| Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a prescription drug taken orally for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. The blue pill was initially invented to treat heart diseases and preclude heart attacks. Later on it was discovered that the pills could dilate blood arteries.
Impotence, differently called erectile dysfunction) is a condition when the penis does not harden and enlarge when a man is sexually aroused, or when he cannot sustain an erection. Viagra may help a male with ED get and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation. Viagra is intended for men only and must be taken if recommended by a doctor.
An erection is the result of an increase in blood flow into the genitals and especially to the penis. The drug relaxes the blood vessels of the penis during sexual arousal, so blood flow to the organ increases.
When taken orally before a meal, maximum medication concentration in plasma is observed within 30 to 120 minutes after administration.
Viagra can work up to 4 hours, but the response lessens with time. When taken with foods rich in fat, the potency of the drug decreases.
As well as other prescription medications, Viagra can bring on adverse side effects in some patients. The commonest adverse side effects are pounding headaches, giddiness, indigestion, facial flushing and visual problems.
Viagra is contraindicated in men with cardiac problems, inborn malformations of the penis, in males with a predisposition to elongated erections caused by sickle cell disease, plasma cell myeloma (a form of cancer), leukemia, liver and kidney problems, in males taking certain medications for HIV, in those over 65, in males having a recent history of a cardiac attack, stroke or heart rhythm disorder. Deaths have occurred during sexual activity in men taking the pill.
If taken with other medications (nitrate or nitroglycerin cardiac medications), Viagra can lead to serious drop in blood pressure, which can be fatal. Thus, before taking the medication, inquire about potential drug-to-drug interactions. |
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