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Brand:
 Viagra
Pronunciation:
vye-AG-ruh
Generic Name: Sildenafil
citrate
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Viagra is the first oral drug for male impotence. It
works by dilating blood vessels in the penis, allowing the inflow
of blood needed for an erection. |
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Viagra causes erections only during sexual excitement.
It does not work in the absence of arousal.
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If you have heart problems severe enough to make sexual activity
a danger, you should avoid using Viagra.
Use
it cautiously --- if at all --- if you've had a heart
attack, stroke, or life-threatening heart irregularities within
the past 6 months. Be equally cautious if you have severe
high or low blood pressure, heart failure, or unstable angina
(crushing heart pain that occurs at any time).
If you take Viagra and develop cardiac symptoms (for
example, dizziness, nausea, and chest pain) during sexual
activity, do not continue. Alert your doctor to the problem
as soon as possible.
If you have a condition that might result in long-lasting
erections, such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma (a
disease of the bone marrow), or leukemia, use Viagra
with caution. Also use cautiously if you have a genital problem
or deformity such as Peyronie's disease. If an erection lasts
more than 4 hours, seek treatment immediately. Permanent damage
and impotence could result.
If you have a bleeding disorder, a stomach ulcer, or the inherited
eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, use this medication
with caution. Its safety under these circumstances has not
yet been studied.
Remember that Viagra offers no protection from transmission
of sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV, the virus that
causes AIDS.
This drug is not for use by women. Its effects during pregnancy
have not been studied. .
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Taking Viagra approximately 1 hour before sexual activity
works best for most men. Depending on how and when the drug
works for you, an interval of one-half hour to as much as 4
hours may prove ideal.
-- Viagra is not for regular use.
-- Take Viagra only before sexual activity.
-- Storage instructions... Store Viagra at room temperature. |
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Do not take Viagra if you are taking any nitrate-based
drug, including nitroglycerin patches (Nitro-Dur, Transderm-Nitro),
nitroglycerin ointment (Nitro-Bid, Nitrol), nitroglycerin
pills (Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat), and isosorbide pills (Dilatrate-SR,
Isordil, Sorbitrate).
Combining Viagra with these drugs can cause a severe
drop in blood pressure. If Viagra gives you an allergic
reaction, do not use it again.
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Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change
in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your
doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking
Viagra.
More
common side effects may include:
Abnormal vision (color tinge, blurring, sensitivity to light),acid
indigestion, diarrhea, flushing, headache, nasal congestion,
urinary tract infection
Less
common to rare side effects may include:
Abdominal pain,abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation,
allergic reactions, anxiety, asthma, bloodshot eyes, bone pain,
breast enlargement, cataracts, chest pain, chills,coordination
problems, cough,depression, difficulty breathing, difficulty
swallowing, dilated pupils, dizziness, drowsiness, dry eyes,
dry mouth, emotional or mental disturbances, eye inflammation
or pain, other eye disorders, fainting,falling, genital problems,
gout, gum inflammation, heart problems, increased nighttime
urination, increased pressure in the eyes, insomnia, itchy skin,
joint disease, light sensitivity, loss of bladder control (urinary
incontinence), low blood pressure, migraine headache, muscle
ache, numbness, oral inflammation, pain, painful erection, prolonged
erection, raised skin patches, rapid or throbbing heartbeat,
rectal bleeding, respiratory inflammation, ringing in the ears,
seizure, sinus and throat inflammation, skin rash, skin ulcer,
slow reflexes, stomach or intestinal inflammation, sweating,
swelling, thirst, tremor, vomiting, weakness.
Heart
attack, stroke, heart irregularities, dangerous surges in
blood pressure, and sudden death have all been reported after
use of Viagra, usually in men with existing cardiac
risk factors, and typically during or shortly after sex.
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If Viagra is taken with certain other drugs, the effects
of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important to check with your doctor before combining Viagra
with the following: Other impotence remedies (including Caverject
and Muse).
| Amlodipine
(Norvasc) |
Cimetidine (Tagamet) |
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Erythromycin
(E-Mycin,
Ery-Tab, PCE)
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Itraconazole
(Sporanox) |
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Ketoconazole (Nizoral) |
Nitrates
such as Isordil, Nitro-Bid, and Nitro-Dur |
| Rifampin
(Rifadin, Rimactane) |
Ritonavir
(Norvir) |
| Saquinavir
(Fortovase, Invirase) |
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Doses range from 25 milligrams to 100 milligrams, depending
on the drug's effect. The usual dose is 50 milligrams. If you
are over 65, have liver or kidney problems, or are taking erythromycin,
ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, or saquinavir a dose
of 25 milligrams may be sufficient. Your doctor will adjust
the dosage if the drug is not working properly for you.
Take Viagra only before sexual activity. The manufacturer
recommends a maximum of 1 dose per day (1 dose every 2 days
for those taking ritonavir). |
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No overdose of Viagra has been reported. However, any
medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If
you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
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