Viagra consumer information

Millions of men from all around the globe have enjoyed the benefits of Viagra (sildenafil citrate). It is easy to take, quick-action and extremely efficient in letting you have longer and more pleasurable sex sessions. You need to take a pill 30-60 minutes before sex and its erection-inducing effects last for about 4 hours. When you take the medicine as instructed, it lowers your chances of experiencing any major side effects.

An overview of Viagra

Made and marketed by Pfizer Inc., Viagra sildenafil is an orally administered medicine for treating male impotence. It belongs to a family of specially formulated drugs known as phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. These drugs are unique because they can selectively block the action of a chemical (PDE-5) which is found primarily in the penis. By blocking the action of PDE-5 enzymes, Viagra can help in retaining the levels of an erection-friendly chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This chemical, on instructions sent by the brain, can dilate the penile arteries and increase blood flow to the penis to produce an erection.

How to take Viagra

You should swallow a sildenafil pill with a glass of water 30-60 minutes prior to sexual activity. Its erection-inducing effect can last for about 4 hours, which means that you can indulge in foreplay and build up the tempo before having intercourse. When taken under medical supervision, Viagra can help you have stronger and longer lasting erections on sexual stimulation. Do not take this medicine more than once in a 24-hour period.

Missed dose information

Viagra is an as-needed medicine for treating erectile dysfunction, meaning that you need to take a pill only when you want to have sex. So there is no way you can "miss" a dose. However, if this medicine is prescribed for any health condition other than erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor about what you should do in case of a missed dose.

Side effects

Commonly reported side effects of Viagra include headache, facial flushing, dizziness and stomach upset. Should you get any unexpected side effect not mentioned here, stop taking Viagra and talk with your doctor immediately.

Rarely reported Viagra side effects include blurred or bluish vision, hearing problems, and priapism (a medical condition characterised by a prolonged and painful erection, often lasting for up to 4 hours).

Precautions and warnings

Not all men suffering from erection problems are eligible to take sildenafil citrate. There are certain health conditions which may preclude you from taking the medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Heart diseases
• Liver or kidney problems
• Hypertension/hypotension
• Any blood disorder, including sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia

Also let your doctor know about your present and past medicinal profile in detail. Viagra is inadvisable with medicines such as nitrates (amyl and butyl), nitrites and alpha blockers. So it is imperative that your doctor should be aware of all the medicines, prescription or otherwise, that you are taking or have taken in the recent past.