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What special precautions should I follow?
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.
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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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How should this medicine be used?
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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What special precautions should I follow?
Older adults¡XElderly people are especially sensitive to the effects of Viagra, which may increase their chance of having side effects. Patients 65 years of age and older are started on a low dose, 25
mg, of Viagra. The dose may be increased by a doctor as needed and tolerated.
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Significant 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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Symptoms of overdose
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.
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What side effects may occur?
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 (color tinge, blurring, sensitivity to light), acid indigestion, diarrhea, flushing, headache, nasal congestion, urinary tract infection
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.
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