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Side Effects
Although side effects from Viagra are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- flushing (feeling of warmth)
- nasal congestion (stuffiness)
- changes in vision
- breast enlargement
If you experience any of the follo
wing symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- rash
- painful erection
- prolonged erection (longer than 4 hours)
- fainting
- chest pain
- itching or burning during
urination
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What is this Drug
Viagra (sil-DEN-a-fil) belongs to a group of medicines that delay the enzymes called phosphodiesterases from working too quickly. The penis is one of the areas where these enzymes work. Viagra is used
to treat men who have erectile dysfunction (also called sexual impotence).
By controlling the enzyme phosphodiesterase, Viagra helps to maintain an erection that is produced when the penis i
s stroked. Without physical action to the penis, such as that occurring during sexual intercourse, Viagra will not work to cause an erection
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Precautions while Using this Medicine
Viagra has not been studied with other medicines used for treatment of erectile dysfunction. Presently, using them together is not recommended .
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- Use Viagra exactly as directed by your doc
tor. 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 erec
tion for 4 hours or more, contact your doctor immediately. This condition may require prompt medical treatment to prevent tissue damage of the penis and possible permanent impotence.
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Significant Interactions:
If Viagra is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Viagra with the foll
owing:
- Other impotence remedies including Caverject and Muse
- Alpha-blockers such as doxazosin (Cardura)
- Amlodipine (Norvasc)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Erythromycin (
E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, PCE)
- Itraconazole (Sporanox)
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- Nitrates such as Isordil, Nitro-Bid, and Nitro-Dur
- Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
- Ritonavir (Nor
vir)
- Saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase)
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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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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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