Viagra drug description

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 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 if you get sexual arousal. 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.

Important Information

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.

Viagra is not under the recommendation for use by any male below 18 years old.

What to know before taking Viagra?

Before taking Viagra, tell your medical health care professional if you are allergic to it or have other allergies. Viagra may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other issues.

• 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 (Viagra)with a nitrate drug can cause a severe sudden decrease in blood pressure.
• Before taking Viagra, tell the doctor about your medical history, especially of
• Heart problems (heart attack or irregular heartbeat for a long time, heart failure, chest pain, or angina)
• Any stroke in the past six months;
• Liver disease;
• Kidney disease;
• Fluctuating blood pressure;
• Dehydration (severe loss of body water);
• Penis conditions (Peyronie’s disease, angulation, fibrosis, or scarring);
• Priapism (painful and prolonged erection);
• Conditions that may increase the priapism risk such as leukemia, sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma; or
• Eye problems such as sudden decreased vision, retinitis pigmentosa, NAION).

Viagra does not cause harm 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.

How to take Viagra?

• Read the available Patient Information leaflet before you start taking Viagra, and each time, you get a refill. If you have any queries, ask any of your medical health care professionals.
• To treat ED- erectile dysfunction, take this drug orally as per your doctor’s prescription, usually as needed.
• Your doctor may recommend you take Viagra (Sildenafil) at least half an hour, but not more than four hours, before sexual activity (an hour before is the most effective). And, please do not take it more than one time a day.
• A high-fat meal may affect the working of the drug as it will delay its effect. Tell your medical health care professional if there is no improvement in your condition.
• Your doctor will assign your dosage depending upon your medical condition, other drugs you may be taking, and your response to the treatment. Ensure that your doctor or pharmacist knows about all the products you use, including herbal products, prescription drugs, and non-prescription drugs.

Viagra side effects

Call 911 or call your medical healthcare provider urgently without delay if you have the following severe side effects:

• Irregular heartbeat.
• Swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands.
• Sudden hearing loss, or ringing in your ears.
• Shortness of breath.
• A light-headed feeling.
• Seizures (convulsions)
• Sudden vision loss or vision changes.
• Painful erection or erection that stays longer than 4 hours (prolonged erection can cause damage to the penis).
• Heart attack symptoms- pain spreading to your shoulder or jaw, chest pain or pressure, sweating.

Common side effects to Viagra that do not require instant medical help may include

• Dizziness, headache
• Back pain, muscle pain
• Nosebleeds, runny or stuffy nose
• Flushing (redness, warmth, or tingly feeling)
• Abnormal vision (changes in color vision, blurred vision)
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Upset stomach