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
See your doctor for advice about your specific situation.