What is Viagra®?
Sildenafil, the main ingredient in Viagra®, was developed by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. In 1998, the medication received FDA approval and became available on the market. Viagra® is currently the most well-researched treatment for erectile dysfunction. The effectiveness of sildenafil has been confirmed through dozens of clinical studies.
Thanks to Viagra®—the quintessential potency medication—it is possible to live a completely normal life. The medication can help anyone suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED). The tablets enable a natural erection, positively affecting sensations during sexual intercourse. Sexual arousal is a prerequisite for the medication to work.
How does Viagra® affect your body?
Viagra® temporarily blocks the action of phosphodiesterase-5 and stops the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This stimulates the release of nitric oxide, which relaxes the walls of the blood vessels. A large amount of blood then flows to the penis, allowing you to achieve an erection and engage in sexual activity.
Sildenafil ensures that blood does not easily flow out of the genital area, thus preventing the loss of an erection during intercourse. The penis only returns to a relaxed state after orgasm. You can have sex multiple times in a row, with the refractory period typically lasting no longer than 5 minutes.
For Viagra® to take full effect, sexual arousal is necessary. In an environment unsuitable for intimacy, the effects of Viagra® are not noticeable.
What ingredients are used in Viagra®?
The main ingredient in Viagra® is sildenafil citrate. To maintain the structure of the medication and ensure the proper absorption of sildenafil, Viagra® contains additional components:
- Lactose monohydrate;
- Calcium hydrogen phosphate;
- Microcrystalline cellulose;
- Croscarmellose sodium.
The tablet is coated with Opadry, which dissolves in the stomach. The coating consists of titanium dioxide (E171), triacetin, hypromellose, lactose, and aluminum-based indigo carmine (E132).
The content of these additional ingredients may vary depending on the dosage of the medication. Both sildenafil and its auxiliary components are naturally and completely eliminated from the body.
What can affect the effectiveness of Viagra®?
To achieve the desired result, it is important to follow the recommendations provided in the instructions for the medication. The effectiveness of Viagra® depends on several factors, including:
- Mental State. Stress, fatigue, and certain psychological disorders can reduce the desire for sex. Sildenafil does not work if the man has no interest in sexual activity.
- Hormonal Imbalances. A lack of testosterone in the body can lead to a decreased libido. While Viagra® restores the erection mechanism, it does not have a libido-enhancing effect. Sildenafil is effective only in sexually aroused men.
- Incorrect Dosage. The lack of effectiveness may be due to an insufficient amount of sildenafil in the tablets. It is crucial to take the medication at the optimal dosage without exceeding the recommended daily dose. If you follow all the guidelines but sildenafil does not work, consult your doctor.
- Health Condition. Vascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and other health problems can reduce the effectiveness of sildenafil. Additionally, the impact of Viagra® can be influenced by other medications you are taking.
Who is the medication suitable for?
Viagra® is intended for the treatment of sexual disorders. It is taken as needed before the intended sexual activity. The medication is prescribed to men over 18 years of age following diagnostic procedures.
What dosages of Viagra® are available?
Depending on the severity of erectile dysfunction, age, and health condition, one of three dosages of Viagra® may be prescribed: 100 mg, 50 mg, or 25 mg. Tablets containing 50 mg of the active ingredient have the highest success rate among men. The doctor determines the dosage individually for each patient.
Other dosages of the medication are used as follows:
- 25 mg – for young adults and older men, as well as those prone to side effects.
- 100 mg – for severe erectile dysfunction.
What is the maximum dosage?
Do not take more than 100 mg of sildenafil per day. In some cases, men weighing over 100 kilograms may be prescribed an increased dosage of the medication. Any dosage adjustments should be agreed upon with a doctor. Taking more than 100 mg does not increase the effectiveness of Viagra® but only raises the likelihood of side effects.
How should Viagra® be taken?
Take the medication shortly before sexual activity. Follow these guidelines:
- Regardless of the dosage, do not exceed 1 tablet per day.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures (such as saunas or direct sunlight) while the medication is active.
- Do not combine the medication with other PDE-5 inhibitors.
- Swallow the tablet whole without crushing or chewing it.
When should Viagra® be taken?
You should take Viagra® shortly before the planned sexual activity—ideally 30-60 minutes before sex. For a faster effect, take Viagra with a non-alcoholic liquid and avoid high-fat foods.
What if you forget to take Viagra®?
Viagra® should only be used when you plan to have sex soon. If you forget to take the medication in advance, it will not affect your ability to engage in sexual activity. Take Viagra, and within 30-60 minutes, you will achieve a stable erection.
How often can Viagra® be taken?
