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Sildenafil
Brand
Name: Viagra
Most
Common Medical Uses
Viagra
is used to treat male sexual function problems (erection dsyfunction).
It allows increased blood to flow into the penis, necessary to achieve
and maintain an erection.
How
to Take This Medication
Depending
upon the individual, Viagra is taken by mouth between four hours
and up to one-half hour before sexual activity (about one hour before
is most effective). Take only as directed. The manufacturer recommends
one dose per day. Viagra causes erections only during sexual excitement.
It does not work in the absence of arousal.
Possible
Side Effects
Serious
side effects could include: shortness of breath, difficulty breathing,
dizziness, or an allergic reaction (swelling of the throat, lips,
tongue or face). If these effects are present, seek medical attention
immediately. Less serious side effects include: Headache, flushing,
stomach upset, nasal stuffiness, diarrhea and dizziness. If these
effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Precautions
Before
using Viagra, tell your doctor your medical history, including any
allergies (especially drug allergies), any penis conditions such
as fibrosis/scarring, history of painful/prolonged erection (priapism),
sickle cell anemia, blood system cancers (such as leukemia or myeloma),
or Peyronie's disease, eye problems (retina diseases). kidney or
liver disease, bleeding disorders or active stomach ulcers, heart
diseases, stroke or severe high or low blood pressure. Limit alcohol
intake, as it may aggravate side effects of this drug. To avoid
dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying
position, get up slowly. The elderly may be more sensitive to the
side effects of this drug; therefore, caution is advised in this
group.
Drug
Interactions
Tell
your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you
may use, especially any nitrate medications (e.g., nitroglycerin,
isosorbide dinitrate), nitroprusside (any "nitric oxide donor"
medicines), cimetidine, erythromycin, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole,
ketoconazole), mibefradil, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin), high blood
pressure medicines, any other drug used to treat impotence, such
as alprostadil (Caverject, Muse, Edex) or yohimbine (Yocon, Yodoxin,
others);
Missed
Dose
Viagra
is not for regular use. Take it only before sexual activity.
Storage
Store
at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C)
away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out
of the reach of children.
Notes
Do
not share Viagra with others, since they may have a problem that
is not effectively treated by this drug. Use of this drug does not
protect against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis
B, gonorrhea).
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