Drug Name
Viagra (Sildenafil)
Drug Uses
Viagra is a male impotence treatment which works by enhancing the ability to achieve and sustain an erection in conjunction with sexual stimulation.
How It Is Taken
You should take Viagra approximately one hour prior to sexual intercourse. You can take the pill from 0.5 to 4 hours prior to engaging in any type of sexual activity.
Drug Class & Method
Viagra is known as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and it increases the blood flow to the penis to enable men to achieve and sustain an erection during sexual intercourse.
Missed Dose
The chances of missing a dose are unlikely, given that you only take Viagra when required. However, if you do happen to miss a dose, you can take the missed dose of Viagra when you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, you should skip the dose you missed and take the pill at your regularly scheduled time period. Never take extra pills to make up for a missed dose.
Storage
The best temperature to store Viagra at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F), but you can store it in a room from 15-30 degrees (59-86 degrees F). Keep the pills in their original box.
Safety Precautions
Never take Viagra if you are also taking any nitrate drug such as nitroglycerin ointment (Nitrol, Nitro-Bid), isosorbide pills (Isordil, Sobritrate, Dilatrate-SR), nitroglycerin pills (Nitrostat, Nitro-Bid) or nitroglycerin patches (Transderm-Nitro, Nitro-Dur). If you mix any of these drugs with Viagra, you may experience a severe blood pressure drop.
Don't take Viagra if you experience severe heart problems that make engaging in sexual activity dangerous. If you have suffered a stroke, heart attack or life-threatening heart irregularity within the past 6 months, be very careful when you take Viagra. You should also be very careful if you suffer from heart failure, unstable angina or very low or high blood pressure.
If you develop any cardiac symptoms such as chest pain, nausea or dizziness while you are taking Viagra, stop taking the drug and notify your doctor immediately.
You should also be very careful when taking Viagra if you have leukemia, multiple myeloma (bone marrow disease), sickle cell anemia or genital deformity or problem such as Peyronie's disease. Seek immediate medical attention if your erection lasts longer than 4 hours, as you may end up suffering impotence or permanent damage.
Be careful when taking Viagra if you have an inherited eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa, a stomach ulcer or bleeding disorder. Studies have not been conducted regarding the safety of taking Viagra under these conditions.
Possible Side Effects
If you suffer from any of the follow dangerous side effects, be sure to discontinue taking Viagra and seek immediate medical attention:
- Shortness of breath
- Severe dizziness
- Painful or prolonged erection (longer than 4 hours)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest Pain
- Swelling of the legs or ankles
- Nausea
- Angina
- Discomfort, tingling, numbness, pain or tightness in the neck, arms, jaw or chest
- Allergic reaction (swelling of the tongue, face or lips, hives, difficulty breathing or closing of the throat)
You may suffer from more common side effects such as:
- Headaches
- Diarrhea
- Rash or Itching
- Mild Dizziness
- Flushing
- Nasal Congestion
- Vision Abnormalities such as a temporary blue tint
If you experience any of the above side effects, you can continue to take the drug, but you should consult with your doctor. You may also experience other side effects not listed when you take Viagra. Be sure to discuss any bothersome or unusual side effects you may experience.
Additional Information
Individuals older than 65 are more likely to suffer from side effects when they take Viagra. Your doctor may end up prescribing a lower dosage.
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