Viagra Information
Sunday, February 3rd, 2008 Why is viagra prescribed?
Viagra (Sildenafil) is used to treat impotence in men. Viagra increases the body’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation.
Viagra is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should viagra be used properly?
Sildenafil (Viagra) comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It should be taken as needed about 1 hour before sexual activity. However, sildenafil can be taken anytime from 4 hours to 30 minutes before sexual activity. Sildenafil should not be taken more than once a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take sildenafil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
What special precautions should I follow when using viagra?
Before taking sildenafil, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sildenafil or any other drugs, tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amlodipine (Norvasc) or other medications for high blood pressure, cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), erythromycin, HIV protease inhibitors such as ritonavir (Norvir) and saquinavir (Invirase), isosorbide (Imdur, Ismo, Isordil, and others), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), nitroglycerin (Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat, and others), other medications to treat impotence, phenobarbital, rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane),and vitamin, . tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a bleeding disorder; heart, kidney, or liver disease; a heart attack; irregular heartbeats; angina; a stroke; high or low blood pressure; sickle cell anemia; multiple myeloma; leukemia; conditions affecting the shape of the penis (e.g., angulation, cavernosal fibrosa, or Peyronie’s disease); or a condition known as retinitis pigmentosa.
If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you take sildenafil. Tell your doctor if you use amyl nitrate, amyl nitrite, or butyl nitrate.
What side effects can viagra cause?
Although side effects from viagra are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: dizziness or lightheadedness, nasal congestion (stuffiness), (feeling of warmth), breast enlargement ,changes in vision, upset stomach, headache and .
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:prolonged erection (longer than 4 hours), itching or burning during urination, painful erection, chest pain or rash.
What storage conditions are needed for viagra?
Always keep the viagra in the same container it came in. Make sure it is tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture; do not store this medication in the bathroom.
Always be sure to dispose of any viagra that is no longer needed or outdated. Be sure to ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What do I do in case of emergency or a viagra overdose?
In case of a viagra overdose, be sure to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is not breathing or has collapsed, dial 911 for local emergency services.
What other information should I know about viagra?
Keep all appointments with your doctor. Sildenafil is not effective in preventing the spread of AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only; please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you.
