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Viagra
Generic Viagra name: Sildenafil citrate.
Viagra is an oral drug for male impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by dilating blood vessels in the penis, allowing the inflow of blood needed for an erection. Viagra causes erections only during sexual excitement. It does not work in the absence of arousal.
How Taken
Taking Viagra approximately 1 hour before sexual activity works best for most men. Depending on how and when the drug works for you, an interval of one-half hour to as much as 4 hours may prove ideal. Viagra is not for regular use. Take it only before sexual activity.
Viagra Recommended dosage
Doses range from 25 milligrams to 100 milligrams, depending on the drug's effect. The usual dose is 50 milligrams. If you are over 65, have liver or kidney problems, or are taking erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, or saquinavir a dose of 25 milligrams may be sufficient. Your doctor will adjust the dosage if the drug is not working properly for you.
Take Viagra only before sexual activity. The manufacturer recommends a maximum of 1 dose per day (1 dose every 2 days for those taking ritonavir).
To avoid low blood pressure, do not take the 50-milligram or 100-milligram dose of Viagra within 4 hours of taking an alpha-blocking drug such as Cardura.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Viagra is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. It works by helping the blood flow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection.
Missed Dose
Viagra is used as needed, so you are not likely to miss a dose. If you miss a dose of Viagra, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Can Viagra Really Match The Hype?
If you're one of the over 30 million men bearing the burden of impotence, or his partner, this may very well be a medication that will substantially change your life.
Viagra is usually all it's cracked up to be for the 1 in 4 men over 50, or indeed any man who can't achieve or sustain an erection capable of penetration. But if you don't fit this description, don't confuse it with a fountain of youth.
There are 30 million
men in the United States who are clinically impotent. That means they can't achieve or sustain an erection. For these men, loss of self-esteem, embarrassment, and relationship difficulties are not uncommon and can cause significant personal and emotional stress.
The cause of their impotence may be psychological, resulting from stress, fatigue, anxiety, or depression. But over 90% of the time, there are identifiable biological problems.
As a man ages, his arteries gradually begin to harden. Production of important chemicals called neurotransmitters slow down. He may experience high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems. He may develop prostate cancer that may result in surgical removal of the organ.
All of these conditions may translate to partial or total loss of sexual function. Historically, penile implants, injectable drugs (into the penis), and vacuum constriction devices have been the only options.
Storage
Keep Viagra in its original container. Store at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F); excursions permitted to 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F).
Warnings Precautions
Do not take Viagra if you are taking any nitrate-based drug, including nitroglycerin patches (Nitro-Dur, Transderm-Nitro), nitroglycerin ointment (Nitro-Bid, Nitrol), nitroglycerin pills (Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat), and isosorbide pills (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate). Combining Viagra with these drugs can cause a severe drop in blood pressure.
If you have heart problems severe enough to make sexual activity a danger, you should avoid using Viagra. Use it cautiously if you've had a heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening heart irregularities within the past 6 months. Be equally cautious if you have severe high or low blood pressure, heart failure, or unstable angina.
If you take Viagra and develop cardiac symptoms (for example, dizziness, nausea, and chest pain) during sexual activity, do not continue. Alert your doctor to the problem as soon as possible.
If you have a condition that might result in long-lasting erections, such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma (a disease of the bone marrow), or leukemia, use Viagra with caution. Also use cautiously if you have a genital problem or deformity such as Peyronie's disease. If an erection lasts more than 4 hours, seek treatment immediately. Permanent damage and impotence could result.
If you have a bleeding disorder, a stomach ulcer, or the inherited eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, use Viagra with caution. Its safety under these circumstances has not yet been studied.
Possible Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Viagra and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- chest pain or an irregular heartbeat;
- swelling of the ankles or legs;
- shortness of breath;
- prolonged or severe dizziness;
- a prolonged (lasting longer than 4 hours) or painful erection; or
- dizziness, nausea, or angina (pain, tightness, discomfort, numbness, or tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Viagra and talk to your doctor if you experience
- flushing;
- mild dizziness;
- headache;
- nasal congestion;
- diarrhea;
- temporary blue tint in vision or other vision abnormalities; or
- itching or a rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
More Information
If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Viagra. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.
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