Viagra is a preparation known for treating male impotence, used by mouth. It can help men who have erectile dysfunction get and sustain an erection when they are sexually excited. The effect of the preparation starts in half an hour to an hour and continues for about 4 hours.
Drug Uses
Viagra is prescribed to cure erectile dysfunction (e.g. male impotence). It allows the muscles to relax and allow blood supply to penis, thereby resulting in an erection.
How to take
The medicine is used 30-60 minutes before sexual relations. It also can be used 4 hours before sexual relations. Viagra is not recommended to be used more that one dose a day.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Viagra is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor and it works by allowing the muscles to relax and allowing blood supply to penis, thereby resulting in an erection.
Missed Dose
Viagra is taken when needed, that’s it’s needless to use it in accordance with a schedule.
Storage
Viagra is kept in its original container at a room temperature (59-86 degrees F or 15-30 degrees C) in cool dry place away from light and children’s reach..
Warnings/Precautions
If you decide to take Viagra, consult your health care provider about all other preparations you use for erectile dysfunction. Also inform your physician about all the prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs you use (minerals, vitamins, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors). If you consume any of the above medicine:
- HIV medicines such as amprenavir (Agenerase), tipranavir (Aptivus), darunavir (Prezista), efavirenz (Sustiva), nevirapine (Viramune), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), ritonavir (Norvir), atazanavir (Reyataz), or nelfinavir (Viracept);
- cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);
- an antibiotic such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab) or clarithromycin (Biaxin);
- a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
- doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), Terazosin (Hytrin);
- rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) or rifabutin (Mycobutin)
- an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral);
- carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal), or phenytoin (Dilantin); or
- bosentan (Tracleer).
In case of serious troubles with heart, high or low blood pressure, heart failure or unstable angina avoid taking Viagra. Apply it carefully, if you experienced a heart attack, stroke, or dangerous heart irregularities within the past half a year.
If you suffer from bleeding disorder, a stomach ulcer, or the inherited eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, genital problem or deformity such as Peyronie's disease, sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia, take the preparation with caution. If an erection continues more than 4 hours, call for emergency medical treatment in a flash.
Possible Side Effects
It is recommended to stop using Viagra and call for emergency medical treatment or address your physician in case you experience any of the following side effects: sudden vision loss, ringing in your ears, sudden hearing loss, chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling, irregular heartbeat; swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; shortness of breath, vision changes, feeling light-headed, fainting, penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer, warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest; stuffy nose, headache, upset stomach or back pain.
More Information
If you are 65 years old or more, you can experience Viagra’s side effects, though your health care provider may prescribe you a lower dose of preparation.
