Viagra: Everything You Need to Know About the Medication for Men
If you have started doing some research about medical options available for treating erectile dysfunction? Then you must have come across Viagra as well.
Viagra, containing Sildenafil- is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction and is famous as a little blue pill. This little blue pill was discovered by Pfizer in 1989, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it to treat Erectile dysfunction in 1998. Viagra contains the generic ingredient called Sildenafil citrate, a PDE-5 inhibitor class of drug. Viagra has helped several men overcome erection problems like ED and has improved sex lives. To buy this little blue pill, you need a doctor's prescription.
Generic Viagra also contains the same active ingredient, Sildenafil citrate, which is also available in the market. The Generic version of Viagra is quite an affordable alternative to the branded version. The effectiveness of both branded and generic versions is similar.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is an erectile dysfunction medicine; in appearance, it looks like a little blue pill shaped like a diamond. Viagra contains Sildenafil citrate as its active salt; it's a pde-5 inhibitor medications that have vasodilatory effects. The doctor prescribes Viagra to treat mild to moderate symptoms of erectile dysfunction(ED). ED or impotence is a common sexual problem affecting around 30 million men in the United States and more worldwide. During ED-like sexual dysfunction, a man loses the ability to get or keep an erection during sexual intimacy. However, using Viagra improves blood circulation to the male genital area and offers the ability to achieve hard erections.
Viagra is available as an oral tablet and comes in different strengths, including 25mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. To improve your sexual response, one must take Viagra 30 to 60 minutes before being involved in sexual activity.
What is Viagra used for?
Doctors recommend generic Viagra to men to deal with the problem of erectile dysfunction. Viagra assists men in meeting and maintaining hard erections by improving the flow of blood to the male reproductive organ.
Sildenafil, the active ingredient of Viagra, belongs to the class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. The active ingredient of Viagra works by relaxing and expanding the blood vessels present around the penile region. These blood vessels are responsible for delivering blood to the male sexual organ. As a result, there is a smooth flow of blood to the male sexual organ, assisting to attain & maintain an erection when sexually aroused.
Sildenafil present in Viagra is also FDA-approved for the treatment of Pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH). For PAH, Sildenafil is generally sold under the brand name Revatio.
How does Viagra work to treat Erectile dysfunction?
Sildenafil(Viagra) works by inhibiting the Phosphodiesterase type-5 enzyme; it breaks down another enzyme called cGMP. Cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP) handles the relaxation of smooth muscle cells of blood vessels that are present around the penis. Improving levels of cGMP by blocking PDE5, Sildenafil widens blood vessels and ensures improved blood flow to the penis. Under sexual stimulation, the process of erection takes place and helps a man get hard erections.
How long does Viagra take to work?
Viagra typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes to start working after an intake. To let this ED drug work for you, you need to be sexually stimulated on your own. While using Viagra, make sure you eat light meals, as high-fat or heavy meals may delay the rate of absorption. You can either take this ED pill on an empty stomach. In this, Viagra may take a little longer than usual to start working.
For more details check our article: How Long Does Viagra Take to Work?
How long does Viagra last?
After a successful intake, Viagra offers you effects for up to 4 to 5 hours. The body starts absorbing the medicine as you orally consume it, and it reaches your bloodstream within 30 to 120 minutes of ingestion. Under 4 to 5 hours of its effects, you can achieve multiple erections depending on your sexual desires and stamina. The effect of Viagra may remain on your body for up to 24 hours.
Know about Viagra dosage:
At licensed online pharmacies, you can find Viagra tablets in three different strengths: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. Depending upon various factors, the doctor prescribes the correct Viagra(sildenafil) dosage for you.
In case you are taking Viagra for the very first time, then the recommended dose is one 50mg tablet almost an hour before the planned sexual activity. This is mainly enough to treat ED and meet a hard erection.
Viagra 25mg is the lowest dosage available for ED treatment. In case you experience unwanted side effects of Viagra, then meet the doctor. The doctor might reduce your Viagra dose to 25mg.
Yet, the highest dosage of generic Viagra is 100mg. When you do not get any results from 50mg generic Viagra tablets, then the doctor might increase your dosage to 100mg.
If the dosage's strength increases, there is a higher chance of suffering from side effects. Before increasing or decreasing the dosage of Viagra, you must consult the do.
In case you do not experience immediate results from Viagra, then do not get depressed because the medicine can take some time to offer you full benefits.
How to take Viagra?
Viagra comes in oral tablet form; take the prescribed dose with a glass of water and do not chew or break it. Simply swallow the pill before an hour of having sex. You can prefer taking it on an empty stomach or after having a light meal. Do not take a double dose within 24 hours and a higher dose than the prescribed one. If you have trouble swallowing Viagra tablets, discuss it with your doctor, as they may suggest to you the best way of dosing or any other alternative.
What are the side effects of Viagra?
Here is a list of possible side effects that Viagra may include. Not every person who takes Viagra faces these side effects; they are rare, and few people can experience them. If you face any of the below-given side effects of Viagra, inform your doctor immediately and seek medical help if needed.
