Reviewed by Dr Yasmin Aghajan, MD
Information last reviewed 07/17/19
Viagra (Sildenafil) is a type of erectile dysfunction treatment known as a PDE-5 inhibitor. Viagra comes in the form of a blue and rounded-diamond-shaped tablet that can be supplied at the concentrations of 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg for oral administration (by mouth).
Viagra, also known under the generic name Sildenafil, is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in adult men. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is characterized by a repetitive inability to get or maintain an erection firm and long enough to have sexual intercourse because not enough blood flows to the penis during sexual stimulation, which prevents the erection from occuring.
ED affects about 30 million men in the U.S. and can be a sign of stress or relationship problems, but can also be linked to other health problems that need medical attention. Treatment for ED will depend on the underlying cause of the problem, but physicians may prescribe medication to manage the symptoms.
Viagra works by relaxing muscles of the blood vessels and increases blood flow to the penis, which helps men get an erection when they are sexually stimulated. Indeed, the nervous system in your penis releases something called nitric oxide (NO). NO, in turn, stimulates an enzyme that produces cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate), which basically helps relax the smooth muscle cells. This allows the blood vessels that bring blood flow to the penis to dilate (become larger), thereby increasing the blood supply and allowing an erection to occur. Note that Viagra only works if you are sexually stimulated and that it does not protect you against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.
Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation is different. Erectile dysfunction is when you lose an erection too quickly, but premature ejaculation as the name says is when you “finish” before you want to. Viagra is the miracle drug widely known in the world of erectile dysfunction. Viagra improves blood flow to the penis so that you can keep it up when it is needed so it can help keep the sex going for longer. It can help you get more sex rounds in as well while it is in your system. If you’re suffering from erectile dysfunction, you will need different medications to help you last longer time-wise. Ejaculation within 2 minutes of having sex is regarded as premature. If you understand what you’re suffering from, it will help you get the correct advice and treatment you need.
The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil citrate. This substance is a type of PDE-5 inhibitor, which means that it works by allowing the blood vessels around the penis to relax and widen, improving blood flow and allowing you to get and maintain an erection.
Viagra also contains the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, lactose, triacetin, and FD&C Blue#2 aluminum lake.
There are no known common ingredients or inactive ingredients in Viagra that might cause a severe allergic reaction. However, Viagra is contraindicated in people with a known allergy to sildenafil (the active ingredient). Make sure to get emergency medical treatment if you experience trouble breathing, a skin rash, or itchiness after taking Viagra.
Generally, the recommended dosage in adults is 50mg, taken as needed, approximately 1 hour before having sex. Alternatively, Viagra may also be taken anywhere from 4 hours to 0.5 hours before sexual activity, but note that you should not use Viagra more than once a day. The dosage will also vary depending on effectiveness and tolerance. It may be increased to 100mg or decreased to 25mg.
Viagra should be taken orally (by mouth) with a glass of water approximately 1 hour before sexual activity.
It is a good idea to avoid having a high-fat meal before taking Viagra as this can delay the absorption and effects of the medicine. You should also avoid drinking too much alcohol when taking Viagra as this may interfere with your ability to get an erection.
General side effects include:
Rare but serious side effects include:
If you experience any of these rare but serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention.
Some drugs may interfere with the effects of Viagra or may be affected by the use of Viagra. Examples of these include organic nitrates, blood pressure medications (e.g. Amlodipine), other medicines to treat erectile dysfunction (e.g. Cialis), or certain HIV medications (e.g. Ritonavir). Do not take these medicines at the same time and consult your physician first to talk about all the medicines you take.
If you’re suffering from erectile dysfunction, you might think higher the dose the longer you’ll stay up. But this is not always the case for most medications, including Viagra. Less can be more (time in bed). Popping more viagra pills and upping the dosage is not always the right choice. It really depends on your situation and the factors affecting your erectile dysfunction. The best advice on dose will come from your doctor, so don’t be shy to ask. You want to make sure you’re getting the best out of Viagra. Viagra comes in 3 doses, 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. Most men are prescribed 50mg of Viagra, but just because it works on most does not mean it would work for you. We are all unique and each body responds to medication in its own way. It might need some trial and error experimentation with doses before you find one that helps you last longer, but again the doctor’s advice is always the best to follow. Taking Viagra on a full stomach affects the rate at which viagra is absorbed into the body. So do not go just popping pills, find out more about the drug and doses, and listen to your doctor.
Viagra is made by Pfizer, however Sildenafil is a generic version of Viagra and it is made by various manufacturers.
Viagra is generally a safe and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. However, there are a few cases in which Viagra is contraindicated or should be seriously discussed with a doctor prior to its use. Consult your doctor in the following cases:
Viagra Connect is a type of Viagra that is available over the counter, without a prescription. It is only available in packs of 4 or 8 50mg pills. If you require a stronger or a lower dose of Viagra, you would need to get a prescription.
Viagra is not designed for use by women. Viagra does not have any significant effect upon libido or sexual enjoyment for women. If this is an issue, you should speak to a doctor who may be able to offer alternative solutions.
The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil. Sildenafil is sometimes used to treat pulmonary hypertension in both men and women. However, the type of sildenafil used is called Revatio, which is only available in 20mg tablets. You should never take someone else’s prescription medication.
Viagra is a branded version of sildenafil. The appearance of Sildenafil tablets may vary, but Viagra tablets are always:
Buying Viagra from a registered online pharmacy, such as Medzino, is a good way to ensure that your medication is genuine.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. You and your physician will determine if and how you should take any medication prescribed to you following a medical consultation.
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