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VIAGRA FAQs and Information |
What is Viagra used for?
Viagra is used to treat impotence in men. Viagra increases the body's ability to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation. Viagra does not protect you from getting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
Who should not take Viagra?
Men who are currently using medicines that contain nitrates, such as nitroglycerin should not use Viagra because taken together they can lower the blood pressure too much. Viagra should not be used by women or children.
General Precautions with Viagra:
- You should have a complete medical history and exam to determine the cause of your impotence before taking Viagra.
- Men who have medical conditions that may cause a sustained erection such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia or multiple myeloma or who have an abnormally shaped penis may not be able to take Viagra.
- There are several medications that are known to interact with Viagra, so be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking including those you can get without a prescription.
- Viagra has not been studied with other treatments for impotence, so use in combination with other treatments is not recommended.
How should I take Viagra?
Your healthcare provider may prescribe Viagra as one tablet once a day, about 1 hour before sexual activity. However, Viagra may be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity.
What are some possible side effects of Viagra?
(This list is NOT a complete list of side effects reported with Viagra. Your healthcare provider can discuss with you a more complete list of side effects.)
Viagra is generally well tolerated. If any side effects are experienced, they are usually mild and temporary. The following is a listing of the most common side effects:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Upset stomach
- Stuffy nose
- Urinary tract infection
- Visual changes such as mild and temporary changes in blue/green colors or increased sensitivity to light.
- Diarrhea
Using Viagra with other Medicines
Always discuss with your health care practitioner ALL of the medications you are taking (prescription and over-the-counter). In that way, you can receive the best advice for your own situation. At present, Viagra is not recommended for people taking commonly prescribed short- and long-acting nitrates because the combination may lower blood pressure.
List of Nitrates available in the US
Illicit Substances Containing Organic Nitrates
e.g., amyl nitrate or nitrite (It is known that amyl nitrate or nitrite is sometimes abused. In abused situations, amyl nitrate or nitrite may be known by various names, including "poppers.")