Common side effects of Viagra:
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Nasal congestion
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Dizziness
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Indigestion
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Hot flushes in the face
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Nausea
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Headache
Less common side effects of Viagra:
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Abnormal vision or loss of vision
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Pain or tightness in the chest or throat
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Prolong or painful erection lasting for more than 4 hours(Priapism)
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Stroke
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Chest pain
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Allergic reaction
Severe side effects of Viagra
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Decrease in the ability to hear
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Irregular heartbeat
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Enlarged heart
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Double vision or temporary vision loss
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Heart palpitations
How to get rid of Viagra side effects?
The common side effects of Viagra are not usually cause for concern, and they disappear themselves as your body adjusts to the medicine. In case you experience dizziness, nausea, flushing, or headaches, lie down or rest for a while to overcome them. As side effects are rare, the most commonly seen factor for their appearance is the incorrect use of Viagra and its higher doses. Inform your doctor if you face any side effects after you take Viagra, as they may make dose adjustments or advise you of any other alternative if Viagra doesn't suit you. Be aware of Sildenafil (Viagra) interactions as this may also increase the risk of side effects.
Who should not take Viagra?
Viagra may not be suitable for some people. If you have an allergy to Sildenafil, you shouldn't take this ED pill. In general, Viagra is only meant for men, and only males above 18 should use it when a doctor suggests it. In case of severe health issues linked to heart and vascular disease, you must consult a doctor before taking Viagra.
What are the drug interactions for Viagra?
Below listed medicine may interact with Viagra and might lead to unwanted effects on the body. In case you are already taking other medication, inform your doctor before you start on Viagra. Drug interaction, in some cases, can lead to severe complications, so be cautious.
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Nitrates such as Nitroglycerin
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Anti-eplieptics like Gabapentin
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ACE inhibitors (Lisinopril)
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Certain blood pressure medications used to treat high blood pressure
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Ritonavir
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Antifungal medications
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Other ED medicines like Cialis(Tadalafil) and Vardenafil(Levitra)
What are the disease interactions for Viagra?
Using Viagra during following medical problems can be unsafe and may require caution. Disclose your medical history before you get prescribed Viagra.
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Heart-related disease
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Liver problems
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Hypotension(low blood pressure)
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Hypertension(high blood pressure)
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Pulmonary disease
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Recently had a heart attack or stroke
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Hereditary retinitis pigmentosa or any other eye condition
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blood cell problems, such as multiple myeloma, sickle cell anemia, and leukemia
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Active stomach ulcer
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Peyronie's disease, or physical deformity of the penis
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Renal dysfunction
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Allergic or hypersensitivity to Sildenafil
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Bleeding disorder
Does Viagra interact with Food items?
Viagra can interact with some food items like grapefruit juice, high-fat meals, and alcohol. Consuming grapefruit juice can delay the absorption of Sildenafil in the body and might reduce its effectiveness. Having high-fat meals before taking Viagra may delay the rate of absorption of this medicine. It may take longer for Viagra to kick in. And, when you consume alcohol, Viagra can lower your blood pressure and also improve the ability to maintain an erection during sex.
Can women take Viagra?
The FDA has only approved Viagra for males to treat ED, and it can't help with female problems. However, some doctors prescribe Viagra for women as an off-label use of this medicine for other conditions. Since female sexual issues differ from erectile dysfunction that a man faces, women with sexual dysfunction may need a prescription for medications like Addyi, used for females to treat sexual problems. Sildenafil is also available in the form of Lovegra, designed for women as Female Viagra, and it acts as a female counterpart of Viagra. To know more about how Viagra affects females, you can discuss it with a doctor.
Is it safe to take Viagra?
Patients need to know that Viagra is a safe and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction in men. When we talk about Viagra, its side effects are mild and not a cause for concern.
Some of the most common side effects include nausea and headache. These side effects are mild and disappear with time. Several men across the globe have been taking this pill for a long time and have not experienced any kind of severe or long-term side effects.
But Viagra is not suitable for everyone. To ensure this medicine is safe for you, inform the doctor about your medical conditions or other medications you use (if any).
Check our detailed article on- Viagra's effects after ejaculation.
FAQ
Do I need a prescription to take Viagra?
Yes, Viagra is a prescription-based drug, and you must use it only when suggested by a doctor. Take it only if you are suffering from sexual problems like ED.
What can I do to make Viagra work faster?
To make Viagra work faster, you can take it on an empty stomach. With a fatty or heavy may, it might take a little longer for Viagra to show its effects.
To know more about how to use Viagra for best results, you can check out the article: How to use Viagra for best results?
Where to buy generic Viagra?
To shop for Viagra or its generic Sildenafil tablets, you can choose a trustworthy online pharmacy store. Our drugstore refill online pharmacy offers a wide range of healthcare medicines, including Generic Viagra and other ED pills. Get genuine quality medications at cost-effective prices and have your medicines delivered door-to-door within the given timeframe.
