Viagra is a prescription drug that is used to treat erectile dysfunction and impotency problems in men. Physicians prescribe this medicine predominantly for bringing a firm erection in men and also for pulmonary arterial hypertension. It belongs to a class of drugs called as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. The active component in Viagra is called sildenafil. The drug is manufactured by the Pfizer pharmaceuticals was originally taken for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension until research revealed that taking Viagra is very helpful in bringing erections. Viagra was approved by the Food and Drugs Administration in the year 1998 and it was indeed the first of the pill to be used for treating impotency that is now known to people as erectile dysfunction. One of the most crucial point men should remember while taking Viagra is that though it helps in bringing and maintaining an erection, it does not help without being sexually stimulated. One can buy the prescribed Viagra online in round
The active component in Viagra is called sildenafil. The drug is manufactured by the Pfizer pharmaceuticals was originally taken for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension until research revealed that taking Viagra is very helpful in bringing erections. Viagra was approved by the Food and Drugs Administration in the year 1998 and it was indeed the first of the pill to be used for treating impotence that is now known to people as erectile dysfunction. One of the most crucial point men should remember while taking Viagra is that though it helps in bringing and maintaining an erection, it does not help without being sexually stimulated. One can buy the prescribed Viagra online in round
Viagra was approved by the Food and Drugs Administration in the year 1998 and it was indeed the first of the pill to be used for treating impotence that is now known to people as erectile dysfunction. One of the most crucial point men should remember while taking Viagra is that though it helps in bringing and maintaining an erection, it does not help without being sexually stimulated. It is available in round diamond-shaped tablets, film-coated and in blue color.
How does Viagra work?
Viagra works by increasing the blood flow towards the penis during sexual intercourse thus resulting in an erection. But the drug does not work without sexual stimulation, therefore, a man has to be sexually excited while taking Viagra to get a strong erection. It acts in the body by inhibiting a cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase of type 5 which is an enzyme that promotes the degradation of cGMP that can regulate the flow of blood towards the penis. The inability of a man to attain a satisfactory erection to complete intercourse is addressed by the sildenafil which is now considered to be a standard treatment of ED including those who have diabetes mellitus. The drug’s mechanism of action leads to smooth muscle relaxation that in turn leads to vasodilation and paving way for increased blood inflow into the spongy tissues of the penis bringing forth a firm and long lasting erection.
How Viagra Generic is different from Viagra brand?
Viagra is the brand name of its generic counterpart sildenafil and both are equally effective in terms of their efficacy in treating impotency and bringing in a firm and lasting erection in men. The active ingredient Sildenafil is sold as Viagra generic to treat ED since 2013. The manufacturers are different for each formulation. The brand version has the unique blue diamond shape, the appearance for all tablets and they also have a patent for this. On the other hand, generic drug is produced in white color tablets and the appearance is purely cosmetic due to the patent expiration and have no potential medical difference. The generic versions vary in terms of price factors as their price fluctuations are comparatively lower than the brand forms. The overall appearance, branding and costing of Viagra generic differs from its brand with the exception of effectiveness.
Why do people prefer Viagra over other ED drugs?
One of the foremost reasons for why people choose to buy Viagra over any other Erectile Dysfunction treatment medication is that this was the first drug being approved by the FDA to be taken for achieving a firm erection and also to treat PAH. This has given people a sense of hope and belief to take Viagra as it has been around for more than 15 years. Further, the positive outcome of the pill in many men in terms of maintaining a strong erection itself accounts for the usage of this drug in large numbers. The effectiveness of Viagra is merely the same as its other competitors. Its effect lasts in the body for about four hours or more and it begins to initiate its action in less than fifteen minutes. These essential and unique properties of Viagra generic have made many men choose it in the first place over any other drug that can work in the same manner.
Viagra dosage information
This medicine is available in the tablet form with dosage strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100mg. The dose can be raised to a maximum of 100 mg and can be lowered to a minimum of 25 mg depending on the ability of the man and his sexual potency. The usual recommended dosage strength of Viagra is 50 mg. Men having kidney or liver impairment or those who are older than 65 years should take 25 mg dosage of this pill. For some men, the 25 mg dose of the pill showed no improvement in the erection but it did help in reducing the post-ejaculatory refractory time.
