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| Drug Class: What is Viagra an why is it prescribed? |
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| Viagra is the first oral drug for male impotence. It helps men obtain and maintain an erection. Men that do not have impotence problems report that Viagra increases sexual pleasure and staying power. Women also report that using Viagra increases sexual pleasure. |
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| Viagra Mechanism: How does Viagra work? |
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| Viagra works by dilating blood vessels in the penis, allowing the inflow of blood needed for an erection. |
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| Viagra Dosage: How should you take Viagra |
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| 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. Doses range from 25 milligrams to 100 milligrams, depending on the drugs 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). Overdosage No overdose of Viagra has been reported. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. If you miss a dose: Viagra is not for regular use. Take it only before sexual activity. Storage instructions: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Preparations: 25mg, 50mg, 100mg |
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| Possible food and drug interactions when taking Viagra |
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| 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) |
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| Special information on Viagra |
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| If you are pregnant or breastfeeding This drug is not for use by women. Its effects during pregnancy have not been studied. Most important fact about this drug Viagra causes erections only during sexual excitement. It does not work in the absence of arousal. |
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| Viagra side effects |
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| 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, acid indigestion, diarrhea, flushing, headache, nasal congestion, urinary tract infection.
Major Side Effects may include: 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. |
Drug Class: What is Viagra an why is it prescribed?
