ACTIVE HALF-LIFE
5-12 hours
CLASSIFICATION
PDE5 inhibitor
DOSAGE
Men 25-200 mg/day
ACNE
No
WATER RETENTION
No
HBR
Possible
HEPATOTOXICITY
No
AROMATIZATION
No
MANUFACTURER
Pfizer
WAREHOUSE
International Warehouse 2
SUBSTANCE
Sildenafil
,
What is it and how is it used?
VIAGRA is classified as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It functions by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, thereby facilitating blood flow when a man is sexually aroused. VIAGRA will aid in achieving an erection only with sexual stimulation. It is not intended for use by individuals without erectile dysfunction, nor is it recommended for women.
VIAGRA is specifically designed for men experiencing erectile dysfunction, a condition where one cannot obtain or maintain a firm erection suitable for sexual intercourse.
Important Considerations Before Use
- Are currently using nitrate medications, as this combination can lead to a dangerously low blood pressure. Consult your doctor if you are unsure about these medicines, often prescribed for angina or chest pain. - Are using nitric oxide donors (such as amyl nitrite, also known as "poppers"), as this can similarly result in potentially hazardous drops in blood pressure. - Are allergic to sildenafil or any other components in VIAGRA. - Have severe heart or liver conditions. - Recently suffered from a stroke or heart attack, or have low blood pressure. - Have particular rare genetic eye disorders like retinitis pigmentosa. - Have a history of vision loss due to non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
Do not take VIAGRA if you:Inform your doctor if you: - Have sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or multiple myeloma. - Have a penis deformity or Peyronie’s disease. - Have cardiovascular problems that may require careful monitoring before engaging in sexual activity. - Currently have a stomach ulcer or bleeding disorders like hemophilia.
Take Special Care with VIAGRA:If you suddenly experience a decrease or loss of vision, discontinue use of VIAGRA and consult your doctor right away.
You should not combine VIAGRA with other oral or topical erectile dysfunction treatments.
Special Considerations for Children and Adolescents
VIAGRA is not suitable for individuals under 18 years old.
Special Considerations for Patients with Kidney or Liver Issues
Inform your doctor if you have any kidney or liver issues, as they may recommend a reduced dosage.
Interactions with Other Medications
Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you're currently using or recently have taken any other medications, including those available without prescription. VIAGRA can interfere with certain drugs, especially those for chest pain. In any medical emergency, inform healthcare professionals that you've taken VIAGRA and the time it was taken. Avoid using it with other medications unless prescribed by your doctor.
You must not take VIAGRA concurrently with nitrates due to the risk of severe hypotension. Always inform your healthcare provider if you are on medications used to alleviate chest pain.
Using nitric oxide donors such as amyl nitrite with VIAGRA can also lead to serious blood pressure reductions.
If you are on protease inhibitors for HIV treatment, your doctor may start you on the lowest dose (25 mg) of VIAGRA.
Patients on alpha-blocker therapy for hypertension or prostate enlargement may encounter dizziness or light-headedness due to low blood pressure from standing up quickly. These symptoms can occur when combining VIAGRA with alpha-blockers. To minimize the risk, establish a standard daily dose of the alpha-blocker prior to taking VIAGRA. Your doctor may prescribe a lower starting dose of VIAGRA (25 mg).
Taking VIAGRA with Food and Drink
You can take VIAGRA with or without food, but it may take longer to work if consumed with a heavy meal. Excessive alcohol consumption before taking VIAGRA can impair your ability to achieve an erection.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
VIAGRA is not intended for use by women.
Driving and Operating Machinery
VIAGRA may cause dizziness and affect your vision. Be cautious and understand how it affects you before driving or operating machinery.
Important Information Regarding Ingredients
If informed by your doctor of a sugar intolerance, such as lactose, consult them before taking VIAGRA.
How to Use VIAGRA
Always follow your doctor’s instructions when taking VIAGRA. Check with them or a pharmacist if unsure. The typical initial dose is 50 mg.
Do not exceed one dose per day.
Take VIAGRA approximately an hour before sexual activity, swallowing the tablet whole with water.
If you feel the effect of VIAGRA is too strong or too weak, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
VIAGRA will only help you achieve an erection with sexual stimulation. The onset time varies among individuals but generally falls between 30 minutes to one hour. Expect longer onset if taken with a heavy meal.
If VIAGRA fails to induce an erection or if your erection doesn’t last long enough for sexual intercourse, consult your doctor.
If you take an excessive amount of VIAGRA, you may experience heightened side effects. Dosages over 100 mg do not enhance effectiveness. Always adhere to your prescribed dosage.
Contact your doctor if you exceed the advised number of tablets.
If you have further questions about this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible Side Effects
As with all medications, VIAGRA can cause side effects, which may not be experienced by everyone. Side effects are typically mild to moderate and short-lived.
If you encounter chest pain during or after intercourse: - Get into a semi-sitting position and try to relax. - Do not use nitrates to alleviate chest pain. - Contact your doctor immediately.
All medications, including VIAGRA, may trigger allergic reactions. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like sudden wheezing, trouble breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the face, lips, throat, or eyelids.
Prolonged and sometimes painful erections have been reported with VIAGRA usage. If an erection lasts over 4 hours, seek medical assistance right away.
For a sudden decrease or loss of vision, stop using VIAGRA and consult your doctor immediately.
A very common side effect (occurring in more than 1 in 10 patients) is headaches.
Common side effects (affecting 1 to 10 patients per 100) may include facial flushing, indigestion, vision effects (like color tinge, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or decreased sharpness), nasal congestion, and dizziness.
Uncommon side effects (1 to 10 patients per 1,000) may include vomiting, skin rash, bleeding in the eye, eye irritation, red eyes, eye pain, double vision, unusual eye sensations, rapid heartbeat, muscle pain, fatigue, decreased touch sensitivity, vertigo, tinnitus, nausea, dry mouth, and chest pain.
Rare side effects (1 to 10 patients per 10,000) could involve high or low blood pressure, fainting, stroke, nosebleeds, and sudden hearing loss.
Reports from post-marketing experiences indicate additional side effects such as severe heartbeat, chest pain, sudden death, heart attack, or temporary blood flow reductions to brain areas, mostly occurring in men with existing heart issues. The direct correlation of these incidents to VIAGRA remains undetermined. Cases of convulsions or severe skin reactions necessitating immediate medical attention have also been reported.
If any side effects become severe or if you notice any other unlisted side effects, please inform your doctor.
Storage Instructions
Do not use VIAGRA after the expiration date specified on the carton, which denotes the last day of the stated month.
Medications should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Inquire at your pharmacy about proper disposal methods for unused medicines to help protect the environment.