Viagra (sildenafil) is a medication used to manage erectile dysfunction (ED). According to MedlinePlus, a health information database run by the National Library of Medicine, Viagra belongs to a class of medicines called phosphodiesterase inhibitors. It relaxes the blood vessels in the penis, subsequently allowing more blood to flow to it. This results in an erection. Typically, you will take 50mg of Viagra as needed one hour prior to sexual activity.
Common Side Effects
In a placebo-controlled study of 734 patients, the National Library of Medicine says that 16 percent of the studied patients developed a headache, 10 percent experienced flushing, 7 percent experienced dyspepsia (indigestion) and 4 percent had nasal congestion. Additionally, 3 percent developed a urinary tract infection, visual problems and diarrhea. Viagra causes dizziness and a rash in 2 percent of the subjects. Inform your doctor when these side effects remain for approximately four to five days.
Serious Side Effects
According to MedlinePlus, Viagra may cause such potentially fatal effects as shortness of breath and chest pain. It may also cause such bothersome effects as fainting, blurry vision, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), priapism (a prolonged erection that lasts for more than four hours), painful urination, dizziness and sudden visual loss. Inform your doctor immediately when these effects develop.
Additional Concerns
Do not take Viagra if you are allergic to sildenafil. You may develop such life-threatening side effects as hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of your face, tongue, throat or lips.
Avoid combining Viagra with nitrate medications, as this may lead to hypotension (low blood pressure).
Do not take Viagra if you have congestive heart failure, a stomach ulcer, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, or blood problems. Viagra may exacerbate these conditions.
Avoid combining Viagra with such medications as cimetidine, isoniazid, enoxacin, imitanib, diclofenac, rifampin and isoniazid, says Drugs.com. Combining Viagra with these medications may cause the aforementioned side effects.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Viagra. The combination may lead to the aforementioned side effects.
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