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Drug Interactions
When you are taking Viagra, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Cimetidine (e.g., Tagamet)
- Erythromycin (e.g.,
E.E.S. or Ery-Tab)
- Itraconazole (e.g., Sporanox)
- Ketaconazole (e.g., Nizoral)
- Mibefradil (e.g., Posicor)
- Ritonavir (e.g., Norvir)
- Saquinavir (e.g., Fortovase or Inv
irase)¡XThese medicines may increase the unwanted effects of Viagra, unless lower starting doses of Viagra are used
- Nitrates, such as nitroglycerin (e.g., Nitrostat or Transderm-Nitro)¡XViagra
creases the lowering of blood pressure by nitrates too much and their use together is not recommended
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Cautions
Use Viagra exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it and do not use it more often than your doctor ordered. If too much is used, the chance of side effects is increased.
-
If
you experience a prolonged or painful erection for 4 hours or more, contact your doctor immediately. This condition may require prompt medical treatment to prevent tissue damage of the penis and possi
ble permanent impotence.
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Overdosage
Although there is no report for overdose of Viagra, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
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What special precautions should I follow?
If you take Viagra and develop cardiac symptoms (for example, dizziness, nausea, and chest pain) during sexual activity, do not continue. Alert your doctor to the problem as soon as possible.
If you have a bleeding disorder, a stomach ulcer, or the inherited eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, use this medication with caution. Its safety under these circumstances has not yet bee
n studied.
To avoid low blood pressure, do not take the 50-milligram or 100-milligram dose of Viagra within 4 hours of taking an alpha-blocking drug such as Cardura.
Remember that
Viagra offers no protection from transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
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What side effects can this medication cause?
Less common to rare side effects may include:
- insomnia, itchy skin, joint disease, light sensitivity, loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence), low blood pressure, migraine headache, mus
cle ache, nosebleeds, numbness, oral inflammation, pain, painful erection, prolonged erection, raised skin patches, rapid or throbbing heartbeat, rectal bleeding, respiratory inflammation, ringing in
the ears, seizure, sinus and throat inflammation, skin rash, skin ulcer, slow reflexes, stomach or intestinal inflammation, sweating, swelling, thirst, tremor, vision problems, vomiting, weakness
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How to Use
Doses range from 25 milligrams to 100 milligrams, depending on the drug's effect. The usual dose is 50 milligrams. If you are over 65, have liver or kidney problems, or are taking erythromycin, ketoco
nazole, 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 bef
ore sexual activity. The manufacturer recommends a maximum of 1 dose per day (1 dose every 2 days for those taking ritonavir).
To avoid low blood pressure, do not take the 50-milligram or 10
0-milligram dose of Viagra within 4 hours of taking an alpha-blocking drug such as Cardura.
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