What is Viagra?

Viagra belongs to a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE 5) inhibitors and is prescribed to men with erectile dysfunction. When men become sexually stimulated, the penis becomes engorged with blood to produce an erection. This causes nitric oxide to be released and activates a substance called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which is responsible for controlling blood vessel size. The active ingredient in Viagra, called sildenafil citrate, blocks the destruction of cGMP so there is greater blood flow to the penis and an erection is attained and sustained. Viagra is ineffective without sexual stimulation as the nitric oxide is an essential component in achieving and maintaining an erection. Viagra is taken orally approximately 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity.

The generic alternative of Viagra, called Sildenafil, is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product. 

Conditions treated by Viagra

Viagra helps men with erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the inability to get and keep an erection. ED is usually the result of one or more physical factors. These may include age, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol, clogged blood vessels, sleep disorders, and hypertension. Psychological factors such as anxiety, stress, and depression can also cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. If you experience the inability to reach and sustain an erection, talk to your doctor to find out if Viagra can help you. Viagra can be used in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes to help manage and prevent physical and psychological causes of ED. 

Sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in Viagra, is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which is a rare type of high blood pressure.

What to know before taking Viagra

• Tell your doctor about any existing conditions you have. Inform your doctor of any medications you take, including non-prescription medication, vitamins, and supplements.
• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Viagra or Sildenafil generic. It could lead to unwanted side effects by blocking certain enzymes in the wall of your small intestine, which can increase the amount of drug in your bloodstream.
• The efficacy of Viagra can be negatively affected if you split the pill as a way of making your prescription last longer.
• You should not increase your Sildenafil or Viagra dosage without talking to your doctor first as this could increase your risk of Viagra side effects.
• Do not take Viagra more than once a day.
• Let your physician know if you experience any side effects while using Viagra.

Possible Viagra side effects

As with all prescription drugs, there are potential side effects of Viagra.

These may include:

• Upset stomach
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Light-headed feeling
• Ringing in your ears
• Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet
• Flushing or redness in your face, neck, or chest

If you experience any side effects of Viagra, notify your doctor immediately.