Brand:
Viagra
Pronounciation:
vye-AG-ruh
Generic Name: Sildenafil
citrate
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Common
Uses:
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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Important
Fact
Viagra
causes erections only during sexual excitement.
It does not work in the absence of arousal.
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Before
Using:
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).
If you take Viagra
and develop cardiac symptoms (for example,
dizziness, nausea, and chest pain) during
sexual activity, do not continue. Alert
your doctor to the problem as soon as possible.
If 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 cautiously if you
have a genital problem or deformity such
as Peyronie's disease. If an erection lasts
more than 4 hours, seek treatment immediately.
Permanent damage and impotence could result.
If you have a bleeding disorder, a stomach
ulcer, or the inherited eye condition known
as retinitis pigmentosa, use this medication
with caution. Its safety under these circumstances
has not yet been studied.
Remember that Viagra
offers no protection from transmission of
sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV,
the virus that causes AIDS.
This drug is not for use by women. Its effects
during pregnancy have not been studied.
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Directions:
Taking Viagra
approximately 1 hour before sexual activity
works best for most men. Depending on how
and when the drug works for you, an interval
of one-half hour to as much as 4 hours may
prove ideal.
If you miss a dose...
Viagra
is not for regular use. Take it only before
sexual activity.
Storage instructions:
Store at room temperature. |
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Caution:
Do not take Viagra
if you are taking any nitrate-based drug,
including nitroglycerin patches (Nitro-Dur,
Transderm-Nitro), nitroglycerin ointment (Nitro-Bid,
Nitrol), nitroglycerin pills (Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat),
and isosorbide pills (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil,
Sorbitrate). Combining Viagra
with these drugs can cause a severe drop in
blood pressure. If Viagra
gives you an allergic reaction, do not use
it again. |
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Possible
Side Effects:
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any
develop or change in intensity, inform your
doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor
can determine if it is safe for you to continue
taking Viagra.
More common side effects may include:
Abnormal vision (color tinge, blurring, sensitivity
to light),acid indigestion, diarrhea, flushing,
headache, nasal congestion, urinary tract
infection
Less common to rare side effects may include:
Abdominal pain,abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation,
allergic reactions, anxiety, asthma, bloodshot
eyes, bone pain, breast enlargement, cataracts,
chest pain, chills,coordination problems,
cough,depression, difficulty breathing, difficulty
swallowing, dilated pupils, dizziness, drowsiness,
dry eyes, dry mouth, emotional or mental 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, insomnia, itchy skin, joint disease,
light sensitivity, loss of bladder control
(urinary incontinence), low blood pressure,
migraine headache, muscle ache, numbness,
oral inflammation, pain, painful erection,
prolonged erection, raised skin patches, rapid
or throbbing heartbeat, rectal bleeding, respiratory
inflammation, ringing in the ears, seizure,
sinus and throat inflammation, skin rash,
skin ulcer, slow reflexes, stomach or intestinal
inflammation, sweating, swelling, thirst,
tremor, vomiting, weakness
Heart
attack, stroke, heart irregularities, dangerous
surges in blood pressure, and sudden death
have all been reported after use of Viagra,
usually in men with existing cardiac risk
factors, and typically during or shortly
after sex.
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Possible
Food & Drug Interactions:
If Viagra
is taken with certain other drugs, the effects
of either could be increased, decreased, or
altered. It is especially important to check
with your doctor before combining Viagra
with the following:
| Amlodipine
(Norvasc) |
Cimetidine (Tagamet) |
| Erythromycin
(E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, PCE) |
Itraconazole
(Sporanox) |
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Ketoconazole (Nizoral) |
Nitrates
such as Isordil, Nitro-Bid, and Nitro-Dur
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| Rifampin
(Rifadin, Rimactane) |
Ritonavir
(Norvir) |
| Saquinavir
(Fortovase, Invirase) |
Other
impotence remedies including Caverject
and Muse |
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Recommended
Dosage:
Viagra
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, ketoconazole, 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 before sexual activity. The manufacturer
recommends a maximum of 1 dose per day (1
dose every 2 days for those taking ritonavir).
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If
You Take too Much:
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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