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Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Viagra. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) or
- Conditions causing thickened blood or slower blood flow, including leukemia; multiple myeloma (tumors of the bone marrow); or polycythemia, sickle cell disease, and thrombocythemia (blood problems)
or
- Priapism (history of)¡XAlthough Viagra does not cause priapism (erection lasting longer than 6 hours), patients with these conditions have an increased risk of priapism and it could occur w
ile using Viagra
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Side Effects
Less common to rare side effects may include:
- Abdominal pain, abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, allergic reactions, anxiety, asthma, bloodshot eyes, bone pain, breast enlargement, cataract
s, chest pain, chills, coordination problems, cough, depression, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, dilated pupils, dizziness, double vision, drowsiness, dry eyes, dry mouth, emotional or me
ntal disturbances, eye inflammation or pain, other eye disorders, fainting, falling, genital problems, gout, gum inflammation, heart problems, increased night-time urination, increased pressure in the
eyes,
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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 special precautions should I follow?
Allergies¡XTell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Viagra. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preserv
tives, or dyes.
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Why is this medication prescribed?
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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How should you take this medication?
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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