Some basic facts about viagra

What is Viagra?

This is the trade name for a drug known as Sildenafil. It’s one of the classes of drugs called Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. Viagra, among other PDE-5 inhibitors, may help men having erectile dysfunction by improving the erectile response if a man is aroused sexually.

Is Viagra effective?

Clinical studies have indicated that when it’s compared to placebo Viagra, among other drugs in similar class, result in considerable improvement in erectile function. However, even though it’s been highly established to be effective and safe drug, it’s not appropriate for each and every person, and might not work in all cases.

How it affect blood pressure

Viagra may lower slightly blood pressure. This is not so much problem for majority of men. However, its effect on blood pressure is exaggerated when it’s taken with nitrate drug. Nitrates are among the treatments physicians prescribe for angina. When you take Viagra at the same time you’re taking nitrates, their combined effect may lower blood pressure to such a degree that it may prove fatal. Therefore, this is a warning: never ever take the drug at the same time you’re taking nitrates.

What of when you are having heart condition?

If you’ve a heart condition, it’s recommended that you discuss this with your doctor before you take Viagra. It may not be appropriate due to the risk of interacting with the nitrates.

How quickly does Viagra work?

On the average, it becomes effective in just under an hour if you take the tablet on an empty stomach. Viagra may remain effective for between four to six hours. When you take it after a meal having high content of fat, it might take longer so as to become effective.

Why are there different doses?

The drug is available in three dosages: 100mg, 50mg and 25mg. a number of men might respond to its lower dose. Some might be taking already medicines which interact with Viagra, and therefore may need the dosage they are taking.

What is the right dose for the drug?

The physician will have to decide which dosage of the drug is most appropriate. He will have to consider potential drug interactions, the extent of your erectile dysfunction, your age and your previous interaction with the drug.

What are the possible side-effects of taking the drug?

Generally the side-effects of taking Viagra are mild and brief. It’s most common side-effects are facial flushing and headache. Less frequently, men (and not women!) taking Viagra has reported stuffy nose, indigestion and a blue tint to their vision.

But then who should not use it?

Men having the following conditions should avoid using Viagra: severe liver or heart problems, recent heart or stroke attack, low blood pressure or certain rare inherited eye disease.

Will Viagra treat underlying causes of importance?

Viagra is going to solve the underlying cause of your erectile dysfunction. Even though when the cause is basically psychological, it might help in breaking the cycle of anxiety and failure that are linked with being not able to achieve your full satisfactory erection.

Note that Viagra will not treat underlying cause of erectile dysfunction, though when the cause is basically psychological, it might help in breaking the cycle of anxiety and failure linked with being not able to achieve full erection.

John Rogers

I have been working in General Practice since 2006.