The doctor determines the dosage of sildenafil based on the patient's individual health characteristics. Increasing the medication dose can lead to serious side effects. Additionally, taking multiple tablets per day does not enhance the therapeutic effect. If you feel that the effect of Viagra® is too weak or too strong, consult your doctor.
When should I not take Viagra®?
Viagra® should not be taken if you have an intolerance to sildenafil or any of the auxiliary components. Certain medical conditions or interactions with other medications may also prevent the use of this medication.
In which conditions is sildenafil contraindicated?
The PDE-5 inhibitor should not be taken by patients diagnosed with:
- Severe cardiovascular diseases (e.g., tachycardia, coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension, and others);
- Severe liver failure;
- Retinitis pigmentosa;
- Retinal dystrophy;
- Significant penile deformity.
Viagra® is also contraindicated for at least one year after a heart attack, stroke, or open-heart surgery. After that period, the use of the medication should be discussed with a doctor.
Conditions that require specialist consultationCertain conditions require a special dosage regimen or limitation on the frequency of medication use. These include:
- Stomach or duodenal ulcers;
- Blood disorders (e.g., anemia, hemophilia);
- Mild liver or kidney dysfunction;
- Oncological diseases (e.g., myeloma, leukemia);
- Mild cardiovascular disorders;
- Sudden loss of vision.
Which medications should not be combined with Viagra®?
Combining sildenafil with nitric oxide donors and nitrates can cause a significant drop in blood pressure. This combination of medications can lead to serious health damage and even be life-threatening.Viagra® should not be taken with alpha-blockers, certain antifungal drugs, or oral antidiabetic medications.This section contains an incomplete list of drugs that interact with sildenafil. Before using Viagra®, read the package insert or the manufacturer's official instructions and consult your doctor.
Can I eat a heavy or high-fat meal while taking Viagra®?
Viagra® can be safely taken with or without food, with the only exception being grapefruit.Keep in mind that a high-fat meal may affect the medication's effectiveness. To achieve a faster effect, avoid fatty foods before taking Viagra®.
Can a healthy man without erectile dysfunction take Viagra®?
Viagra® can significantly enhance a man's performance in bed. However, uncontrolled use of the medication is not recommended. Even healthy men should consult a doctor before using an erectile dysfunction treatment.
What side effects can occur with Viagra®?
Viagra® is well-tolerated and usually does not cause negative reactions. The most common side effects are temporary and resolve on their own. They may occur, but not necessarily, as each person responds differently to medication.
Depending on the frequency, side effects are divided into three groups:
- Common (around 10% of cases):
- Headache: This often occurs during physical exertion, such as during or after sexual activity. You can rest for a few minutes or take a pain reliever if needed.
- Dizziness and nausea: Lie on your back and close your eyes until you feel better. The symptoms usually improve within a few minutes.
- Nasal congestion: Use a nasal spray, such as the one used for a cold. There is no need to purchase special medications.
- Visual disturbances: Wait for changes in color perception to resolve on their own. The side effect will typically disappear without intervention.
- Rare (1-2% of cases):
- Increased heart rate and chest pain: Take a break and rest. If the symptoms subside, you can continue with sexual activity. Do not take nitrates or other medications that affect the cardiovascular system.
- Stomach pain: You can ignore it if the discomfort is not severe. If necessary, take a pain reliever.
- Extremely rare (less than 1% of patients):
- Rash, hives, itching: Contact your doctor immediately. Allergic reactions can lead to swelling, breathing problems, and serious complications.
- Severe discomfort or pain in the eyes: Seek medical attention as soon as possible. This symptom may indicate damage to the optic nerve.
- Priapism: If you experience a prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours, consult a doctor. A prolonged erection can cause severe vascular damage and deformation of the organ.
Inform your doctor about any side effects from Viagra®. If you frequently experience discomfort after taking the pill, your treatment may need to be adjusted. When taken correctly, the medication poses no danger.
For more information on possible side effects, refer to the package insert. Be sure to read the instructions before taking the tablets.
Erectile Dysfunction treatment with Viagra®
- What is Viagra®?
- How does Viagra® affect your body?
- What ingredients are used in Viagra®?
- What can affect the effectiveness of Viagra®?
- Who is the medication suitable for?
- What dosages of Viagra® are available?
- What is the maximum dosage?
- How should Viagra® be taken?
- When should Viagra® be taken?
- What if you forget to take Viagra®?
- How often can Viagra® be taken?
- When should I not take Viagra®?
- In which conditions is sildenafil contraindicated?
- Which medications should not be combined with Viagra®?
- Can I eat a heavy or high-fat meal while taking Viagra®?
- Can a healthy man without erectile dysfunction take Viagra®?
- What side effects can occur with Viagra®?