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 VIAGRA and How Does It Work?
VIAGRA is part of a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It functions by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, enabling increased blood flow when a man is sexually aroused. Keep in mind that VIAGRA requires sexual stimulation to facilitate an erection. It is not intended for those without erectile dysfunction and should not be used by women.
VIAGRA is specifically designed to assist men experiencing erectile dysfunction, often referred to as impotence, which occurs when a man struggles to achieve or maintain a firm erection suitable for sexual activity.
Important Considerations Before Using VIAGRA
- You are taking nitrates, as combining these can lead to dangerously low blood pressure. Inform your doctor if you're on medications often prescribed for angina or chest pain. - You are using nitric oxide donors like amyl nitrite ("poppers"), as this combination may also cause a severe drop in blood pressure. - You have a known allergy to sildenafil or other components in VIAGRA. - You have serious heart or liver conditions. - You have recently suffered a stroke or heart attack, or if you have low blood pressure. - You have specific rare inherited eye conditions like retinitis pigmentosa. - You have a history of vision loss due to non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
Do Not Use VIAGRA If:- Have sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or multiple myeloma. - Have a penis deformity or Peyronie’s Disease. - Experience heart issues; your doctor will assess if your heart can handle the added strain of sexual activity. - Have a stomach ulcer or bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.
Exercise Caution with VIAGRA If You:Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden vision loss or decrease while on VIAGRA. It is advised not to use VIAGRA in conjunction with any other oral or topical erectile dysfunction treatments.
Guidelines for Children and Adolescents
VIAGRA should not be administered to anyone under 18 years of age.
Special Considerations for Kidney and Liver Conditions
Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver issues; they may prescribe a lower dose.
Interaction with Other Medications
Notify your healthcare provider about any other medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs. VIAGRA can interact with some medicines, particularly those for chest pain. In emergencies, inform healthcare professionals that you have taken VIAGRA and provide details on when it was taken. Avoid using VIAGRA alongside nitrates without a doctor's consent, as this can lead to dangerously low blood pressure.
If you are using protease inhibitors (e.g., for HIV treatment), your doctor may recommend starting at a lower dose (25 mg) of VIAGRA.
Patients on alpha-blocker therapy for high blood pressure or prostate enlargement may experience dizziness or light-headedness when standing or sitting up quickly. This is likely to occur within four hours of taking VIAGRA. To minimize this risk, ensure you are on a regular daily dosage of your alpha-blocker before starting VIAGRA, and your doctor might initiate you on a lower dose.
Taking VIAGRA with Food and Alcohol
VIAGRA can be ingested with or without food, though its effects might take longer to kick in if taken with a heavy meal. Excessive alcohol consumption can hinder erection ability, so it’s recommended to limit alcohol intake before using VIAGRA for optimal results.
Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
VIAGRA is not intended for use by women.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Since VIAGRA can cause dizziness and affect vision, assess your personal reaction to the medication before driving or using machinery.
Important Information Regarding Ingredients
If you have a sugar intolerance, especially to lactose, consult your doctor prior to taking VIAGRA.
How to Use VIAGRA
Always follow your doctor's instructions when taking VIAGRA. If uncertain, consult your doctor or pharmacist. The recommended starting dose is generally 50 mg.
Do not exceed one dose per day. Take VIAGRA approximately one hour before planned sexual activity, swallowing the tablet whole with water.
If you feel that the effects of VIAGRA are either too strong or too weak, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. VIAGRA is effective only when sexual stimulation occurs, typically taking about 30 minutes to an hour to work, although it may take longer after a heavy meal.
If VIAGRA fails to produce an erection or if the erection does not last long enough for intercourse, consult your doctor.
Overdose
Taking more VIAGRA than prescribed can intensify side effects without enhancing effectiveness. Do not exceed the dosage recommended by your doctor. Contact your doctor if you consume more than the advised amount.
For any further inquiries regarding this medication, please reach out to your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible Side Effects
Like any medication, VIAGRA may cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Reported side effects are generally mild to moderate and of short duration.
- Sit in a semi-upright position and try to relax. - Avoid using nitrates for the chest pain. - Contact your doctor promptly.
If you experience chest pain during or after sex:VIAGRA can provoke allergic reactions as well. If you experience symptoms such as sudden wheezing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, or throat, seek immediate medical assistance.
Prolonged and painful erections have been noted following VIAGRA use. If an erection lasts more than four hours, seek medical help immediately.
A common side effect (occurring in more than 1 in 10 patients) is headaches.
- Facial flushing - Indigestion - Vision changes (color tinge, light sensitivity, blurred vision) - Nasal congestion - Dizziness
Common side effects (1 in 100 to 1 in 10 patients) include:- Vomiting - Skin rashes - Eye complications - Irregular heartbeat - Muscle discomfort - Ringing in the ears - Chest pain
Uncommon side effects (1 in 1000 to 1 in 10 patients) include:- High or low blood pressure - Fainting - Stroke - Sudden hearing loss
Rare side effects (1 in 10000 or fewer) include:Post-marketing reports have included serious events such as heart attacks or strokes in men with prior heart issues whom it is unknown if related to VIAGRA. Instances of serious skin reactions have also been noted.
If any side effects become severe or if you notice side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, inform your doctor.
Storage Instructions
Medicines should not be disposed of in wastewater or household waste. Consult your pharmacist about how to discard unused medications responsibly to protect the environment.