Viagra
Sildenafil
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Viagra
Viagra is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor drug and it acts by helping the blood flow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual intercourse.
Therapeutic Uses of Viagra
Viagra is used for treatment of erectile dysfunction (male impotence).
Direction of use of Viagra
Viagra should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. It may act if you take it up to 4 hours before sexual activity. Do not take Viagra more than once per day.
If You Miss a Dose of Viagra
Viagra is taken when required and not according to a schedule and so missing of dose is not a problem.
How to Store Viagra
Viagra should be stored at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Store it away from moisture, heat and light, ideally in its original container. Keep it out of the reach of children.
More Information About Viagra
If you are older than 65 years, you can suffer from side effects of Viagra more than others. But, your physician may prescribe you a lower dose of this medication, to reduce side effects.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Viagra
Do not take Viagra if you are also using any other nitrate drug for chest pain (angina) or any heart problems. Nitrates are nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate etc.), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket, monotrate etc.), or recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers”).
Before taking Viagra, inform your doctor about all other medications you use for erectile dysfunction, or if you are using any of the following medications:
- A blood thinner (anticoagulant) such as warfarin.
- A macrolide antibiotic such as erythromycin or clarithromycin (used in peptic ulcer to eradicate H. pylori).
- Anti HIV medicines such as amprenavir, tipranavir (Aptivus), darunavir (Prezista), efavirenz (Sustiva), nevirapine (Viramune), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), ritonavir (Norvir), atazanavir (Reyataz), or nelfinavir (Viracept).
- Doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), terazosin etc.
- Azole antifungal medications such as itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral).
- Bosentan, cimetidine;
- Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) or rifabutin (use to treat tuberculosis).
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal), or phenytoin (all drugs used in epilepsy).
Inform your doctor about all the prescription medicines and over-the-counter medications you use, including vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without consulting your doctor while taking Viagra.
If you have severe heart problem, which can make sexual activity a danger, you should not use Viagra. Use it cautiously if you've had a heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening heart irregularities within the past 6 months. Also be very cautious if you have severe high (severe hypertension) or low blood pressure, heart failure, or unstable angina etc.
If you have any bleeding disorder, stomach ulcer, or the inherited eye disorder (known as retinitis pigmentosa) etc. you should use Viagra with caution. Its safety under these circumstances has not yet been established.
Sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma (a disease of the bone marrow), or leukemia (blood cancer) etc. may cause long-lasting erection of penis and you should use Viagra cautiously if you have any of these medical conditions. Also use caution if you have a genital problem or genital deformity such as Peyronie's disease. If an erection lasts more than 4 hours, seek treatment immediately. Permanent damage and impotence could result due to long lasting erection.
If you take Viagra and develop cardiac symptoms (for example, dizziness, nausea, and chest pain) during sexual activity, do not continue and you should alert your doctor to the problem as soon as possible.
Possible Adverse Effects of Viagra
Stop taking Viagra and seek emergency medical attention immediately, if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
- Chest pain or heavy feeling, shortness of breath, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling, feeling light-headed, fainting, irregular heartbeat etc.
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus), or sudden hearing loss, or sudden loss of vision or any vision changes.
- Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
- Painful erection of penis or erection of penis lasts 4 hours or longer.
The following are the less serious side effects of Viagra and they are more common. If any of these side effects become bothersome consult your doctor:
- Headache, backache, stuffy nose, stomach upset etc.
- Feeling of warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest.
The above lists of side effects are not the only side effects that you may experience while taking Viagra. You may also experience other side effects that are not listed here, if you get any such side effects which are not listed here, consult your doctor.
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