What is Viagra?

Viagra treats male erectile dysfunction or ED, often called impotence. You take the pill only when you want to have sex. Viagra can help many men who have ED get and keep an erection when they become sexually stimulated, either physically or visually.

Viagra enables many men with erectile dysfunction to respond to sexual stimulation. When a man is sexually aroused, the arteries in the penis relax and widen, allowing more blood to flow into the penis. As the arteries in the penis expand and harden, the veins that normally carry blood away from the penis become compressed, restricting the blood flow out of the penis. With more blood flowing in and less flowing out, the penis enlarges, resulting in an erection.

If the nerves or blood vessels associated with this process aren't working properly, a man may not be able to get an erection. Viagra increases blood flow to the penis, so that when a man is sexually aroused, he can get and keep an erection. When the sexual encounter is over, the erection goes away.

Viagra improves erections in up to 4 of 5 men compared to 1 out of 4 who took a placebo.

Viagra is effective in as little as 30 minutes and stays effective for up to 4 hours.

No. With Viagra, you must be sexually aroused to get an erection. It is not an aphrodisiac. It's a prescription medication that can improve erectile function of most men with erection problems.

Viagra comes in different doses (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg). Like many medicines, your healthcare provider may have to adjust your initial Viagra dose if it doesn't produce the desired results or you're bothered by side effects. Do not take more Viagra than your healthcare provider prescribes. Viagra can be used up to once a day as needed.
If you are older than 65 years, have a serious liver or kidney problem, or are taking protease inhibitors, such as for the treatment of HIV, your healthcare provider may start you at the lowest (25-mg) dose of Viagra.

For most patients, Viagra should be taken once a day as needed. In patients taking certain protease inhibitors (such as for the treatment of HIV), it is recommended to not exceed a maximum single dose of 25 mg of Viagra in a 48-hour period.

They are not designed to be cut in half. Half a tablet may not be effective. Cutting pills in half is not recommended.

Viagra is only for patients with ED. Viagra is not prescribed for women. Do not let anyone else take your Viagra. Viagra must be used only on prescription.

Before you start any treatment with Viagra, be sure to ask your healthcare provider if your heart is healthy enough. If you use nitrate drugs for heart conditions, like nitroglycerine, never take Viagra. The combination of Viagra and nitrates can make your blood pressure suddenly drop to unsafe levels. You could get dizzy, faint, or even have a heart attack or stroke. Nitrates are found in many prescription medications that are used to treat angina (chest pain due to heart disease) such as:

• Nitroglycerin (sprays, ointments, skin patches or pastes, and tablets that are swallowed or dissolved in the mouth)
  
• Isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate (tablets that are swallowed, chewed, or dissolved in the mouth)
  
• Nitrates are also found in recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). If you are not sure if any of your medications contain nitrates, or if you do not understand what nitrates are, ask your healthcare provider.

While Viagra is effective in up to 4 of 5 men, it's not effective for everyone. If it doesn't work for you, contact your healthcare provider to discuss other treatment options.

Drinking alcohol can temporarily impair the ability to get an erection. To get the maximum benefit from your medication, you are advised not to drink large amounts of alcohol before taking Viagra.

Yes, but taking Viagra after a high-fat meal may cause the medication to take a little longer to start working.

Like all medications, Viagra can cause some side effects. These are usually mild and don't last longer than a few hours. Some of these side effects are more likely to occur with higher doses of Viagra. With Viagra, the most common side effects are headache, facial flushing, and upset stomach. Viagra may also briefly cause bluish or blurred vision or sensitivity to light. In the rare event of an erection lasting more than 4 hours, seek medical help.

After a man takes Viagra, he still must be sexually stimulated for it to work.

Viagra works by helping you get an erection in response to sexual stimulation. Once a man takes Viagra and has sex, his erection will go away after intercourse, just like it would normally. Viagra takes about 30 minutes before it's ready to work, and remains ready to work for about 4 hours after that. Take your time and go at your own pace. In the event of an erection lasting more than 4 hours, see your doctor.

Even if it happens infrequently, it's still erectile dysfunction. Most men with erectile dysfunction have it just some of the time.

You might need to try Viagra several times to get it right for you. You may also need to change your dose.

Because sexual activity can be demanding on the heart, doctors sometimes determine that for men with certain heart conditions, sex is not recommended, with or without medication for erectile dysfunction. Patients who are in poor cardiovascular health should talk to their doctor before engaging in any strenuous activity. If you are not sure of your cardiovascular health, talk to your healthcare provider.

Viagra Disclaimer:

This FAQ is for information only, and has been compiled from a number of sources to give an overview of the use and effects of Viagra. It is not a definitive guide to the effects or implications of use of Viagra, nor is it intended replace the advice of qualified healthcare professionals. If you have any concerns about the use of Viagra or any possible side-effects, consult your healthcare provider.