Viagra (Sildenafil)

General information

The main component of Viagra is Sildenafil Citrate. Sildenafil belongs to a group of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Commonly the medicine is used to treat erectile dysfunction (male impotence). Sildenafil Citrate affects the response to sexual stimulation. Using a chemical called nitric oxide it enhances smooth muscle relaxation which allows increase blood flow into your penis to achieve and maintain erection. Sildenafil Citrate can be used for pulmonary arterial hypertension treating.

Directions

The recommended dose is 50 mg. It should be taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. Based on the side effects of the medication, the dose may be increased to 100 mg or decreased to 25 mg. The maximum recommended dose is 100 mg. You shouldn't take Viagra more than once a day. It's not recommended to eat high fat food, grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice.

Precautions

Before starting the treatment with Sildenafil Citrate, tell your doctor or health care adviser about any allergy you have. Middle aged people can be more sensitive to side effects of the medicine. This drug may make you dizzy or cause vision problems. Limit alcoholic beverages. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: sickle cell disease, high or low blood pressure, a severe loss of body water (dehydration), history of painful/prolonged erection (priapism), eye problems, heart problems, kidney disease, liver disease, pulmonary edema, problem with shape of penis (such as angulation, fibrosis/scarring, Peyronie's disease). Sildenafil does not protect against sexually transmitted infections such as HIV.

Contraindications

Viagra should not be used with other treatments that cause erection or nitrates, because they can cause your blood pressure to drop very low. This may cause dizziness, fainting, heart attack, or stroke. Women, children and people with sensitivity to any component of the drug can't use it.

Possible side effect

The frequent side effects are stomach upset, headache, flushing, heartburn, nasal stuffiness, dizziness or diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, prolonged (longer than 4 hours), or painful erection. Vision changes such as increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision may also occur. More serious allergic reactions are rare. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other side effects not listed above, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug interaction

This drug should not be used with nitrates and recreational drugs containing amyl or butyl nitrite; alpha-blocker medications; other medications for impotence; high blood pressure medicines, etc. Grapefruit juice may increase the amounts of sildenafil in the blood. A high-fat meal may reduce the effectiveness of sildenafil. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.

Missed dose

Viagra is used when it's needed, so it's unlikely to miss a dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are chest pain, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and feeling light-headed or fainting.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.