Sexual Health // Viagra (sildenafil)
Viagra is the first and most popular oral drug treatment for erectile dysfunction
(impotence).
Viagra does not cure erectile dysfunction; rather, each use of Viagra
helps the patient have an erection for a while afterwards.
How Viagra Is Used
The patient takes one pill of Viagra at least 60 minutes and no more than 4
hours before beginning sexual activities (Viagra remains active in the blood for about
4 hours after it is taken). Viagra shouldn't be used more than once a day.
Dosage varies: some patients require the 100mg pill while some are helped by
the 50mg pill. Higher dosages of Viagra do not have a noticeably stronger effect, but
might result in stronger side effects; therefore it is recommended that each patient
take the lowest dosage that works for him.
How Viagra Works
The active ingredient in Viagra, called sildenafil, helps increase blood flow to
the penis by relaxing related muscles. Many cases of erectile dysfunction involve
insufficient blood flow to the penis.
Who Should and Shouldn't Use Viagra
Viagra is approved for use by adult men only. Its use in women, though
much discussed in popular media, has not yet been tested for either effectivity
or side effects and is therefore considered unsafe.
Viagra should not be used by men with heart problems or by men who have
any sort of medical condition that makes it dangerous for them to have sex.
For further precautions, please consult your doctor.
Other Important Notes
Side effects of Viagra are usually mild. One curious side effect involves blurry
or blue-tinged vision; this side-effect goes away after a while and shouldn't worry you.
Like most drugs, Viagra may interact chemically with certain other substances
in a way that impedes the effectivity of either drug or creates dangerous side-effects.
Tell your doctor of any drugs you are using before you start taking Viagra.
More Information
Viagra is manufactured by Pfizer. For more information, see the official
website for Viagra or the Pfizer company website.
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