| Viagra (sildenafil) is an oral therapy taken for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in males. The drug was initially introduced to cure vascular problems and forestall heart attacks. Later on it was found out that the pills could widen blood vessels.
Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is a condition when the penis does not become firmer and larger when a male is sexually excited, or when he cannot sustain an erection. Viagra may help a male suffering from ED achieve and maintain an erection when he is sexually excited. Viagra is developed for males only and must be taken if prescribed by a general practitioner.
An erection is the result of an increase in blood inflow into the pelvic area and particularly to the penis. Viagra relaxes the walls of the penile area during sexual stimulation, so blood flow to the organ soars.
When taken orally on an empty stomach, maximal drug concentration in blood is observed within 30 to 120 minutes after administration.
The effects of Viagra can last up to 4 hours, but the response reduces with time. When taken with high fat products, the potency of the medication goes down.
As well as other prescription medications, Viagra can bring on adverse side effects in some males. The most usually reported side effects in males taken Viagra are headaches, upset stomach, diarrhea, giddiness, facial flushing, temporary visual changes (color perception changes, light perception changes and blurred vision).
The medication is contraindicated in males with heart problems, physical deformities of the penis, in men predisposed to prolonged erections triggered by sickle cell disease, plasma cell myeloma (a type of cancer), leukemia, liver problems (in particularly severe liver disorders), kidney problems and in males taking certain medications used for HIV or those over 65. Deaths have occurred during sex in men using the medication.
If taken with other medications (nitrate or nitroglycerin heart medications), Viagra can result in serious decrease in blood pressure, which can be life-threatening. Hence, before taking the drug, consult your doctor about possible drug-to-drug interactions. |
