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What Is It
Viagra is the first oral drug for male impotence. It works by dilating blood vessels in the penis, allowing the inflow of blood needed for an erection.
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
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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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
- Coronary artery disease or
- Heart attack, history of (within the last 6 months) or
- High blood pressure or
- Low blood pressure or
- Stroke, history of (within the last 6 mont
hs)¡XChance of problems occurring may be increased
- Abnormal penis, including curved penis and birth defects of the penis¡XChance of problems occurring may be increased
- Bleeding problems
- Retinitis pigmentosa¡XChance of problems occurring may be increased. It is not known if the medicine is safe for use in these patients
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What side effects may occur?
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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Other medical problems
If you have heart problems severe enough to make sexual activity a danger, you should avoid using Viagra. Use it cautiously--if at all--if you've had a heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening heart
irregularities within the past 6 months. Be equally cautious if you have severe high or low blood pressure, heart failure, or unstable angina (crushing heart pain that occurs at any time).
I
f you have a condition that might result in long-lasting erections, such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma (a disease of the bone marrow), or leukemia, use Viagra with caution. Also use cautious
ly if you have a genital problem or deformity such as Peyronie's disease.
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Symptoms of overdose
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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