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Viagra
Directions For Use
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Viagra
Directions - Specifics
Generic
Name: Sildenafil citrate
Viagra
is the first oral drug for male impotence. It works by dilating blood
vessels in the penis, allowing the inflow of blood needed for an erection.
Viagra
causes erections only during sexual excitement. It does not work in
the absence of arousal.
Viagra
Directions - Precautions
If you
have heart problems severe enough to make sexual activity a danger,
you should avoid using Viagra. Use it cautiously---if at all---if you've
had a heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening heart irregularities
within the past 6 months.
Be equally
cautious if you have severe high or low blood pressure, heart failure,
or unstable angina (crushing heart pain that occurs at any time).
If you
take Viagra and develop cardiac symptoms (for example, dizziness, nausea,
and chest pain) during sexual activity, do not continue. Alert your
doctor to the problem as soon as possible.
If you
have a condition that might result in long-lasting erections, such as
sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma (a disease of the bone marrow),
or leukemia, use Viagra with caution.
Also use
cautiously if you have a genital problem or deformity such as Peyronie''s
disease. If an erection lasts more than 4 hours, seek treatment immediately.
Permanent damage and impotence could result.
If you
have a bleeding disorder, a stomach ulcer, or the inherited eye condition
known as retinitis pigmentosa, use this medication with caution. Viagra's
safety under these circumstances has not yet been studied.
Remember
that Viagra offers no protection from transmission of sexually transmitted
diseases, such as HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
This drug
is not for use by women. Its effects during pregnancy have not been
studied.
Viagra
Directions - Specifics
Taking
Viagra approximately 1 hour before sexual activity works best for most
men. Depending on how and when the drug works for you, an interval of
one-half hour to as much as 4 hours may prove ideal.
Viagra
is not for regular use. Take it only before sexual activity.
Do
not take Viagra if you are taking any nitrate-based drug, including
nitroglycerin patches (Nitro-Dur, Transderm-Nitro), nitroglycerin ointment
(Nitro-Bid, Nitrol), nitroglycerin pills (Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat), and
isosorbide pills (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate). Combining Viagra
with these drugs can cause a severe drop in blood pressure.
If Viagra
gives you an allergic reaction, do not use it again. Side effects cannot
be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor
as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for
you to continue taking Viagra.
More common
side effects may include:
Abnormal
vision (color tinge, blurring, sensitivity to light),acid indigestion,
diarrhea, flushing, headache, nasal congestion, urinary tract infection
Less common
to rare side effects may include:
Abdominal
pain,abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, allergic reactions, anxiety,
asthma, bloodshot eyes, bone pain, breast enlargement, cataracts, chest
pain, chills,coordination problems, cough,depression, difficulty breathing,
difficulty swallowing, dilated pupils, dizziness, drowsiness, dry eyes,
dry mouth, emotional or mental disturbances, eye inflammation or pain,
other eye disorders, fainting,falling, genital problems, gout, gum inflammation,
heart problems, increased night-time urination, increased pressure in
the eyes, insomnia, itchy skin, joint disease, light sensitivity, loss
of bladder control (urinary incontinence), low blood pressure, migraine
headache, muscle ache, numbness, oral inflammation, pain, painful erection,
prolonged erection, raised skin patches, rapid or throbbing heartbeat,
rectal bleeding, respiratory inflammation, ringing in the ears, seizure,
sinus and throat inflammation, skin rash, skin ulcer, slow reflexes,
stomach or intestinal inflammation, sweating, swelling, thirst, tremor,
vomiting, weakness.
Heart attack,
stroke, heart irregularities, dangerous surges in blood pressure, and
sudden death have all been reported after use of Viagra, usually in
men with existing cardiac risk factors, and typically during or shortly
after sex.
In giving
Viagra directions, it should be noted that if Viagra is taken with
certain other drugs, the effects of either could
be
increased,
decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your
doctor before combining Viagra with the following:
- Other
impotence remedies including Caverject and Muse
- Amlodipine
(Norvasc) Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Erythromycin
(E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, PCE) Itraconazole (Sporanox)
- Ketoconazole
(Nizoral) Nitrates such as Isordil, Nitro-Bid, and Nitro-Dur
- Rifampin
(Rifadin, Rimactane) Ritonavir (Norvir)
- Saquinavir
(Fortovase, Invirase)
Doses
range from 25 milligrams to 100 milligrams, depending on the drug''s
effect. The usual dose is 50 milligrams.
If you
are over 65, have liver or kidney problems, or are taking erythromycin,
ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, or saquinavir a dose of 25 milligrams
may be sufficient. Your doctor will adjust the dosage if the drug is
not working properly for you.
Viagra
Directions: Final Note
Take Viagra
only before sexual activity. The manufacturer recommends a maximum
of
1 dose per day (1 dose every 2 days for those taking ritonavir).
No overdose
of Viagra has been reported. However, any medication taken in excess
can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical
attention immediately.
Store at
room temperature.
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