I have used a 50 mg Cialis and i notice an increase in bloodflow and a better
stamina. As an side-effect I noticed that my nose clogs up like if i had an cold for an hour or so after taking
one pill. No other side-effects than that.
- John B
What Is Viagra?
Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) is a prescription medication used for treating problems with obtaining or maintaining an erection.
What Is Viagra Used For?
Viagra has been licensed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, can be a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Essentially, erectile dysfunction is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
How It Works
Viagra works by blocking a chemical that causes blood to flow out of the penis. More blood in the penis means an improved erection.
Viagra: Effects
In previous clinical studies, up to 88 percent of men reported that Viagra improved their erections. Viagra was also shown to be effective in men with certain medical conditions and following various types of surgeries.
When Does Viagra Start Working?
Many men wonder, "How long do I have to wait for Viagra to work?" The waiting time varies depending on the individual. In clinical studies, Viagra began to work in as little as 14 minutes. For most people, though, it begins working within 30 minutes. Viagra can continue to work for at least four hours; but, on average, the response decreases after about two hours.
When and How Do I Take It?
Here are some general considerations regarding when and how to take Viagra:
Viagra comes in tablet form. It is taken as needed, usually one hour before sexual activity. However, it is not recommended that you take Viagra more than once a day.
It is recommended that you take your Viagra dose with a glass of water, though you may take it with or without food. If you take your dose with food, keep in mind that fatty meals may decrease the levels of Viagra in the blood.
Do not break, chew, or crush the Viagra tablets.
For Viagra to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Viagra will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing
The dose of Viagra your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
Your age
Other medical conditions you may have
Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Viagra
(The side effects listed below are NOT a complete list of possible side effects of Viagra. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Viagra; however, not everyone who takes Viagra will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Viagra well. When people do develop side effects, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
The most common side effects include:
Headache --16 percent of people
Facial flushing -- 10 percent of people
Indigestion, known as dyspepsia -- 7 percent of people
Nasal congestion -- 4 percent of people
Urinary tract Infections (UTI) -- 3 percent of people
Vision problems, including trouble telling the difference between blue and green, increased sensitivity to light, or blurred vision -- 3 percent of people
Diarrhea -- 3 percent of people
Dizziness -- 2 percent of people
Unexplained rash -- 2 percent of people.
If you have a heart or blood vessel disease (cardiovascular disease) or significant heart disease risk factors, you will have an increased chance of developing serious problems with the heart, brain, and blood vessels. These problems can result in a heart attack, stroke, or sudden death.
In people taking Viagra or other PDE5 inhibitors, there have been rare cases of a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This condition can lead to sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. If you experience any loss of vision , contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Drug Interactions with Viagra
There are a number of medicines that Viagra can potentially interact with.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Prior to taking Viagra, you should tell your healthcare provider if you have:
Heart disease
Liver disease or liver failure, including cirrhosis
A history of a heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening arrhythmia within the past six months
Retinitis pigmentosa, which is a rare eye problem
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Sickle cell anemia
Multiple myeloma
Leukemia
A history of priapism, which is a painful erection lasting longer than six hours
Any condition that causes a penis deformation, such as angulation, Peyronie's disease, or cavernosal fibrosis
Any allergies.
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, antacids, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Who Should Not Take Viagra?
You should not take Viagra if:
You are allergic to sildenafil citrate. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist has a list of the inactive ingredients.
You are taking a nitrate for angina.
Overdose
Only a small number of people have overdosed on Viagra. Therefore, overdose symptoms are not well-known. If you happen to overdose , seek medical attention immediately.
Storage Methods
Viagra should be stored at room temperature.
Keep Viagra and all medications out of the reach of children.
Strengths
There are several strengths of tablets available. These include:
