Viagra

The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil. Sildenafil is also marketed under the brand name Revatio to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension.

When a man is sexually aroused, Viagra helps relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing increased blood flow. This increased blood flow is crucial for achieving and maintaining an erection. The active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, inhibits the enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is responsible for regulating blood flow in the penis. By blocking PDE5, Viagra promotes the accumulation of a substance called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which leads to smooth muscle relaxation and improved blood flow, resulting in a firm and lasting erection.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Viagra. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Viagra:

• For best results, take Viagra on an empty stomach. Food, especially a high-fat meal, can delay its effectiveness.
• Take Viagra about 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. The effects can last for up to 4-5 hours, but this varies from person to person.
• Swallow the Viagra tablet with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet.
• Viagra requires sexual stimulation to be effective. It will not cause an erection just by taking the pill; you need to be sexually aroused.
• Do not take Viagra if you are using nitrate medications (commonly prescribed for chest pain) or recreational drugs containing nitrates, as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
• Be aware of potential side effects such as headache, flushing, indigestion, changes in vision, nasal congestion, dizziness, or back pain. If you experience severe side effects or an erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism), seek medical attention immediately.
• Do not take Viagra with other medications for erectile dysfunction without consulting your doctor.

The most common side effects of Viagra seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Flushing
• Indigestion
• Blurred vision, or changes in color vision (such as having a blue color tinge)
• Stuffy nose
• Back pain
• Dizziness
• Muscle ache
• Nausea
• Rash

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Viagra. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Vision or hearing loss: could include non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
• Erection that lasts more than 4 hours (priapism)
• Dangerously low blood pressure, especially if taken with nitrates
• If you experience heart attack symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, or nausea during sexual activity, seek immediate medical help.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Viagra. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Viagra, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Low blood pressure
• Heart problems
• Heart disease or heart rhythm problems such as an irregular heartbeat, including coronary artery disease
• History of heart attack, stroke, angina or congestive heart failure
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Liver or kidney disease
• Blood cell disorders such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
• Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia
• Stomach ulcers
• Retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited condition of the eye
• Physical deformity of the penis, such as Peyronie's disease
• If you have been advised not to have sexual intercourse for health reasons - A known allergy to sildenafil, as contained in Viagra and Revatio, or any of the ingredients in Viagra

Before starting Viagra, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Low blood pressure
• Heart problems
• Heart disease or heart rhythm problems such as an irregular heartbeat, including coronary artery disease
• History of heart attack, stroke, angina or congestive heart failure
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Liver or kidney disease
• Blood cell disorders such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
• Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia
• Stomach ulcers
• Retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited condition of the eye
• Physical deformity of the penis, such as Peyronie's disease
• If you have been advised not to have sexual intercourse for health reasons - A known allergy to sildenafil, as contained in Viagra and Revatio, or any of the ingredients in Viagra

Viagra typically takes effect in 30 to 60 minutes but can take up to 2 hours. It also requires sexual arousal to be effective and works best on an empty stomach.

When Viagra is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking, including:

• Nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, and recreational drugs such as "poppers” that contain amyl nitrate.
• Other medications to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, such as riociguat.
• Alpha-blocker medications such as doxazosin and tamsulosin
• CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, ritonavir, erythromycin, and itraconazole

Viagra or sildenafil tablets are available in the following strengths:

• 25 mg
• 50 mg
• 100 mg

Store Viagra at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Viagra is manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer.

Yes, there is a generic version available of the brand name Viagra.

Talk to your healthcare provider to stop taking Viagra, as they can help you create a plan to stop safely.

Viagra is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or suggest what is best for you.

Viagra is not recommended if you are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or suggest what is best for you.