How often can one take Viagra?
Viagra needs to be taken in only as needed basis. Usually, physicians insist men take Viagra an hour or half before having any sexual activity. It can also be taken four hours ahead of having sexual intercourse. Do not take more than one pill per day. The pill works in the body only if there is sexual stimulation and erection does not occur just by taking the pill. Those taking Viagra for PAH, take 25 mg three times a day and the dosage difference should be four to six hours apart.
What to do if one accidently overdosed on Viagra?
Take Viagra tablets exactly as prescribed by the physician. If you have consumed too much of the pill, immediately rush to any of the nearest hospitals and get yourself treated. You can also call any poison helpline or toll-free medical help center to intimate the concerned department about the overdose of Viagra. Symptoms of overdose include nausea, dizziness, fainting, irregular or uneven heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest pain, problems in hearing. Be cautious while taking this pill. Since you take Viagra hours ahead of having sex, you might forget that you have already taken one and might take another dose. So remember the time when you have taken Viagra so as to not overdose.
How to store Viagra pills safely?
You should store this drug always at room temperature and away from heat, light, and moisture. Since these pills are very effective and chemically affect the reactions in the male reproductive organ, it should not be given to any other person who does not have ED problem. Keep it out of reach of children. Do not stock it in places like kitchen or washroom as there areas are high in humidity that can decrease the effectiveness of the drug. Store it safe with the label visible so that it does not get mixed up with other medicines that can confuse you for which one to take.
How quick is Viagra?
Viagra begins its course of action in about half an hour or immediately upon consumption. It can work at the same pace irrespective of taking Viagra with or without food. It might take a bit longer for the pill to work if it is taken along with some high-fat meals like French fries or cheese burger. With sexual stimulation, Viagra is quick to work anytime for up to four hours from its time of intake.
Precautions to take before using Viagra
Do not take this medicine if you are using nitrate drug for treating heart ailments and chest pain. Doing so can result in severe deterioration of health and can also lead to decreased blood pressure. If you are allergic to this drug or to its ingredients, do not take this drug. If you are taking any other medicine to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, refrain yourself from taking this tablet. It should not be given to those who are under 18 except under medical advice. Speak to your doctor to know about the various health conditions you might be suffering from and also check if you can take Viagra.
Drugs that interact with Viagra
If you are taking any other medicines while taking Viagra, notify your doctor about the same. Do not take it with similar medicines like avanafil, Cialis or Levitra. Keep your doctor informed if you are taking any over the counter pill, other medical treatment, prescription drugs or any other natural or herbal supplements. Certain medications that have been mentioned below can easily interact with this drug, so do not mix with any of these combinations:
- Anti-fungal pills like itraconazole, ketoconazole
- Medications that treat high blood pressure or prostate disorder
- Drugs that treat HIV or AIDS like ritonavir, atazanavir, saquinavir or indinavir
- Antibiotic medicines like clarithromycin, erythromycin or telithromycin
What are the side effects of taking Viagra?
Take Viagra pills exactly as your health care professional has advised to you. Consuming too much of it can lead to overdose and very serious complications in the body. Avoid drinking alcohol when you are on medical course with Viagra as it can result in many side effects in the body. Similarly, grapefruit or grapefruit juice products should also be avoided in order to escape from unfavorable side effects of Viagra. You might experience allergic reactions like hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat or breathing difficulties when using Viagra.
The less and common side effects are:
- A headache, muscle pain, back ache
- Changes in vision i.e. blurred or colored vision
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness, stuffy nose
- Flushing or tingling feeling
Rare Side effects
Some of the rare side effects of taking Viagra are:
- Symptoms of heart attack like chest pain, pressure in the heart
- Nausea, vomiting, sweating
- Seizures or convulsion
- Swelling in the hands, feet or ankles
If you experience a sudden loss of vision, sudden loss of hearing, a painful penile erection or erection that lasts longer than four hours, seek medical intervention immediately.