Viagra
(sildenafil) tablets are provided in dosages of 25, 50
and 100 milligrams. The pills are blue, rounded-diamond- shaped,
film coated tablets. Make sure you except no substitute. While
some web sites say they are dispensing Viagra, in truth
they are dispensing a cheap substitute. Only pills with the above
configuration are the genuine product.
HOW DOES VIAGRA WORK?
Viagra is the brand
name for sildenafil. When sexual stimulation begins nitric oxide
(NO) is released into the spongy tissue of the penis. NO then
activates an enzyme that increases the production of cyclic guanosine
monophosphate (cGMP) the substance that relaxes the spongy tissue
of the penis and facilitates an influx of blood. As specific enzymes
slowly degrade cGMP the penis will slowly loose its ability to
sustain an erection. Viagra works by inhibiting those enzymes
that degrade cGMP, thereby enhancing ones ability to obtain and
sustain an erection.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS VIAGRA?
Over 21 studies have
been done to evaluate the efficacy of Viagra. Evaluation
of drug activity was most often done using a self-assessment questionnaire.
During a 6-month open labeled study, Viagra was found to
improve sexual function in 88% of those treated. This included
frequency, firmness, and maintenance of an erection; frequency
of orgasm; frequency and level of desire; frequency, satisfaction
and enjoyment of sexual intercourse; and overall relationship
satisfaction.
WARNINGS:
If you take any medicines
that contain nitrates - either regularly or as needed - you should
never take Viagra.
If you take Viagra
with any nitrate medicine or recreational drug containing nitrates,
your blood pressure could suddenly drop to an unsafe level. You
could get dizzy, faint, or even have a heart attack or stroke.
Nitrates are found in many prescription medicines that are used
to treat angina (chest pain due to heart disease) such as: nitroglycerin
(sprays, ointments, skin patches or pastes, and tablets that are
swallowed or dissolved in the mouth), isosorbide mononitrate and
isosorbide dinitrate (tablets that are swallowed, chewed, or dissolved
in the mouth). Nitrates are also found in recreational drugs such
as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). If you are not
sure if any of your medicines contain nitrates, or if you do not
understand what nitrates are, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Side Effects
Headache, flushing, stomach upset, nasal stuffiness,
diarrhea and dizziness might occur. If these effects persist or
worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Unlikely but report promptly: painful or other
urination problems, vision problems, skin rash.
Very unlikely but report promptly: chest pain,
fainting, foot or ankle swelling. If you experience a painful
or prolonged erection (lasting longer than 4 hours), stop using
this drug and seek immediate medical attention.
If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before using this drug, tell your doctor your
medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies),
penis conditions such as fibrosis/scarring (e.g., Peyronie's disease),
history of painful/prolonged erection (priapism), sickle cell
anemia, blood system cancers (such as leukemia or myeloma), eye
problems (retina diseases), kidney or liver disease, bleeding
disorders, active stomach ulcers, heart disease, stroke, very
high or low blood pressure.
Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate side
effects of this drug.
Since this drug may cause dizziness, caution
is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving).
To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated
or lying position, get up slowly.
This drug is not to be used in women or children.
The elderly may be more sensitive to the side
effects of this drug, therefore caution is advised in this group.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms
of overdose may include severe dizziness, fainting, or prolonged
erection.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others, since
they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this
drug.
Use of this drug does not protect against sexually
transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis).
Missed Dose
Not applicable.