Viagra

Name of the Drug - Viagra (Sildenafil)

Viagra (Sildenafil) is a medication that is used in treating conditions like erectile dysfunction (male impotence). This drug has been in the market for quite a while and has a proven name for its safety standards and its efficacy of action that begins in about 30 minutes once consumed and remaining viable for roughly five hours.

Drug Indications

Viagra is a oral medication that is used in treating conditions like erectile dysfunction (male impotence). It betters the person's possibility of getting and maintaining erection of the penis following stimulation.

How to Use

Viagra needs to be taken prior to anticipated sexual activity. It works well when taken roughly one hour earlier to having sex although it can also be taken 30 minutes to four hours earlier.

Drug Type and How it Works

Viagra, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor works by improving the circulation of blood to the penis thereby boosting the chances of getting and maintaining the erection.

If You Forget a Dose

As Viagra is taken earlier to expected sexual activity the possibility of forgetting a dose is not of significance.

Instructions for Storage

Retain the medication in the original packaging at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) although the temperature can vary between 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F).

Safety Guidelines

Viagra is contraindicated if you are presently taking or using any drugs that contain nitrate such as nitroglycerin ointment (Nitrol, Nitro-Bid), nitroglycerin patches (Nitro-Dur, Transderm-Nitro), isosorbide pills (Sorbitrate, Isordil, Dilatrate-SR) or nitroglycerin pills (Nitrostat, Nitro-Bid) as the grouping can result in serious hypotension.

Sex and any other strenuous activities are not advisable in certain patients with serious heart trouble. Such people must avoid taking Viagra. Anyone who has suffered problems like stroke, possibly fatal heart abnormalities or a heart attack in six months prior should avoid using the drug or use it after consulting a physician. The same applies to people with high level or low level of blood pressure, unstable angina or cardiac failure.

On consumption of the drug, if you experience any symptoms of cardiac problems like nausea, chest pain or dizziness, stop taking the drug immediately and consult the physician at the earliest.

Use Viagra exercising lot of caution if you suffer from any ailments such as multiple myeloma, leukemia or sickle anemia as these have the possible risk of causing painful and prolonged erections that can lead to permanent damage. The same holds good if you have any kind of genital deformities or problems.

The safety of the medication has not been studied in people suffering from conditions like stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders or retinitis pigmentosa (eye condition). So, Viagra should be used with caution in such people.

Adverse Effects of the Drug

Some people might suffer from serious adverse effects such as

• Severe allergies
• Symptoms of cardiac problems like nausea, dizziness, etc
• Breathing problems
• Inflammation of the extremities
• Dizziness that is severe and often of long duration
• Heart problems and pain in the chest
• Pain with erection or erection that is of long duration

People who experience these side effects must immediately stop using the drug and get immediate professional medical help.

Those who suffer from minor side effects can continue use of the drug but inform the doctor regarding the same. Some minor side effects of the drug include

• Vision abnormalities including tints to the vision
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness of mild nature
• Flushing
• Itch or rash
• Nasal congestion
• Headache

You can also suffer from some other adverse effects that are not mentioned over here. Please inform the doctor about any such adverse effects at the earliest and seek advice.

Added Information The possibilities of side effects are higher in people above the age of 65 when taking the drug. So, generally such people are advised to take a lesser dose of the drug.