Katie asked:
About Viagra
Sildenafil under the name Viagra, is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men. Viagra (Sildenafil) belongs to a group of medicines that delay the enzymes called phosphodiesterase from working too quickly. By controlling phosphodiesterase, Sildenafil helps to maintain an erection that is produced when the penis is physically stimulated. Viagra relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body.
But like any prescription medication, Viagra is not without its pitfalls and problems. Viagra is strictly proscribed with the use of nitrate drugs such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, and recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite (”poppers”), as it can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack.
Use of Viagra is restricted in patients with drug allergies. Never take Viagra more than once a day until prescribed. Allow 24 hours to pass between doses. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention to negate serious side effects if:
During sexual activity you become dizzy or nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw Your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours (a prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis. You have sudden vision loss (Viagra can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye)
Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction like: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Avoid drinking alcohol, as it can increase some of the side effects of Viagra. Do not use other medicines to treat impotence, without first talking to your doctor.
Viagra can be taken with or without food. This medication should always be taken at least 30 minutes before intercourse. It is also exceptionally important to understand that use of Viagra should be started with the lowest effective dose or the dose prescribed by your physician.
Take Viagra exactly as prescribed. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Who Can Take Viagra
Viagra has an established safety profile of over 10 years. It has been shown to work efficiently in men with ED. This includes:
Men of all ages Men who have difficulty all the time or just some of the time Men with other health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression
Comes in the Strength Of
Viagra tablet comes in dosages of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg can be prescribed to men who are up to 65 years of age. Viagra 50mg is prescribed to be taken once a day, 30 minutes to 4 hours prior to intercourse. In situations where 50mg is not found to be effective, a doctor may prescribe 100mg to be taken once daily 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse. For men older than 65 years of age, Viagra 25mg is prescribed to be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse. In some circumstances, men older then 65 may have their doses increased. Under no circumstances should men increase their Viagra doses without first consulting their physician.