentioned here. Please do seek advice from your doctor at the earliest regarding any such side effects that you might experience.

Other Important Information

People aged above 65 should use Viagra with caution and are generally recommended a lower dosage due to the increased possibility of occurrence of adverse effects.