What is Viagra?
Viagra makes part of a drug class called PDE-5 inhibitors, which are used for treating mild to severe erectile dysfunction in men. It was the first drug to be officially approved for that purpose by the FDA in 1998. Initially, it was developed for treating angina but the side-effects observed during the clinical tests made it evident that the drug will be useful in a whole other domain. Since then it has helped many millions of men all over the world in restoring their sexual abilities.
How does Viagra help improve erections?
Viagra works by increasing the blood flow into the penile shaft, which results in a harder erection lasting for a longer period of time. To take the process in a closer detail, Viagra inhibits the PDE-5 enzyme, which is responsible for keeping the smooth muscles of the penis in tension and preventing the blood from flowing into the cavernous bodies in the shaft. When the muscle is relaxed the blood flows inside and thus an erection is achieved. Still, as normally, in order to get an erection you have to be sexually stimulated and excited. Viagra doesn't cause the erection to take place automatically.
Who can take Viagra?
Viagra can be safely taken by men who have diabetes, mild blood pressure problems or prostate issues. Still, if you have one of the following conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor about them because you dosage should be adjusted respectively or you won't be able to take Viagra safely altogether: serious heart diseases; kidney or liver diseases; recent strokes, heart attacks or heart failure; blood cell or bleeding disorders; physically deformed penis; stomach ulcer; medical precautions on having sex.
Are there any warnings or precautions with Viagra?
Viagra should never be taken with drugs based on nitrates. Medications used for treating chest pain such as Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate, Imdur, ISMO, Monoket and others will interact with Viagra resulting in a dramatic blood pressure drop, which can be fatal. This also applies to recreational drugs known as poppers. If you still have to use the mentioned medications make sure that there is a decent gap between taking the drugs and Viagra. Ask your doctor for a more precise period of time. Do not take Viagra with alcohol because it will raise the risk of experience the negative side effects of the drug. Avoid using Viagra with other erectile dysfunction medications unless your doctor tells you to.
Are there any side-effects to expect?
Viagra in general is a highly tolerable drug that rarely causes side-effects. But still there have been reports about more and less serious side-effects with the drug. If you experience any of the following symptoms, search for medical assistance as soon as possible:
- sudden vision problems;
- hearing issues;
- chest pain and the feeling of being ill;
- odd heartbeat;
- swelling in limbs;
- shortness of breath;
- dizziness, fainting;
- long-lasting painful erection.
Viagra side-effects that are a smaller cause of concern:
- skin rash;
- stuffy nose;
- headache;
- memory issues;
- nausea;
- pain in the back.
There can be other symptoms as well so if you feel anything unusual after taking the drug contact your doctor immediately. |