ACTIVE HALF-LIFE
5-12 hours
CLASSIFICATION
PDE5 inhibitor
DOSAGE
Men 25-200 mg/day
ACNE
No
WATER RETENTION
No
HBR
Possible
HEPATOTOXICITY
No
AROMATIZATION
No
MANUFACTURER
Pfizer
WAREHOUSE
International Warehouse 2
SUBSTANCE
Sildenafil
What is VIAGRA and How Does It Work?
VIAGRA, a well-known phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, is designed to enhance your sexual experience by increasing blood flow to the penis during periods of sexual arousal. This powerful medication helps men with erectile dysfunction achieve and maintain firm erections, making intimacy more enjoyable. It's important to note that VIAGRA is effective only when sexual stimulation is present and is not intended for those without erectile issues or for women.
Key Considerations Before Using VIAGRA
Before starting VIAGRA, consult your healthcare provider if you:
- Are taking nitrates for chest pain, as this could dangerously lower blood pressure.
- Use nitric oxide donors (like amyl nitrite) due to similar risks.
- Have allergies to sildenafil or any other VIAGRA ingredients.
- Have severe heart or liver conditions.
- Recently had a stroke or heart attack, or have low blood pressure.
- Suffer from rare eye disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa.
- Have a history of vision loss from non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
Special Precautions with VIAGRA
Inform your doctor if you have:
- Sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or multiple myeloma.
- A physical deformity of the penis or Peyronie's disease.
- Heart issues requiring a thorough evaluation before sexual activity.
- A stomach ulcer or bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.
If you experience sudden vision changes, stop taking VIAGRA and seek immediate medical help.
Do not combine VIAGRA with other erectile dysfunction treatments.
Considerations for Children and Adolescents
VIAGRA is not approved for individuals under 18 years of age.
Considerations for Patients with Kidney or Liver Issues
Let your doctor know if you have kidney or liver problems; you may require a lower dosage.
Drug Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, as VIAGRA can interact with certain treatments, especially those for chest pain. In emergencies, let medical personnel know you have taken VIAGRA and when.
Avoid using VIAGRA with nitrates or nitric oxide donors due to the risk of significantly lowering your blood pressure.
If you're on protease inhibitors for HIV, your doctor may start you on a lower dose of VIAGRA (25 mg).
Patients using alpha-blockers for high blood pressure or prostate issues may experience dizziness due to blood pressure drops. It?s advisable to be on a regular daily dose of alpha-blockers before starting VIAGRA, and your doctor may recommend a lower dose (25 mg) of VIAGRA.
How to Take VIAGRA with Food and Drink
You can take VIAGRA with or without food, but a heavy meal may delay its effectiveness. Limit alcohol consumption prior to taking VIAGRA, as excessive drinking can impair your ability to achieve an erection.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
VIAGRA is not intended for use in women.
Driving and Machinery Use
VIAGRA may cause dizziness and impact your vision; assess how you react to the medication before driving or operating machinery.
Important Information About VIAGRA Ingredients
If advised by your doctor to avoid certain sugars (like lactose), consult them before using VIAGRA.
How to Use VIAGRA
Always adhere to your doctor's recommendations when taking VIAGRA. The typical starting dose is 50 mg. Do not exceed one dose per day, and take it approximately one hour before sexual activity, swallowing the tablet whole with a glass of water.
If you find the dosage too strong or weak, consult your doctor. Remember, VIAGRA requires sexual stimulation to be effective and usually takes effect within 30 minutes to an hour, though a heavy meal may prolong this time.
If VIAGRA fails to produce an erection or if it doesn't last long enough for satisfactory intercourse, inform your doctor.
Overdose Information
Taking too much VIAGRA can increase the risk of side effects without improving its effectiveness. Stick to the prescribed dosage and contact your healthcare provider if you accidentally take more than advised.
If you have any questions about using this medication, consult your healthcare provider.
Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, VIAGRA may cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them. Common side effects are usually mild to moderate and short-lived.
If you experience chest pain during or after sex:
- Find a comfortable sitting position and relax.
- Do not use nitrates to relieve chest pain.
- Contact your doctor immediately.
Allergic reactions such as sudden wheezing, breathing difficulties, dizziness, or swelling of the face, lips, throat, or eyelids.
Prolonged and painful erections lasting over four hours also require immediate medical attention.
Sudden vision loss or changes should prompt you to stop taking VIAGRA and seek care right away.
Common Side Effects
Likely to occur in more than 1 in 10 patients:
- Headache.
Common side effects (1 to 10 in 100 patients) may include:
- Facial flushing, indigestion, visual disturbances (color tints, light sensitivity, blurred vision), nasal congestion, and dizziness.
Less common side effects (1 to 10 in 1,000 patients) may involve:
- Vomiting, skin rash, eye bleeding, irritation, bloodshot eyes, eye pain, double vision, unusual eye sensations, irregular heartbeat, muscle pain, drowsiness, decreased sensitivity, vertigo, tinnitus, nausea, dry mouth, chest pain, and fatigue.
Rare side effects (1 to 10 in 10,000 patients) could include:
- High or low blood pressure, fainting, stroke, nosebleeds, and sudden hearing loss.
Additional rare side effects reported post-marketing include irregular heartbeat, chest pain, sudden death, heart attacks, or decreased blood flow to the brain. Most cases involved men with pre-existing heart conditions, and a direct link to VIAGRA has not been established. There have also been rare reports of seizures and severe skin reactions requiring immediate care.
For any serious side effects or if you notice any not mentioned here, please contact your doctor.
Storage Guidelines
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Store below 30шC.
- Keep in original packaging to prevent moisture exposure.
- Do not use VIAGRA after the expiration date indicated on the box, which refers to the last day of that month.
For environmental safety, do not dispose of medications in regular waste or down the drain. Consult your pharmacist for guidance on proper disposal of unused medications.