Viagra
sexual dysfunction
USES:
Viagra prescription medicine causes erections
only during sexual excitement. It does not
work in the absence of arousal.
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.
HOW
TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION:
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). 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.
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.
PRECAUTIONS:
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.
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.
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: Other
impotence remedies including Caverject and
Muse
| Amlodipine
(Norvasc) |
Cimetidine
(Tagamet) |
| Erythromycin
(E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, PCE) |
Itraconazole
(Sporanox) |
| Ketoconazole
(Nizoral) |
Nitrates
such as Isordil, Nitro-Bid, and Nitro-Dur |
| Rifampin
(Rifadin, Rimactane) |
Ritonavir
(Norvir) |
| Saquinavir
(Fortovase, Invirase) |
NOTES:
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.
OVER
DOSE: 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.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose... Viagra is not for
regular use. Take it only before sexual
activity.
STORAGE:
Storage instructions... Store at room
temperature.
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