What is Viagra/Sildenafil used for?

Viagra is a muscle relaxant that increases blood flow to parts of the body.  Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.

How should Viagra/Sildenafil be stored?

Store Viagra at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

General drug information:

When should Viagra/Sildenafil not be taken?

Do not take Viagra if you are also taking a nitrate drug for heart problems or chest pain.  Nitrate drugs include nitroclycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilantrate_SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate) or isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket) Taking Viagra with nitrate drugs can cause a severe decrease in blood pressure which can lead to stroke or heart attack.  Tell your doctor about any prescription or non prescription drugs that you use before taking Viagra.

What precautions should I follow when taking Viagra/Sildenafil?

Before taking Viagra, tell your doctor if you have any allergies to drugs, or if you have heart disease, or heart rhythm problems, a history in the past 6 months of stroke or heart rhythm disorder, congestive heart failure, high or low blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, coronary artery disease, sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma or leukemia, hemophilia, a stomach ulcer, retinitis pigmentosa, a physical deformity of the penis, if you have been told you should not have sexual intercourse due to health reasons. Do  not use Viagra without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding before using Viagra. It is unknown whether or not Viagra passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Viagra/Sildenafil?

Viagra can decrease the blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing vision loss.  This has occurred only in a small number of Viagra users, most of them also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or some pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years of age.  It is not certain that Viagra is the cause of the vision loss.  Avoid drinking alcohol while using Viagra.  Alcohol can increase some of the side effects of Viagra.  Do not use other medicines to treat ED while using Viagra without first consulting your doctor.

What are the side effects of Viagra/Sildenafil?

Seek emergency help if you have any signs of allergic reaction after taking Viagra.  Signs of allergic reaction are: difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.  During sexual activity, if you become dizzy or nausea, have pain or

Call your doctor at once if you experience any of these serious side effects:Sudden vision loss, ringing in your ears or sudden hearing loss, chest pain or a heavy feeling, pain in the arm or shoulder, nausea, feeling ill in general, irregular heartbeat,

Less serious side effects of Viagra include:warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest, stuffy nose, headache, memory problems, upset stomach, or back pain.

How should I take Viagra/Sildenafil?

Take Viagra exactly as prescribed for you by a doctor.  Do not take Viagra in larger doses than recommended by your doctor.  Follow your prescription label instructions precisely.  Viagra is usually only taken when needed, 30 minutes or an 1 before sexual activity.  It can be taken up to 4 hours before sexual activity.  Do not take Viagra more than once a day.  Viagra can help you have an erection when stimulation occurs.  This pill will not just cause an erection.  Follow your doctors instructions clearly.