| Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a prescription medication taken orally for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. The drug was initially invented to cure heart diseases and preclude heart attacks. Later on it was found out that the medication could relax blood vessels.
Impotence, also called erectile dysfunction) is a medical condition when the penis does not harden and engorge when a male is sexually aroused, or when he cannot maintain an erection. Viagra may help a man with ED achieve and maintain an erection during sexual arousal. Viagra is intended for men only and must be taken as recommended by a doctor.
An erection is the result of an increase in blood inflow into the sex organs and particularly to the penis. The drug works by relaxing the walls of the penis during sexual stimulation, so blood flow to the organ increases.
When taken orally before a meal, maximal drug concentration in blood is reported within 30 to 120 minutes after administration.
Viagra can efficient up to 4 hours, but the response decreases with time. When taken with high fat products, the effectiveness of the drug decreases.
Like other prescription drugs, Viagra can trigger adverse side effects in some people. The most frequently reported side effects in men treated with Viagra are headaches, stomach ache, diarrhea, lightheadedness, redness in face, neck and/or chest, temporary visual changes (color perception changes, light perception changes and blurred vision).
Viagra is contraindicated in men with heart problems, anatomical malformations of the penis, in men with a predisposition to extended erections caused by sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma (a type of cancer), leukemia, liver and kidney problems, in males taking certain medications for HIV, in those over 65, in men having a recent history of a cardiac attack, stroke or heart rhythm disorder. There have been cases when males using the pill died during sexual activity.
If taken with other medications (nitrate or nitroglycerin heart medications), Viagra can trigger serious drop in blood pressure, which can be life-threatening. So, before taking the drug, talk to your medical practitioner about potential drug-to-drug interactions. |
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