About Viagra

Viagra is a medication which is popularly known as a treatment for impotency, or erectile dysfunction in men. This end is achieved by relaxing the muscles, and promoting an increased blood flow to specific areas in the body.

Uses or Indications

Viagra is primarily used as treatment for male impotency, or erectile dysfunction. The drug enhances the body`s capabilities in achieving and maintaining erection, while the user is under sexual stimulation. Viagra is not a preventive medication against sexually-transmitted diseases such as HIV and AIDS.

How to take Viagra

Viagra is available in orally-ingested tablet form. Intake should be under the prescription and directions of a physician. The medication may be taken when the need arises, ideally about an hour before sexual contact. Viagra can also be taken anytime between four hours to half an hour before sexual intercourse. The drug achieves potency only in accordance with sexual stimulation; the medication is ineffective in itself without prior arousal. Viagra is taken only once a day, or as prescribed by a doctor.

Side Effects

Adverse effects as caused by an intake of Viagra are usually transient and at the most, moderate, dissipating in the course of a few hours. The usual effects include an upset stomach, headaches, and flushing of the face. Adverse effects which are uncommon include a change in color vision, or color blindness; eyes which develop an increased sensitivity to light; and blurry vision. In rare occasions, an erection which can last for many hours may be experienced. In the presence of such a symptom, seek medical help immediately.

Drug Precautions

Inform the prescribing doctor beforehand if the following conditions are present before possible intake of Viagra: a recent case of stroke, cardiac arrest or abnormality in heart rhythm; abnormal blood pressure; liver or kidney illness; disease of the coronary artery; a congestive heart failure; bleeding disorders like hemophilia; blood cell disorders like anemia, leukemia, and multiple myeloma; retinitis pigmentosa; and penis deformity.

Drug Interaction

Patients who are taking medications for chest pain or for heart disorder, those containing nitrates, are prohibited from taking Viagra; these include isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin, nitrite, and amyl nitrate. Patients who are currently taking the following medications are advised to do likewise: warfarin; antibiotics like erythromycin and clarithromycin; bosentan; cimetidine; prazosin, Terazosin, and doxazosin; medications for HIV like saquinavir, lopinavir/ritonavir, fosamprenavir, ritonavir, atazanavir, nelfinavir, amprenavir, tipranavir, darunavir, efavirenz, nevirapine, and indinavir; antifungal drugs like itraconazole and ketoconazole; carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin; and rifabutin or rifampin.

Missed Dose

Since Viagra is a medication which is taken only when needed, there are no intake schedules to follow, and the chances of missing a dose is unlikely to happen.

Overdose

An intake of Viagra which exceeds one tablet per day may result in an overdose. If a suspected overdose of the medication is made, seek immediate medical help. Indications of overdose include a fainting or light-headed sensation, chest pain, an abnormal heartbeat, and nausea.

Storage

Store Viagra within permissible temperatures of 15 and 30°C.