Sildenafil belongs to a group of medications called as phosphodiesterase inhibitors which increase the blood flow to the penis during sexual activity which results in an erection. Viagra is a brand name for sildenafil which is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. However, it will not work without sexual stimulation.

Viagra is not an Over-the-counter medicine. It can be purchased only if it is prescribed by your physician to treat erectile dysfunction problems. Do not take this medication along with other products that contain sildenafil or other medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction.Viagra is also used to treat Raynaud’s diseases and so is called as “off-label”.

Risks of using Viagra:

• Do not consume Viagra if you are taking nitrate medicines. If these two combines, then it can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure causing a heart attack or stroke.
• Alpha blockers such as Hytrin and Flomax also cause a drop in blood pressure.
• Make sure if you are healthy to have sex before you take Viagra. Talk to your doctor about your heart problems and heart rhythms as sex puts extra strain on your heart.

Viagra for women:

The Food and Drug Association has not approved Viagra as a treatment for erectile dysfunction in women, but studies show that it can boost sexual arouse in women as well.

However, women taking Viagra should tell their doctor if she is pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Viagra is in FDA Pregnancy category B, which means it will have no effect on the fetus. However, no studies have proved this on women.

How to use Viagra:

• Read the patient leaflet thoroughly and if you have any doubts ask your doctor or the pharmacist.
• Do not have more than one Viagra a day.
• Take a pill before 30 minutes of sexual intercourse but not more than 4 hours.
• Taking a pill just one hour before the sexual activity is even more effective.

The dosage is based on your medications, response to treatment and other general health.

Viagra and its side effects:

Any medication will have its own side effects on the human body. the Viagra which is meant to treat erectile dysfunction also has severe side effects on human health. The common side effects include:

• Headache
• Stomach upset
• Indigestion
• Nasal congestion
• Back pain
• Abnormal vision
• Flushing in the face, neck, and chest
• Muscular pain or tenderness
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Skin rashes
• Diarrhea

Serious side effects of Viagra include:

• Change or loss of vision
• Ringing in ears or hearing loss
• Lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in hands, ankles, and feet

Once you experience any of these side effects, stop taking Viagra and immediately consult your doctor.

Viagra and drug interactions:

Do not take Viagra f you are taking the following medicines. The list consists of:

• Antibiotics
• Antifungal infections
• Heart or blood pressure medications
• Hepatitis C
• HIV/AIDS medicines
• Tuberculosis medications

However, taking Viagra will not prevent or protect one from any of the sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS.

For further queries regarding viagra, you may consult sexologist online at Free doctor helpline.