Drug Information - Viagra
Brand: Viagra (vye-AG-ruh)
Generic Name: Sildenafil Citrate
Viagra is the first oral drug for male impotence. It works by dilating blood
vessels in the penis, allowing the inflow of blood needed for an erection.
Viagra causes erections only during sexual excitement. It does not work in
the absence of arousal.
If you have heart problems severe enough to make sexual activity a danger, you
should avoid using Viagra. Use it cautiously---if at all---if you've had a heart
attack, stroke, or life-threatening heart irregularities within the past 6
months. Be equally cautious if you have severe high or low blood pressure, heart
failure, or unstable angina (crushing heart pain that occurs at any time).
If you take Viagra and develop cardiac symptoms (for example, dizziness, nausea,
and chest pain) during sexual activity, do not continue. Alert your doctor to
the problem as soon as possible.
If you have a condition that might result in long-lasting erections, such as
sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma (a disease of the bone marrow), or
leukemia, use Viagra with caution. Also use cautiously if you have a genital
problem or deformity such as Peyronie''s disease. If an erection lasts more than
4 hours, seek treatment immediately. Permanent damage and impotence could
result.
If you have a bleeding disorder, a stomach ulcer, or the inherited eye condition
known as retinitis pigmentosa, use this medication with caution. Its safety
under these circumstances has not yet been studied.
Remember that Viagra offers no protection from transmission of sexually
transmitted diseases, such as HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
This drug is not for use by women. Its effects during pregnancy have not been
studied.
Taking Viagra approximately 1 hour before sexual activity works best for most
men. Depending on how and when the drug works for you, an interval of one-half
hour to as much as 4 hours may prove ideal.
--If you miss a dose... Viagra is not for regular use. Take it only before
sexual activity.
--Storage instructions... Store at room temperature.
Do not take Viagra if you are taking any nitrate-based drug, including
nitroglycerin patches (Nitro-Dur, Transderm-Nitro), nitroglycerin ointment
(Nitro-Bid, Nitrol), nitroglycerin pills (Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat), and isosorbide
pills (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate). Combining Viagra with these drugs can
cause a severe drop in blood pressure. If Viagra gives you an allergic reaction,
do not use it again.
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is
safe for you to continue taking Viagra.
More common side effects may include:
Abnormal vision (color tinge, blurring, sensitivity to light),acid indigestion,
diarrhea, flushing, headache, nasal congestion, urinary tract infection
Less common to rare side effects may include:
Abdominal pain,abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, allergic reactions,
anxiety, asthma, bloodshot eyes, bone pain, breast enlargement, cataracts, chest
pain, chills,coordination problems, cough,depression, difficulty breathing,
difficulty swallowing, dilated pupils, dizziness, drowsiness, dry eyes, dry
mouth, emotional or mental disturbances, eye inflammation or pain, other eye
disorders, fainting,falling, genital problems, gout, gum inflammation, heart
problems, increased night-time urination, increased pressure in the eyes,
insomnia, itchy skin, joint disease, light sensitivity, loss of bladder control
(urinary incontinence), low blood pressure, migraine headache, muscle ache,
numbness, oral inflammation, pain, painful erection, prolonged erection, raised
skin patches, rapid or throbbing heartbeat, rectal bleeding, respiratory
inflammation, ringing in the ears, seizure, sinus and throat inflammation, skin
rash, skin ulcer, slow reflexes, stomach or intestinal inflammation, sweating,
swelling, thirst, tremor, vomiting, weakness
Heart attack, stroke, heart irregularities, dangerous surges in blood
pressure, and sudden death have all been reported after use of Viagra, usually
in men with existing cardiac risk factors, and typically during or shortly after
sex.
If Viagra is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be
increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your
doctor before combining Viagra with the following: Other impotence remedies
including Caverject and Muse
Amlodipine (Norvasc) Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, PCE) Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Ketoconazole (Nizoral) Nitrates such as Isordil, Nitro-Bid, and Nitro-Dur
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) Ritonavir (Norvir)
Saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase)
Doses range from 25 milligrams to 100 milligrams, depending on the drug''s
effect. The usual dose is 50 milligrams. If you are over 65, have liver or
kidney problems, or are taking erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole,
ritonavir, or saquinavir a dose of 25 milligrams may be sufficient. Your doctor
will adjust the dosage if the drug is not working properly for you.
Take Viagra only before sexual activity. The manufacturer recommends a
maximum of 1 dose per day (1 dose every 2 days for those taking ritonavir).
