Viagra is used to treat erectile function in men, and it’s prime function is to relax muscles found in the walls of blood vessels, and also to increase blood flow to particular parts of the body. Using Viagra at the same time as any other nitrate drug (such as nitroglycerin and isosorbide dinitrate- commonly used for chest pain and heart problems) is not intended and can cause serious side effects including a drastic decrease in blood pressure.
Side effects
Other side effects include sudden vision loss, heart attack symptoms, and prolonged erections. Seek medical attention immediately if erection lasts longer than 4 hours, sudden hearing loss/ringing in the ears occurs, or if hands/feet swell. Avoid alcohol, grapefruit juice, and impotence medication when taking Viagra. Read and follow all instructions carefully when taking this pill. Viagra will help cause an erection when sexual stimulation occurs, taking a pill alone will not cause erection. If any dizziness, numbness, or tingling in the joints occurs, seek medical attention immediately as you could be having a serious reaction to Viagra.
Common and much less serious side effects include warmth and redness, headaches, dizziness, runny or stuffy nose, abnormal vision, sleep issues, muscle pain, back pain, and upset stomach. This is not a complete list and other side effect may occur. Any and all side effects can be reported to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088. A normal adult dose to treat erectile dysfunction is 50mg by mouth once a day as needed 1 hour prior to sexual activity. Maintenance includes 25 MG to 100 MG by mouth once a day as needed 1 hour prior to sexual activity. A normal geriatric dose includes 25 MG by mouth once a day as needed 1 hour prior to sexual activity. It should be noted that this drug may be taken any where between 30 minutes to 4 hours prior to sexual activity.
Viagra should not be taken with any other similar medication including avanafil (Stendra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra). Tell your doctor about any other medications you may be on including those intended to treat erectile dysfunction, antibiotics, antifungals, and HIV/AIDS medication. Do not take this medication if you are allergic to sildenafil. Do not take this medication for any other reason other than it’s intended medical purposes. Do not take this medication if it has not been prescribed to you by a doctor. If any side effects occur stop use of Viagra and seek medical attention. Another brand of sildenafil is called Revatio which is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and it may also be used for improving exercise capacity in both men and women.
Do not take revatio at the same time as using Viagra unless you have been told by a licensed doctor to do so. Before Taking viagra, consult with your doctor to make sure it is the right choice for you. Some preexisting conditions that may limit your ability to use viagra include but are not limited to heart disease, previous heart attacks/strokes, high or low blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, blood cell disorders such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia, multiple myeloma, bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, stomach ulcers, retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye), a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie’s disease), or if you have ever been told you should not have sexual intercourse for health reasons.

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