Viagra (Sildenafil)

Viagra (Sildenafil)

Viagra or sildenafil is a medicine that is used for treating male sexual dysfunction. The main function of Viagra is to increase the blood flow in the body, specifically to the penis, for an erection. It works by blocking an enzyme called PDE5, which hinders blood flow in the penis. 

How does Viagra work?

Viagra belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the enzyme PDE5, which regulates blood flow in the penis. By doing so, it allows the blood vessels in the penis to relax and expand, facilitating an erection when sexually stimulated.

What are the uses of Viagra?

Viagra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. ED is a condition where a male fails to get or maintain an erection while having sexual intercourse. The medicine stimulates sexual functions by increasing the flow of blood to the penis and helps in proper and quick erection.

Some of the Viagra tablet uses are for treating:

• Low Sexual Desire

• Impotence

• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

• Raynaud’s Phenomenon

How and when to take Viagra?

You must read the information given in the packet before taking this medicine. If you have any doubts, you must speak to your doctor. This medicine must be taken orally to treat erectile dysfunction. The medicine should be taken at least half an hour before any sexual activity but not more than four hours before that. If a person takes it one hour before sexual activity, it shows the best results. It should be taken once a day. It should not be repeated, as an overdose of this medicine can produce harmful effects on the body.

Avoid taking a high-fat meal because it may delay the action of the medicine.

The dose of the medicine also varies from person to person depending on the individual symptoms and other medications taken by a person. You must tell your doctor about other prescription medicines before they prescribe you this medicine.

What are the side effects of taking Viagra?

If you experience any Viagra side effects or any type of allergic reaction after taking Viagra, you must talk to your doctor. If you have trouble breathing, itching on your skin, or swelling of your lips, tongue, face, or throat, contact your doctor immediately. You must stop taking the medicine immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

• Pain in the chest, nausea, vomiting, or pain spreading to your shoulder and jaw.

• Change in vision or low vision

• The erection lasts a long time, and you feel pain during the erection.

• Shortness of breath

• Swelling of arms, hands, and feet

• Ringing in your ears or sudden loss of hearing

• Seizures

• Drowsiness

• Irregular heartbeat

• Vertigo

• Flushing and tingling feelings in my hands and feet

• Pain in the muscles and all over the body.

 What are the precautions to take while taking Viagra?

• If you are taking medicine for treating pulmonary arterial disease, such as Riociguat, you should avoid taking Viagra.

• Avoid it if you are taking nitrates because it can suddenly lower your blood pressure.

• You must tell your doctor if you suffer from heart disease, kidney disease, anaemia, stomach ulcers, or any other health problems.

• This medicine should not be given to people who are under 18 years of age without seeking advice from a medical doctor.

• Because this medication contains alcohol, you should avoid drinking and smoking while taking it.

• Grapefruit juice may be contraindicated with Viagra. Therefore, avoid taking grapefruit juice or any products that contain grapefruit juice extracts with it.

What will happen if I miss a dose of Viagra?

Viagra is prescribed to be taken as and when needed. Therefore, it does not matter if you miss a dose. It does not produce any negative effects unless you overdose on it.

What if I overdose on Viagra?

If a person takes an overdose of Viagra, you must immediately contact your doctor to get medical help. An overdose of Viagra may produce many harmful effects, which will include vertigo, drowsiness, pain in the chest, increased heartbeat, etc.

What are the storage conditions for Viagra?

It should be kept in a cold and dry place (never in the bathroom). Keeping it below 30 degrees Celsius would be helpful, and also dispose of the liquid Viagra after 60 days of opening the bottle. Keep it away from direct sunlight and make sure it is always out of the reach of children.

Can I take Viagra with other medications?

Certain medications may counteract the effects of Viagra. Therefore, it should be avoided with some prescription medicines. You must tell the doctor about your current prescription medications, especially if you are taking Riociguat (Adempas) and nitrates.

Avoid taking Viagra if you are taking a nitrate drug for pain in the chest or heart problems. If you take this medicine with nitrate, it can cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure. You must also avoid taking it along with dinitrate, isosorbide, mononitrate, etc.

Avoid taking this medicine if you are already taking other medicines to treat sexual dysfunction. You should not take this medicine if you are taking

• Avanafil (Stendra)

• Clarithromycin

• Itraconazole

• Vardenafil (Levitra)

• Tadalafil (Cialis)

• Erythromycin

Also, consult your doctor if you are on certain antibiotics or any other medications.

Comparison between Viagra and Avanafil (Stendra)

Viagra (Sildenafil)

Viagra is being used by many males across the world, which has led to the popularity of this medicine in the last decades. However, no medicine is safe to be taken without consultation or prescription. Always consult your doctor.

FAQs

1. How should I take Viagra?

Viagra is typically taken orally, about 30 minutes to one hour before sexual activity. It can be taken with or without food, but a high-fat meal may delay its effectiveness. The dosage should be determined by your healthcare provider, and you should not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period.

2. Are there any side effects?

Common side effects of Viagra may include headache, facial flushing, upset stomach, blurred vision, and nasal congestion. More serious side effects are rare but can include prolonged or painful erections, sudden hearing or vision loss, and allergic reactions. If you experience severe side effects, seek medical attention promptly.

3. Who should not take Viagra?

Viagra is not suitable for everyone. It's important to consult a healthcare provider before using Viagra, especially if you have certain medical conditions or are taking medications that may interact with it. People with heart problems, low blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, or a recent history of stroke or heart attack should use caution. Viagra is not intended for use by women or children.

4. Is Viagra a cure for ED?

No, Viagra is not a cure for erectile dysfunction. It is a treatment that helps temporarily address the symptoms of ED. It does not treat the underlying causes of the condition.

5. Are there any food interactions with Viagra?

High-fat meals may delay the onset of Viagra's effects. It is often recommended to take it on an empty stomach for faster results.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-7417/viagra-oral/details https://www.drugs.com/viagra.html https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/viagra#viagra-vs-cialis

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.