sildenafil citrate
Sildenafil citrate, marketed as Viagra, is a PDE5 inhibitor that is used to help men with erectile dysfunction achieve and maintain erection. Adequate blood flow is necessary to harden the penis and allow for penetration. Men with erectile dysfunction have a medical condition that makes adequate engorgement of the penis impossible. By temporarily increasing blood flow to the penis, Viagra allows men to enjoy sexual activity.
Approved by the FDA in 1998, Viagra has become the leading prescribed medication with over 300 million tablets sold each year. This is because most men find leading a healthy sex life to be of great importance to them and Viagra can help them achieve that goal. However, in some cases, Viagra use is not appropriate. If you have a heart (or other) condition that makes sexual intercourse dangerous for you, you should not take Viagra. You also shouldn’t take Viagra if you are on certain medications such as nitrates. Other medications may result in dangerous drops in blood pressure or other serious complications. Therefore, your physician should evaluate all the medications you are currently taking (including over-the-counter) before prescribing Viagra.
In rare instances, Viagra may cause allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical treatment if you experience hives, excessive itching, swelling or tingling of the lips or throat area, or difficulty breathing. Do not take Viagra if you have ever experienced an allergic reaction to it or any other medications PDE5 inhibitor medications for erectile dysfunction.
Viagra is generally well tolerated. Common side effects range from headache to nausea and vomiting and may include muscle pain, tremor, insomnia, gout, increased heart rate and dry mouth. Patients with diabetes may experience a sharp rise in glucose levels and should be advised to watch for signs of hyperglycemia such as excessive thirst or urination, agitation, or fruity breath odor. Rarely, Viagra may cause serious adverse affects that require immediate medical attention, including – painful or prolonged erection, chest pain, unusual bleeding and sudden vision changes.
The typical dosage range for Viagra is 25mg to 100mg once daily as needed for sexual health. Your physician will need to evaluate the proper dosage for you. Those with kidney or liver disease may need a lower dose. The lowest effective dose is usually the best. If you do not see the results you expect from your use of Viagra, speak with your doctor to make sure your dosage is right for you.
Take Viagra about one hour before you plan on engaging in sexual activity as it takes at least 30 minutes for Viagra to begin to work. Typical duration for Viagra’s effects is about 4 hours so you should plan accordingly. Sexual stimulation is required to cause erection as Viagra does not cause arousal. Afterward your erection should naturally go away.
There is no cure for erectile dysfunction but overall, Viagra is an effective, safe treatment option for erectile dysfunction when used under physician care and as prescribed. If you have any questions about your treatment or your responses to it contact your physician.