Generic Viagra (Sildenafil)
Viagra
Viagra is an oral drug for male impotence, also known as (ED). Viagra is used to treat impotence in men. Viagra increases the body’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation. Viagra does not protect you from getting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. It works by dilating blood vessels in the penis, allowing the inflow of blood needed for an erection.
In patients taking Viagra, several heart-related side effects have been reported, including heart attack, sudden death, irregular heart rhythm, stroke, chest pain, and increased blood pressure. It is not possible to determine whether these events are directly related to Viagra, to sexual activity, to the patient’s heart condition, to a combination of these factors, or to other factors.
The following factors are associated with increased blood levels of Viagra:
age greater than 65 years
liver problems (such as cirrhosis)
severe kidney problems
taking certain medications at the same time (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin and saquinavir). |
In these patients, the recommended starting dose of Viagra is 25 mg.
- Special Warnings:
Viagra was not studied in patients who have a history of the following conditions:
Heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening irregular heart rhythm within the last 6 months
Very low and very high blood pressure
Heart failure or unstable chest pain
Certain eye disorders
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, Viagra can cause some side effects. These effects are usually mild to moderate and usually don't last longer than a few hours. Some of these side effects are more likely to occur with higher doses. The most common side effects of Viagra are headache, flushing of the face, and upset stomach. In rare instances, men have reported an erection that lasts many hours. You should call a doctor immediately if you ever have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours. If not treated right away, permanent damage to your penis could occur. Heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeats, and death have been reported rarely in men taking Viagra. Most, but not all, of these men had heart problems before taking Viagra. It is not possible to determine whether these events were directly related to Viagra. Less common side effects that may occur are temporary changes in color vision (such as trouble telling the difference between blue and green objects or having a blue color tinge to them), eyes being more sensitive to light, or blurred vision.
Viagra lowers blood pressure, your doctor will evaluate your overall medical condition to determine if Viagra, in combination with sexual activity, could adversely affect you.
Viagra can cause a rare but serious condition of prolonged erection (priapism). It is important to contact your health care provider immediately if your erection lasts longer than 4 hours.
Men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable may not be good candidates for Viagra.
Tell your doctor if you are taking protease inhibitors for the treatment of HIV.
Who should not take Viagra?
Viagra is not for newborns, children, or women. Do not let anyone else take your Viagra. Viagra must be used only under a healthcare provider's supervision.
Before you start any treatment with Viagra, be sure to ask your healthcare provider if your heart is healthy enough. If you're a man who uses nitrate drugs, like nitroglycerine, never take Viagra. The combination of Viagra and nitrates can make your blood pressure suddenly drop to unsafe levels. You could get dizzy, faint, or even have a heart attack or stroke. Nitrates are found in many prescription medications that are used to treat angina (chest pain due to heart disease) such as:
Nitroglycerin (sprays, ointments, skin patches or pastes, and tablets that are swallowed or dissolved in the mouth)