Description/Overview

Viagra is an orally administered treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) that belongs to the PDE5 inhibitor family. Simply put, Viagra relaxes blood vessel muscles and allows more blood to flow to the penis during sexual excitement and thus improving the erectile function and eliminating the symptoms of impotence, or ED.

The active chemical in Viagra is sildenafil citrate, which is developed and patented by Pfizer Inc (Viagra maker).

Effects

Viagra mostly starts acting in about 20-60 minutes after taking the dose. The main effect of this drug is causing increased blood flow to the penis and helping maintain a full and strong erection for a longer period of time. Viagra remains effective for about 4-5 hours, and during this period of time it only works (i.e. you only get an erection) if you get sexually aroused.

Side Effects

Viagra has different common and rare side effects.

Common side effects include:

* Headache
* Flushing
* Indigestion
* Stuffiness
* Dizziness

Very rare side effects:

* Sudden decrease or loss of vision.
* Sudden decrease or loss of hearing.

You may experience other side effects not mentioned here. Talk to your doctor for more details. If you get any rare, severe, or unexpected side effects, or if an erection lasts for more than 4 hours, you should seek immediate medical help from your physician or health care provider.

Precautions

Do not take Viagra is you are using a drug that contains nitrate (usually taken for chest pain or heart problems). If Viagra is combined with a nitrate drug you can experience risky decrease in blood pressure, which may lead to heart attack or stroke.

Before taking Viagra you should discuss your condition with your doctor and tell him/her about any other medication you are taking or other health conditions you have/had. Your doctor should know if you have any of the following:

* A recent history of a heart attack or stroke.
* Heart disease or any heart related problems.
* Blood pressure problems (high/low).
* Liver or kidney disease.
* Blood related diseases or disorders, e.g. sickle cell anemia, leukemia, hemophilia, etc.

Make sure you provide your doctor with all your medical data, so he/she can decide if Viagra would be save for you or not.

Usage

Viagra is only approved for oral administration as pills (Viagra cream could soon be available). The pill can be swallowed with a glass of water. Having a low-fat meal before taking Viagra won’t hurt, but a high-fat meal could delay the drug’s action. You can also take the dose on an empty stomach.

Most users take the pill about one hour before sexual intercourse, but you can take it earlier or later if that works better for you.

Stick with the dosage that is recommended for you by your doctor and do not try to increase it without consulting him/her first. Also, do not take more than one dose within 24 hours.

Follow your doctor’s directions on your prescription for save and proper use.

Missed Dose

Viagra is a temporary solution and not a permanent cure for erectile dysfunction. Your doctor should ask you to take Viagra as needed rather than scheduling your doses. So, in this case, you should not be “missing” any dose.

However, if you are prescribed Viagra for other purpose than treating erectile dysfunction, then you should follow your doctor’s directions regarding missed doses.