Viagra

Generic Viagra (sildenafil) is a common medication used to stimulate erections in men with erectile dysfunction.

How does it work?

The drug is the progenitor of a new group of medicines called type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE-5 inhibitors). In the presence of sexual stimulation, sildenafil expands blood vessels in the penis. As a result, the strength of the blood flow in the penis increases, resulting in a strong and stable erection.

Indications

Therapy with Viagra is prescribed to men suffering from sexual dysfunction (impotence). At the same time, men do not have a proper erection, which is the main condition for a good sexual intercourse. Viagra will not work if there is no sexual stimulation. The drug does not affect the reproductive function.

Contraindications

You cannot take Viagra if you have any of the following coditions:

• a history of an allergic reaction to sildenafil or other components of the drug (such as itching, rash, shortness of breath, swelling of the face or lips). If you have ever had similar symptoms, tell your doctor about it;
• you are currently using drugs that contains nitrates or donors of nitric oxide (used to treat angina pectoris). The combination of sildenafil and such drugs can lead to an undesirable increase in the effect of these drugs. If you are using such medicines, tell your doctor about it;
• you are currently using other drugs aimed at treating erectile dysfunction.

The drug cannot be used by children.

Precautions

If you have one of the following conditions, tell your doctor about it before using Viagra:

• penile disease or deformity;
• sickle cell anemia (a change in red blood cells);
• multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer);
• leukemia (blood cell cancer);
• gastric ulcer and bleeding disorders (e.g. hemophilia);
• a rare eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa.

Viagra is likely to lead to undesirable results against the background of such diseases. There are no instructions for use of Viagra by elderly men and men with sick kidneys. Non-standard precautions when driving and working with machinery are not required.

Dosage and administration

The doctor will prescribe the dosage of Viagra you need. Do not drink extra pills unnecessarily. Most men need to take 50 mg but depending on the tolerance and strength of the drug, the dose can be raised to 100 mg or reduced to 25 mg. Take the pill half an hour or an hour before sexual intercourse. Swallow the tablet whole and wash it down with a small amount of water. The drug should not be taken more than once a day. The drug will work only if there is a sexual stimulus. It cannot cause a random erection without sexual stimulation. The action of pills lasts for 4-6 hours. A heavy meal can reduce the effect of sildenafil. Alcohol may cause temporary erectile dysfunction. So, if you want to achieve the maximum effect, limit the consumption of alcohol during sex. If the drug does not cause an erection or if the erection is weak and short, consult a doctor.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Viagra can cause adverse reactions. Most often, they are weakly expressed and short-lasting. The main adverse reactions headache and a rush of blood to the face. Less common side effects are digestive problems, nasal congestion, dizziness, and vision changes.

Interaction with other drugs

Sildenafil is incompatible with nitrates, such as isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate or nitroglycerin in the form of tablets, sprays, plasters, pastes or ointments. Sildenafil can cause a significant decrease in blood pressure when combined with nitrates, which can cause dizziness, fainting, rarely a heart attack or stroke.

A number of drugs require consultation with a doctor about simultaneous administration with sildenafil – alpha-blockers, such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, tamsulosin, terazosin, amlodipine, some antifungal drugs, such as itraconazole and ketoconazole, anticoagulants (blood thinners) like warfarin, some barbiturates, beta-blockers, such as atenolol, labetalol, metoprolol, nadolol, propranolol, cimetidine, efavirenz, erythromycin, HIV protease inhibitors, including amprenavir, atazanavir, arunavir, fosamprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, tipranavir, nevirapine, other drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, drugs for high blood pressure, some drugs against epilepsy, including carbamazepine, phenbatrolitol, epitol and phenytoin, rifabutin.

If you are using the above-mentioned drugs, it may be necessary to change their dose or to closely monitor your condition. Also, many other drugs can interact with sildenafil, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medicines that you take, even those that do not appear on the list – these may be vitamin complexes, biologically active additives.

Overdose

Overdose symptoms may include severe dizziness, fainting, painful and prolonged erection (priapism). In case of an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency department immediately.

Storage conditions

It is recommended to store Viagra pills at room temperature away from light and moisture, and also out of the reach of children and pets.