Viagra is a pharmaceutical product manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. that is meant to be a non-surgical alternative to treating erectile dysfunction, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Viagra dilates the blood vessels of the penis in order to ensure erection, explains Drugs.com. Viagra received approval for sale as prescription medication from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1998. Like all forms of medication, Viagra use carries benefits as well as possible risks.
Eye Problems
People with preexisting eye problems should avoid taking Viagra, notes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The use of Viagra may further exacerbate eye conditions such as blurred vision or light sensitivity, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. In some cases Viagra may even cause vision loss or further impair vision. As such, it is advisable for patients with eye problems to refrain from using Viagra.
Pregnancy
Viagra is generally meant to be taken by men. It is highly inadvisable for women to take Viagra, notes Drugs.com. This is especially true for women who are pregnant or breast feeding. There is no data regarding Viagra's effect on human embryonic development or whether the medication can be excreted in breast milk. As such, Viagra should not be taken by pregnant or breast feeding women.
Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke
Viagra use can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes during sexual intercourse, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is highly inadvisable for patients who have preexisting heart conditions to take Viagra, notes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Blood Pressure Problems
People with blood pressure problems should avoid taking Viagra, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Viagra generally lowers blood pressure; however, this may be detrimental to people with blood pressure problems. Seeking advice from a medical professional to determine whether Viagra can have a detrimental effect on blood pressure during sexual intercourse is highly recommended.
Interaction with Other Medications
Viagra may react adversely to other medications that are nitrate-based such as nitroglycerin patches and isosorbide drugs, notes Drugs.com. The interaction between Viagra and these forms of medication may result in a severe decline in blood pressure. As such, taking Viagra is highly inadvisable.
Sustained Erection
Viagra use results in a condition known as priapism, notes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Priapism is essentially a painful erection lasting more than four hours. Such prolonged erections can cause permanent damage to the penis, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. If Viagra use results in priapism, it is highly advisable to seek immediate medical advice and cease using Viagra.
