Drug Name

Viagra (Sildenafil)

Drug Uses

Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (for example, man's powerlessness). Medicine action is based on augmentation of intensity of a blood circulation of the penis, helping to reach and sustain an erection during sexual intercourse.

How to use

The medicine is necessary to be taken for 30-60 minutes directly ahead of sexual activity and lasts up to 4 hours. You have to take Viagra not more often than once a day.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Viagra is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor , and it reacts, helping a blood flow of a penis for the purpose of achievement and maintenance of an erection during a sexual activity.

Missed Dose

Taking of the medicine is depending on demand and has no certain schedule of reception.

Storage

Viagra has to be stored in its original packaging at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees by Farenheit (15-30 degrees C) in a moisture, high temperature and light-protected place and out of reach of children.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take Viagra, if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems, including nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, Minitran, Deponit, Transderm-Nitro), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket), or recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers").

Before taking Viagra, you need to consult with your attending phisician about all other drugs you use for impotence, or if you are using any of the following medications:

• an antibiotic such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab) or clarithromycin (Biaxin);
• cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) or rifabutin (Mycobutin).
• carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal), or phenytoin (Dilantin);
• doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), Terazosin (Hytrin);
• HIV medicines such as amprenavir (Agenerase), tipranavir (Aptivus), darunavir (Prezista), efavirenz (Sustiva), nevirapine (Viramune), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), ritonavir (Norvir), atazanavir (Reyataz), or nelfinavir (Viracept);
• bosentan (Tracleer);
• an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

Tell your doctor about all the medications you use now, such as vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other phisicians.

If you have a a stomach ulcer, or the inherited eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, bleeding disorder, use Viagra with caution.

In case of cardiac symptoms (nausea, chest pain or dizziness) during sexual intercourse, it is adviced do not take Viagra. Tell your doctor about these problems as soon as possible.

In case of cardiac symptoms (nausea, chest pain or dizziness) during sexual intercourse, it is adviced do not take Viagra. Tell your doctor about these problems as soon as possible.

Pay attention to using of the medicine, if  you've had a heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening heart irregularities within the past 6 months, if you have problems with your blood pressure, unstable angina, heart failure.

Possible Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Viagra and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:

• shortness of breath;
• irregular heartbeat;
• noise in your ears, or sudden hearing loss;
• sudden vision loss;
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
• erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• vision changes; or
• feeling light-headed, fainting.

Less serious side effects may include:

• stuffy nose;
• headache;
• back pain;
• upset stomach; or
• warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest.

This is not a complete list of side effects. Tell your attending phisician about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

More Information

If you are older than 65 years, your physician may prescribe you a lower dose of this medication in order to avoid some of side effects.