HalfDoctor Medication Reports
Uses
Viagra is used to treat male sexual dysfunctional problems where there are erection issues (also known as erectile dysfunction).
Viagra is intended to cause a firm, viable, and long-lasting erection.
An erection is caused by an increase in blood flow into certain internal areas of the penis. Viagra works by enhancing a chemical the body releases into the penis during sexual arousal. This allows an increase of blood flow into the penis.
How to take this medication
Viagra is taken by mouth as needed between about one hour before sexual activity. Take only as directed, usually once daily as needed.
Viagra works only along with sexual stimulation to help achieve an erection.
Possible Side Effects
Site effects are generally low or non-existent but some report: Headache, flushing, nasal stuffiness, dizziness, blue-tint vision, stomach upset.
Precautions
Before using Viagra, tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies (especially drug allergies), any penis conditions such as fibrosis/scarring, history of painful/prolonged erection (priapism), sickle cell anemia, blood system cancers (such as leukemia or myeloma), or Peyronie's disease, eye problems (retina diseases). kidney or liver disease, bleeding disorders or active stomach ulcers, heart diseases, stroke or severe high or low blood pressure. Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate side effects of this drug.
Viagra should not be used more than once a day.
To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly.
The elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, therefore caution is advised in this group.
Pfizer, the Viagra manufacturer, advises doctors that Viagra generally should not be used in men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable because of their underlying cardiovascular status. Sexual activity in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease carries a potential cardiac risk.
Viagra labeling advises patients to seek medical attention if their erection last longer than four hours.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially any nitrate medications (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate), nitroprusside (any "nitric oxide donor" medicines), cimetidine, erythromycin, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), mibefradil, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin) or high blood pressure medicines.
The safety and effectiveness of Viagra when used with other medicines for impotence has not been studied. The use of other treatments in combination with Viagra is not recommended.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
Effectiveness:
The drug's effectiveness was assessed primarily using a sexual function questionnaire. Patients were asked to report at the beginning, and throughout the studies, how often they were able to get an erection adequate for intercourse, and how often that erection was maintained after the start of intercourse. In addition, patients kept records of their sexual histories. In all trials, those on Viagra reported success more often than did men on placebo, and rates of success increased with dosage increases.
The findings were consistent in men representing a wide range of histories of erectile dysfunctions (impotence). Men with diabetes or radical prostate surgery had somewhat less improvement than did other groups.
Other Info:
Do not share Viagra with others, since they might have a problem that is not effectively treated by Vigara.
Use of this drug does not protect against any sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B, gonorrhea) or pregnancy.
Brand Name: Viagra
Active Ingredient(s): sildenafil citrate
Strength(s): 25mg, 50mg & 100mg
Dosage Form(s): Oral tablet
Company Brand Name: Pfizer Inc.
Date Approved by FDA: March 27, 1998
Viagra Links:
FDA Talks - US FDA Announces Viagra Approval - An introduction of Viagra by the United States Food and Drug Administration
Study Examines the Use of Viagra in Women - Safety and efficacy of sildenafil in postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction.
Viagra Interactions - A list of Nitrate drugs that can interact with Vigara..
Pfizer - Viagra.com - Manufacturer's site. Includes info for patients and medical professionals.