Viagra
Generic Name:
Sildenafil
Brand Names:
Viagra
Viagra Description:
Viagra is primarily used to treat men suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED). Viagra is able to help men with ED by relaxing the muscles and increasing the amount of blood that flows to the penis. Although the drug is meant to help men achieve erection, it is possible for the drug to be overly effective, resulting in a prolonged and potentially painful erection. If this occurs, men using Viagra are advised to contact a medical professional right away.
Viagra Uses:
Viagra is primarily used to treat men with ED, a condition characterized by the inability to obtain an erection, the inability to maintain an erection after one is achieved, or the inability to obtain an erection that is hard enough to have sex. Some men with erectile dysfunction may obtain an erection, but will lose it before or while having sex.
Regardless of how the condition presents itself, the main cause of erectile dysfunction is a lack of blood flow to the penis. This lack of flow can be caused by a number of conditions, some of which include alcoholism, anxiety, atherosclerosis, certain prescription medications, depression, diabetes, drug abuse, fatigue, heart disease, high blood pressure, hormonal disorders, metabolic syndrome, multiple sclerosis, obesity, Parkinson's disease, Peyronie's disease, stress, surgery or injury to the spinal cord or pelvic area, tobacco use, or treatments used for prostate cancer.
Certain men are at a greater risk of developing ED. These include men who are bicyclists, obese, getting older, recovering from injuries/surgeries (those involving the rectum, bladder, or prostate), smokers, depressed, anxious, stressed, suffering from chronic health conditions, suffering from metabolic syndrome, or taking certain medications linked to ED including antihistamines, antidepressants, sleeping aids, or medications used to treat prostate cancer, blood pressure, or pain.
Men suffering from ED should discuss the problem with their doctor, as the condition may be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.
Viagra Interactions:
Do not use Viagra if you take a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. Nitrate drugs include nitroglycerins, isosorbide dinitrates,and isosorbide mononitrates. Taking any of these while taking Viagra can cause a serious drop in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack.
Other drugs that may affect Viagra include tuberculosis medications, some antidepressants, antibiotics, antifungals, heart or blood pressure medications, HIV/AIDS medications, or alpha-blockers. Talk with your doctor about the possibility for drug interaction with your current medication.
Viagra Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
Viagra is administered in tablet form, taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before engaging in sexual activity. The pill can also be taken up to 4 hours before engaging in sexual activity. The recommended dose is 50mg, though the dosage may be increased to 100mg if needed or decreased to 25mg if less is all that is needed to maintain an erection. Do not take Viagra more than once per day. Allow 24 hours between doses.
Missing a Dose:
It is unlikely you will miss a dose of Viagra, since it is taken as needed.
Overdosing:
Seek emergency medical treatment if you think you have overdosed. Symptoms of overdose include chest pain, nausea, irregular heartbeat, or feeling light-headed or fainting.
Viagra FDA Approval:
March 27, 1998
Viagra Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
In 2005, a petition was sent to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require a Black Box warning on all erectile dysfunction drugs (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra) to warn consumers of the potential for irreversible vision loss. The FDA notified healthcare professionals in July of 2005 of the vision loss risk, advising patients to stop taking these medications and call a doctor immediately if they experience sudden or decreased loss of vision in one or both eyes. Labels on Viagra were changed following this alert.
Another alert, in October of 2007, warned healthcare professionals about reports of sudden decreases or loss of hearing following the use of medications such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis. Hearing loss was sometimes accompanied by tinnitus and dizziness. Product labeling on Viagra was revised to include these warnings.
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