Viagra : Uses, Side-effects, Precautions & How to take

Quick Information

1. Introduction
2. Uses
3. How to take
4. Side-effects
5. Precautions

Introduction –

Viagra is also known as sildenafil is a medicine that can be used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. This medicine is taken via the mouth or injected into a vein. The work of this medicine is to prevent phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) an enzyme, which encourages the breakdown of cGMP that increases the flow of blood into the penis and causes suitable erection for sexual activity.

This medicine was discovered by Pfizer in the year 1989 and was approved in the European Union and the United States in the year 1998 for medical use. This medicine was the 217^th most commonly prescribed medication with more than 2 million prescriptions in the United States in the year 2017. After the final patent by Pfizer expired, this medicine became available as a generic medication. This medicine is available over the counter in the United Kingdom.

Uses –

Viagra is used in treating erectile dysfunction especially in male people. This medicine helps in maintaining an erection by enhancing the flow of blood into the penis and is also used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is important to note that this medicine does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases such as hepatitis B, syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV.

How to take –

You must read all the instructions on your prescriptions before taking this medicine. Take this medicine via the mouth as instructed by your doctor to treat sexual dysfunction. You should take this medicine before 30 minutes when a plan for sexual activity with your female partner. This medicine should not be taken with a high meal as it may delay the work of this drug. Do not take this medicine with alcohol as it may interruption the work of this medicine. But if your condition is not improved after taking this medicine for a long time then contact to your doctor.

• Miss dose

  – Take this medicine as soon as possible when you miss the dose at any time. But do not take a double dose of this medicine as it may cause side effects.

• Overdose

  – An overdose of this medicine causes several severe side effects that are harmful to your health. If you take an overdose of this medicine by chance then call to your doctor as soon as possible for medical help.

Side-effects –

There are several side effects after taking this medicine are given below –

• Headache
• Vision changes
• Stomach upset
• Dizziness
• Flushing
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Fainting
• Ringing in the ears
• Itching
• Rashes
• Indigestion
• Problem in breathing
• Diarrhea
• Nasal congestion
• Heartburn

If you have any side effects for a long period after taking this medicine then consult with your doctor as soon as possible for medical help.

Precautions –

There are some of the precautions before or after taking this medicine are given below –

• Do not take this medicine with grapefruit or grapefruit juice as it may interact with Viagra and may cause unwanted side effects.
• If you use a nitrate drug for chest pain or any heart problems then do not take Viagra due to it may sudden reduction in blood pressure that is harmful to your health.
• You should consult with your doctor about your past or present health conditions before taking this medicine.
• Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to Viagra as it may cause unwanted side effects.
• After taking this medicine, do not drive any one of the vehicles or avoid any physical activities as this drug may cause sleepiness that may enhance the risk of an accident or injury.
• If you are pregnant, then you must consult with your doctor before taking this medicine as it may harm your unborn baby.

During medication, do not take a large amount of alcohol as it may cause side effects, which is not good for your health.