Viagra
Viagra (sildenafil) is the first oral treatment for erectile dysfunction
(impotence) to be licensed in Australia. This
fact sheet provides basic information on VIAGRA;
for more information, you should consult your doctor
What is VIAGRA?
Viagra belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5
inhibitors.
It is blue, diamond shaped, oral tablet prescribed to treat men suffering
from clinical erectile dysfunction.
It is not an aphrodisiac and does not increase libido.
How does Viagra work?
Viagra works by helping to relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing
blood to flow into the penis causing an erection. However, it will only
help a man to get an erection if he is sexually stimulated. It should
not be taken by men who do not have erectile dysfunction.
How do you take Viagra?
Viagra is available in three strengths, 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. The initial
dose is selected by your doctor. Viagra should be swallowed whole with
some water about an hour before anticipated sexual activity. The amount
of time it takes to work varies from person to person, on average it takes
between 20 minutes to one hour. Within a 1 to 6 hour period after taking
the tablet an erection should occur in response to sexual stimulation.
A man may find that Viagra takes longer to work if taken with a heavy
meal. Alcohol consumption can temporarily interfere with the erection
process. To get the maximum benefit from the medication it is advisable
not to drink large amounts of alcohol before taking Viagra. Viagra should
not be used more than once a day. Viagra should be taken only as directed
by your doctor, who will take into account any other medications you may
be taking.
What side affects may be associated with Viagra?
The manufacturers have tested the drug on nearly 4,000 men during 21 clinical
trials. When taken at the recommended doses some side effects have been
reported although they were generally mild to moderate and brief in length.
The most common side effects are headache and facial flushing. Less commonly
reported are indigestion, dizziness, stuffy nose and effects on vision
(predominantly a blue colour tinge to vision and increased brightness
of light or blurred vision).
Who cannot take Viagra?
Any man who has been informed by his doctor that he is not fit enough
to resume sexual activity. Patients who are taking any nitrate medications
Nitrate medicines are commonly prescribed for relief of angina pectoris "chest pain".
In combination with Viagra, they could seriously lower blood pressure.
Patients should inform their Doctor if they are
taking any of these medicines or ask if they are not certain.
VIAGRA and Poppers
Some people use non-prescribed nitrates socially or sexually.
VIAGRA must not be combined with nitrite inhalants ("poppers")
or any form of nitrates, because the combination may result in dangerously
low blood pressure, which could be fatal.
Viagra
(sidenafil) and Protease Inhibitors
Viagra doses must be low when it is used with HIV protease inhibitors
(especially ritonavir), because these antivirals reduce the metabolism
of sildenafil in the liver, resulting in abnormally high blood levels
that can cause adverse effects. The combination apparently does not affect
blood levels of protease inhibitors. It has been recommended that a single
does 25 mg of sildenafil in a 48 hour period should not be exceeded in
patients receiving HIV protease inhibitors
Patients
with the following should not take Viagra:
Known hypersensitivity to any component of the drug Viagra. Severe
heart or liver problem. Recent stroke, heart attack, or low blood pressure.
Certain rare inherited eye diseases (such as retintis pigmentosa). Viagra
should not be taken in combination with other erectile dysfunction treatments.
What
conditions MAY PREVENT a man using Viagra?
An abnormally formed penis. Diseases that might result in prolonged
erection e.g. sickle cell anameia (an abnormality of red blood cells),
multiple myeloma (cancer of bone marrow) or leukemia (cancer of blood
cells). Bleeding disorders, such as, haemophilia or peptic ulceration
(stomach ulcer).
Can
women take Viagra?
Viagra should not be taken by women. It is not licensed for use in women
and its safety in women has not been tested.
What
happens if I increase the dose?
An increase in dose should always occur under close medical supervision.
Clinical trials have shown that increasing the drug beyond the maximum
recommended dose of 100 mg simply increases the side effects and not the
efficacy.
Can
I drive while taking Viagra?
Viagra can cause dizziness and effects on vision. Patients should be aware
of how they react to the drug before they drive or operate machinery.
Will
it work for everyone?
If Viagra does not help you to get an erection, or your erection does
not last long enough for you to complete your chosen sexual activity you
should tell your doctor who will be able to help. There are other effective
treatment options available and information can be obtained from your
doctor or Impotence Australia.
Impotence
Telephone Help-line (02) 9280 0084
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