Drug Description

Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra. This drug is supplied as oral tablets to help men with erectile dysfunction to obtain an erection.

Viagra Uses

If you suffer with erectile dysfunction, your doctor may prescribe Viagra. When you want to have sexual intercourse, Viagra will help you get a firm erection. This is facilitated by sildenafil which makes your blood flow strongly to your penis. Women should not take this drug.

Dosing Instructions

You must take your prescribed dose about one hour before you start to become sexually aroused. Do not take more than one dose in a 24 hour period.

If you are HIV positive and you are taking antiretroviral drugs, you should use the lowest dose of Viagra, i.e. 25mg. Do not take another dose until 48 hours have passed.

Your doctor may tell you to avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while you are taking Viagra.

Do not eat fatty foods before your dose of Viagra. This may take Viagra longer to work. Rather have a meal with lean meat and salad or vegetables.

Important Safety Advice

Your doctor should know if you have had any of the following medical problems:

High or low blood pressure, sickle cell anemia, liver or kidney disease, leukemia, stomach ulcers, myeloma, problems with your penis, a bleeding disorder, eye problems, if you have had a stroke, or if you have had any heart problems.

You will not be able to use Viagra if you are taking nitrates on prescription. You will not be able to use Viagra if you regularly use recreational poppers - these contain properties that can react unfavorably with Viagra.

The use of Viagra can lead to dizziness which may affect your vision. Therefore take extra care when driving or working with machinery.

Never share Viagra with another person. This would be irresponsible and could endanger their lives. Only a doctor can decide if this drug is safe to use after consulting with a patient.

If you need to dispose of this medication for some reason, it should not be flushed down a toilet or a drain.

Potential Side Effects

Although very uncommon, Viagra may be associated with a loss of vision. If this should happen, medical assistance must be sought straight away. This serious side effect has been observed in men older than 50 who are smokers, or men with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart problems.

If you have heart problems, sexual intercourse may increase your heart condition. Therefore if you experience chest pain or feel nauseous or dizzy during intercourse, stop and get emergency help.

If your erection does not diminish after sexual intercourse within four hours, get emergency help. A prolonged, or painful, erection could have serious consequences.

If you suddenly experience a loss of hearing after using Viagra, or have a buzzing sound in your ears, you will need to get medical assistance.

You are not likely to experience an allergic reaction to Viagra, but if you do, you must get emergency assistance. The symptoms are itchiness, a sudden breakout of hives or a rash, difficulty breathing, or severe dizziness.