- How to use Viagra?
- Maximum dose: 100mg
- Consult your physician
- When is Viagra not recommended?
- What are the possible side effects of Viagra?
Viagra is the most famous impotence pill in the world. This drug came on the market in the 1990s and has since been prescribed to treat erection problems several times. Viagra contains the active ingredient sildenafil and belongs to the group of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. This drug has a positive effect on blood circulation to the penis, causing an erection that more easily persists for a longer time.
How should this drug be used?
The usual recommended dose is 50 mg, if necessary, about 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity. However, the drug can be taken 4 hours to 30 minutes before sexual activity. Depending on the effectiveness of the drug and the side effects, the dose can be increased up to 100 mg or reduced up to 25 mg.
The maximum recommended dose is 100 mg and it is not advisable to take more than one dose a day
Sildenafil can be taken with or without food, but if it occurs during a high fat meal, it takes longer to take the drug.
There are several factors that can be considered in determining the dose a person needs: weight, health and other drugs
If your doctor has recommended a different dose than those listed here, do not change the way you take the medicine without consulting it first.
It is important to use this medicine as directed by your doctor
Do not take higher doses than those prescribed by your doctor. Contact your doctor if you are taking a stronger dose of sildenafil than prescribed.
Store this medicine at room temperature in the original package, protect it from moisture and keep it away from children.
Do not dispose of medicines in waste water (eg in the sink or in the toilet) or in household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to get rid of unused or expired drugs.
When is this medicine not recommended?
Refrain from using sildenafil in the following circumstances:
- You are allergic to sildenafil or any of the ingredients of the drug
- A history of visual problems associated with retinal nerve damage caused by reduced blood flow;
- Medical opinion that opposes sexual activity;
- Taking the drug riociguat;
- Take any type of nitrate derivative in any form (oral, sublingual [under the tongue], plaster or spray). Nitrates include nitroglycerin and related medicines used to relieve chest pain or angina pectoris. They also include pentyl nitrite in the forms commonly referred to as “poppers”. Simultaneous use of these drugs and sildenafil could cause the blood pressure to drop suddenly and lead to vertigo upon fainting, heart attack or stroke.
- Nitrates are used to treat drugs used to treat angina pectoris (chest pain). If you are not sure if you are taking nitrates, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Nitrates should not be taken by anyone who is taking sildenafil because it can lower very low blood pressure. Dizziness, fainting, heart attack or stroke may occur.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Many drugs can cause side effects.
The side effects listed below are not felt by anyone taking this medicine. If you are concerned about side effects, talk about the risks and benefits of this medicine with your doctor.
At least 1% of people taking this medicine have experienced the following side effects. Many of these side effects can be resolved and some can go away on their own with time.
Consult your doctor if you experience these side effects and if they are severe or bothersome. The pharmacist may be able to give you advice on what to do if you experience these side effects:
- Hot flashes
- An embarrassment for nasal breathing;
- Dizziness, especially when standing up after sitting or lying down;
- Headache;
- Dry mouth;
- Drowsiness;
- A cough.
Most of the side effects listed below do not occur very often, but could cause serious problems if you do not see your doctor or if you do not receive medical help.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- Visual field anomalies, including blurred vision, different color perception than before, light sensitivity, temporary or partial vision loss or double vision;
- Muscular pain;
- Vertigo, if severe;
- Low blood pressure;
- Nosebleeds;
- Sudden decrease or loss of hearing;
- Momentary memory loss.
Stop taking the drug and consult a doctor immediately if there is an answer like:
- Convulsions;
- Chest pain, irregular heartbeat or shortness of breath at the beginning of sexual activity (if you have heart disease)
- Prolonged erection (over 4 hours), painful or premature;
- Signs of stroke (for example, sudden or severe headache, sudden loss of coordination, abnormal visual field, sudden speech disorder or unexplained weakness, numbness or pain in an arm or leg);
- Signs of a severe skin reaction (such as blisters, flaking, rashes on a large area of the body, rashes that spread rapidly or rashes with fever or discomfort)
- Signs of an allergic reaction (eg rash, itching, shortness of breath, swollen face or swelling of the lips or throat)
- Signs of bleeding in the lungs (eg difficulty breathing, cold and wet skin, bluish lips and skin)
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Consult your doctor if you notice a symptom that worries you while you are using this medicine.

Medical Practitioner (General Practice) with postgraduate diplomas in Cape Town. My special interest is erectile dysfunction.