What is Viagra for?

Viagra (sildenafil) is the most popular erectile dysfunction medication used for males that experience temporary or constant erection problems. Erectile dysfunction is a condition that may be caused by a wide range of factors, from physical to psychological. Viagra helps to treat the problem no matter what the reason is. It comes in different dosages to suit the needs of every patient without causing side effects, the lowest one being 25 mg of the active ingredient sildenafil. To make sure you get the most out of your Viagra treatment, you will need to follow all the recommendations of your health care provider, or if you chose not to see one, those on the label of the medicine.

How does Viagra work?

Viagra works by stimulating blood flow to the tissues of the penis, helping them expand and leading to a harder erection that can be maintained for as long as necessary to complete sexual intercourse. It also prevents the blood from escarping back into the body. Once the intercourse is finished, the erection disappears in the way it usually does.

What to consider before starting the treatment

Before you start the treatment, it's best to talk to a qualified health care professional to learn if you have any contraindications. For instance, you will not be able to use Viagra or any other erectile dysfunction treatments if you are using nitrate drugs, as a sudden drop in blood pressure resulting from the interactions may cause a stroke or a heart attack. You are also supposed to discuss with your doctor any medical conditions you have, or check to see if they are on the list of conditions likely to affect the success of your treatment. The following medical conditions are to be reported and considered in advance: liver disease, stomach ulcer, heart rhythm problems, high or low blood pressure, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, bleeding disorder, blood cell disorder, coronary artery disease, heart disease, and retinitis pigmentosa.

How is Viagra taken?

Viagra is supposed to be taken as needed, but not more often than every 24 hours. Taking this drug more often will not make it more efficient and may cause worsened side effects. Therefore, it's best to follow the directions on the label or those provided by your doctor. Each dose of generic Viagra has to be taken with a full glass of water about 60 minutes prior to sexual activity. Some sexual stimulation is required for the medicine to work. The effects of Viagra last for 4 to 5 hours, although this period may vary for different individuals depending on certain factors. Drinking alcohol is not recommended, as some of Viagra side effects may be worsened.

Generic Viagra safety precautions

If you experience nausea, dizziness, as well as numbness, pain or ringing in your chest, arms, neck or jaw, make sure you stop the sexual activity and call your health care provider as soon as possible. This may be a very serious side effect of Viagra; it occurs in a very small number of patients.

Some side effects Viagra can cause

Serious side effects of Viagra are unlikely but still possible, and you need to be aware of the possibility. The following are some of the serious side effects some patients reported: vision changes, sudden vision loss, chest pain, nausea, sweating, swelling, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or ringing in your ears. However, in most cases, generic Viagra causes just a few mild side effects or no side effects at all. The following are some commonly reported side effects that tend to go away on their own in most cases without affecting your everyday activities in any way: back pain, headache, warmth or redness in your face, neck or chest, stuffy nose, memory problems, and upset stomach.

Some drugs Viagra can interact with

Some drugs you are using may cause interactions with generic Viagra and affect the result of your treatment. The following medications will need to be discussed with your health care provider before you start using this medicine to make sure no interactions occur: imatinib, antibiotics, cimetidine, antifungal medications, HIV/AIDS medicine, isoniazid, conivaptan, diclofenac, rifampin, heart or blood pressure medications, bosentan, or antidepressants. If there are any other prescription or over-the-counter products you are taking or are planning on taking, please tell your doctor about them as well.