What
is VIAGRA?
Viagra is a discreet pill for the treatment of male
erectile dysfunction, often called impotence. It is
a real breakthrough treatment that can help many men
who have erectile dysfunction to get and keep an erection
when they are sexually aroused.
How does VIAGRA work?
Viagra increases blood flow to the penis, allowing
more blood flow into the penis as occurs naturally,
when a man is sexually stimulated. With more blood
flowing in and less flowing out, the arteries in the
penis enlarge resulting in an erection. If this mechanism
is not working properly, a man has difficulties in
having and keeping an erection. Using Viagra a man
can respond to sexual stimulation, during a sexual
encounter and once it is over the erection goes away.
Will Viagra work immediately?
It takes 60 minutes before Viagra starts to work and
remains working for up to 4 hours.
Does VIAGRA automatically cause
an erection?
No. With VIAGRA, you must be sexually aroused to get
an erection. If you take VIAGRA and are not sexually
stimulated, nothing will happen–you won't get
an erection just by taking the pill. VIAGRA is not
a hormone. It is not an aphrodisiac. It is a prescription
medication, that can improve the erectile function
of most men with erection problems.
How much VIAGRA can I take?
VIAGRA comes in different doses (25 mg, 50 mg, and
100 mg). Like many medications, your healthcare provider
may have to adjust your initial VIAGRA dose if it
doesn't produce the desired results, or you are bothered
by side effects. Do not take more VIAGRA than your
healthcare provider prescribes. VIAGRA can be used
only once a day.
If you are older than 65 years, have a serious liver
or kidney problem, or are taking protease inhibitors,
such as for the treatment of HIV, your healthcare
provider may start you at the lowest (25-mg) dose
of VIAGRA.
How often can I take VIAGRA?
For most patients, VIAGRA should be taken once a day
as needed. In patients taking certain protease inhibitors
(such as for the treatment of HIV), it is recommended
to not exceed a maximum single dose of 25 mg of VIAGRA
in a 48-hour period.
Who should not take VIAGRA?
VIAGRA is not for newborns, children, or women. Do
not let anyone else take your VIAGRA. VIAGRA must
be used only under a healthcare provider's supervision.
Before you start any treatment with VIAGRA, be sure
to ask your healthcare provider if your heart is healthy
enough. If you are a man who uses nitrate drugs, like
nitroglycerine, never take VIAGRA. The combination
of VIAGRA and nitrates can make your blood pressure
suddenly drop to unsafe levels. You could get dizzy,
faint, or even have a heart attack or stroke. Nitrates
are found in many prescription medications that are
used to treat angina (chest pain due to heart disease)
such as:
Nitroglycerin (sprays, ointments, skin patches or
pastes, and tablets that are swallowed or dissolved
in the mouth)
Isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate (tablets
that are swallowed, chewed, or dissolved in the mouth)
Nitrates are also found in recreational drugs such
as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers").
If you are not sure if any of your medications contain
nitrates, or if you do not understand what nitrates
are, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
What if VIAGRA doesn't work?
While VIAGRA is effective in up to 4 of 5 men, it's
not effective for everyone. If it doesn't work for
you, contact your healthcare provider to discuss other
treatment options.
Can I take VIAGRA with alcohol?
Drinking alcohol can temporarily impair the ability
to get an erection. To get the maximum benefit from
your medication, you are advised not to drink large
amounts of alcohol before taking VIAGRA.
Can I take VIAGRA after eating?
Yes, but taking VIAGRA after a high-fat meal (such
as a cheeseburger and French Fries) may cause the
medication to take a little longer to start working.
What are the side effects of VIAGRA?
Like all medications, VIAGRA can cause some side effects.
These are usually mild and don't last longer than
a few hours. Some of these side effects are more likely
to occur with higher doses of VIAGRA. With VIAGRA,
the most common side effects are headache, facial
flushing, and upset stomach. VIAGRA may also briefly
cause bluish or blurred vision or sensitivity to light.
In the rare event of an erection lasting more than
4 hours, seek immediate medical help.