Viagra

Viagra is the most popular generic drug used to treat erectile dysfunction in men.

Indications

Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunctions, which are defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection of the penis, which is necessary for successful sexual intercourse.

Mechanism of action

The active ingredient of the drug – sildenafil – restores reduced erectile function, increasing blood flow to the penis. The mechanism of action is based on the release of nitric oxide in the cavernous bodies at the time of sexual arousal. Free nitric oxide activates the guanylate cyclase enzyme, stimulating an increase in cGMP, which causes relaxation of the smooth muscle fibers of the corpora cavernosa and an increase in blood flow.

Contraindications

Do not take Viagra if you have any of the following conditions/diseases:

  • allergy to sildenafil;
  • allergy to auxiliary components;
  • the use of nitric oxide donor preparations (e.g. amyl nitrite) or nitrates;
  • sexual activity is not recommended to you (severe heart failure, unstable angina);
  • loss of vision in one eye due to non-arterial anterior ischemic neuropathy of the optic nerve;
  • severe liver dysfunction;
  • arterial hypotension (blood pressure below 90/50 mm Hg);
  • a recent stroke, myocardial infarction;
  • hereditary degenerative changes in the retina (for example, retinitis pigmentosa);
  • children under 18 years old.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The drug is not intended for use in women.

Dosage and administration

Viagra is taken orally. The pill is taken an hour before sexual activity. To get the desired effect, a man should be sexually aroused.

The recommended single dose of the drug is 50 mg (preferably taken on an empty stomach). The maximum recommended daily dose is 100 mg.

Overdose

Possible symptoms: visual impairment, headache, flushing, dyspepsia, dizziness, nasal congestion.

In case of an overdose, standard supportive measures are required

Side effects

  • Neurological disorders: headache, flushing, migraine, ataxia, tremor, weakening reflexes, neuralgia, paresthesia, hypesthesia, depression, fainting, insomnia/drowsiness, dizziness;
  • Ophthalmic disorders: visual impairment (hypersensitivity to light, a change in color perception, blurred vision), conjunctivitis, mydriasis, cataracts, hemorrhages in the eyeball, pain in the eyeballs, xerophthalmia;
  • Otolaryngological disorders: deafness, tinnitus;
  • Respiratory disorders: nasal congestion, pharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, dyspnea, increased cough, increased sputum, bronchial asthma;
  • Cardiovascular disorders: arterial hypotension, tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, palpitations, angina pectoris, myocardial ischemia, cardiomyopathy,
  • ECG changes, heart failure, AV block, cerebral vascular thrombosis, cardiac arrest;
  • Hematologic disorders: anemia, leukopenia;
  • Gastrointestinal disorders: glossitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, dry mouth, nausea, dysphagia, esophagitis, gastritis, colitis, gastroenteritis, rectal bleeding;
  • Metabolic disorders: thirst, hyperuricemia, hypernatremia, gout, labile diabetes, hyper- / hypoglycemia;
  • Genitourinary disorders: urinary tract infections, nocturia, cystitis, frequent urination, urinary incontinence, anorgasmia, impaired ejaculation, gynecomastia, genital edema;
  • Musculoskeletal disorders: arthritis, myalgia, arthrosis, tendon rupture, myasthenia gravis, synovitis, tendosynovitis;
  • Dermatological disorders: contact dermatitis, rash, urticaria, pruritus; herpes simplex, skin ulceration, exfoliative dermatitis, photosensitivity;
  • Other: peripheral edema, pain, sweating, chills, shock, allergic reactions.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The drug is not intended for use in women.

Special instructions

Undergo a comprehensive examination of the body to make sure there are no diseases that are contraindicated for the use of Viagra. This will help protect you from unwanted consequences.

Do not use Viagra with alcoholic beverages. Alcohol increases the intensity of side effects. If you want to combine sexual intercourse with alcohol, pay attention to other drugs to increase potency that can be combined with alcohol (eg. Viagra Soft).

Sildenafil does not affect the functioning of the central nervous system and reaction rate. The exception is individual body reactions in the form of drowsiness, headache and dizziness. If you have these effects, you must refrain from driving and working with complex mechanisms.

The negative consequences of taking sildenafil pills are rare and short-term. If you have any severe or long-lasting negative reactions after taking the drug, stop taking it and consult a specialist. Timely consultation with a doctor will help you find the best drug that improves the quality of your sex life.

Older men require individual dose adjustment downward.

A positive result from the use of the drug is achieved only under the condition of sexual arousal. The duration of the effect is individual.