Viagra is a brand name for a chemical substance Sildenafil citrate (generic name) which is an oral medication for erectile dysfunction treatment in men. The medication is manufactured by Pfizer Inc, US- located corporation producing and distributing Viagra brand.
The active component of Viagra- Sildenafil citrate was the first medication approved and authorized by FDA for ED treatment in men of different ages and with different other underlying disorders. Sildenafil studies have shown high efficacy and safety of the medication, so it has become one of the most popular and frequently prescribed medications worldwide.
The working mechanism of Sildenafil involves complex chemical processes which result in muscles relaxation and increase in blood flow to the penis.
Diabetes, high blood pressure, or clogged arteries can reduce blood flow to the penis and thus result in ED development. ED can also be caused by physical blockages (like prostate enlargement), hormonal imbalance. Some medications antidepressants for instance may cause impotence in men. For approximately 20% of males with ED, psychological disorders may be contributing to the problem.
Viagra can be taken in any of the mentioned cases, but the drug should be prescribed only to the patients carefully diagnosed with ED. Before taking Viagra consult your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- coronary artery disease;
- liver or kidney disease;
- a blood cell disorder such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia;
- a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;
- a stomach ulcer;
- retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye);
- a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie’s disease).
Men with a history of heart trouble, heart attacks, and low blood pressure are to be examined carefully before getting a prescription for the drug. Patients taking nitroglycerin or other nitrate-based drugs must not take Viagra because this combination may cause a deadly lowering in blood pressure.
Ophthalmologists are worried that the long-term effects of Viagra online on vision are not yet known so if you experience sudden vision changes or vision loss, stop using the medication and consult your doctor. Men with sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or multiple myeloma should not use Viagra because they may develop a persistent, painful erection known as priapism that can permanently damage the penis. Besides your doctor should know if you men are using other treatments for impotence while taking Viagra as such combinations can be also dangerous.
Viagra is usually well tolerated, but serious adverse reactions may occur in those men who have other serious conditions.
Other side effects of Viagra may include headaches, flushing, and indigestion. If any of the serious side effects occur you should get emergency medical help at once:
- sudden hearing loss;
- chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
- irregular heartbeat;
- shortness of breath;
- feeling light-headed, fainting.
Viagra is consumed exactly as ordered by a doctor. A patient should take the dose prescribed for him, and shouldn’t enlarge it on his own.
Viagra is taken when needed, 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to sexual activity. Viagra is taken only once a day, 24 hours should pass between doses.
Viagra does not directly cause erections; it affects a man’s response to sexual stimulation. The drug works by enhancing the effects of a chemical the body normally releases into the penis when sexually stimulated. This increases blood flow into the penis, which results in an erection.
Several things should be avoided while taking Viagra:
- High fat food, which can delay Generic Viagra effect;
- Drinking alcohol, which negates the erectile function and may increase certain side effects of Viagra;
- Other medicines to treat impotence, such as alprostadil (Caverject, Muse, Edex) or yohimbine (Yocon, Yodoxin).
Viagra is produced in the following dosage forms 25 mg, 50 mg, 100mg; the tablets are blue, film-coated of a rounded-diamond shape.
The proper storage – room temperature away from moisture and heat.
