Indications
Viagra (active ingredient: sildenafil) is a prescription medication indicated for:
- Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction, a condition characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.
Viagra belongs to the drug class known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
Uses and Dosage
Sildenafil should be taken about an hour before sexual activity but can be taken up to 4 hours before. It should not be taken more than once a day. Sildenafil can be taken with or without food but taking it with a high-fat meal may delay its effects. Certain health conditions and medications may require a lower dosage or that you take sildenafil less often than once a day. If you are unsure about how to take sildenafil, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
The recommended starting dose of sildenafil for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is 50 mg, taken as needed approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. The dose can be adjusted depending on the patient's response, with a maximum dose of 100 mg per day and a minimum dose of 25 mg per day. The onset of action can occur within 30 minutes, and the effects can last up to 18 hours. Patients should not exceed the maximum dosing frequency once daily.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Sildenafil:
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Flushing (feeling of warmth)
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Muscle aches
- Nosebleeds
- Numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms, hands, feet, or legs
- Sensitivity to light
Serious Side Effects of Sildenafil:
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours
- Fainting
- Itching or burning during urination
- Rash
- Ringing in ears
- Sudden decrease or loss of hearing
- Sudden severe loss of vision (see below for more information)
- Worsening shortness of breath
Form and Strength
Viagra and its generic alternative Sildenafil are available in the following forms and strengths:
Viagra: Tablet
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
Sildenafil: Tablet
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
- 100 mg
Caution
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sildenafil, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in sildenafil products. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients in the product you are taking so that you can be sure it does not contain any ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction.
- Note that you should not take sildenafil if you are taking or have recently taken Riociguat (Adempas) or nitrates, such as isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil), isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket), and nitroglycerin (Minitran, Nitro-Dur, Nitromist, Nitrostat, others).
- If you are a woman taking sildenafil to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), it is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking sildenafil, you should contact your doctor immediately.
- The doses of sildenafil higher than 100 mg do not result in any increase in efficacy but may result in an increase in side effects. The most common side effects associated with sildenafil are headaches, flushing, dyspepsia, nasal congestion, back pain, myalgia, nausea, dizziness, and rash, with 2% of patients reporting these side effects.
- Sildenafil has been associated with some changes in color vision, alterations in light perception, and hazy vision. Rarely, sildenafil has been linked to ototoxicity, which can cause hearing loss that may be reversible in some cases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it comes in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tablets at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Store the suspension at room temperature or in a refrigerator, but do not freeze it. Dispose of any unused suspension after 60 days.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
What is Viagra and what is it used for?
Viagra is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, allowing a man to get and maintain an erection.
Is Viagra safe?
Yes, Viagra is a safe drug when taken as prescribed by your doctor. Its safety has been established through rigorous clinical trials and more than 20 years of clinical experience.
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