Viagra Sildenafil is an oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is in a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and it's majorly used to increase blood flow into certain parts of the body by relaxing the muscles found in the walls of the blood vessels.

How does it work? Sildenafil inhibits phosphodiesterase-5, which destroys cGMP. cGMP is an enzyme primarily responsible for the duration and erection of the penis, by regulating the amount of blood that the blood vessel can deliver or remove from the penis. Thus, Sildenafil prevents the reduction of cGMP and allows it to accumulate in the tissues of the penis. Therefore, the longer cGMP persists, the longer the duration of erection.

 Although, prolonged duration of erection can lead to a medical issue called priapism. Additionally, Sildenafil helps in improving the markers of disease in people affected by pulmonary arterial hypertension. It does not affect the risk of death or causes serious side effects of the disease. Lastly, PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra are used to reduce the symptoms of vasospasm and treat severe ulcers in the fingers and toes of those with secondary Reynaud's Phenomenon.

Contraindication: Important to Know

Just like most medication, it's important to consult your physician before using Viagra. This drug is one of the primary treatments used for erectile dysfunction. However, not all erectile dysfunction requires treatment through Viagra, since some cases are caused by psychogenic factors. Some medications like Riociguat produces undesirable effects when used with Sildenafil. Furthermore, do not take Viagra Generic when you are using nitrate drugs, like Isosorbide mononitrate, Isosorbide dinitrate, Nitroglycerin, and some recreational drugs such as "poppers" for chest pain and heart problems.

The hypotensive (decrease in blood pressure) effects of nitrate drugs are intensified by the administration of Viagra Sildenafil. Furthermore, it's unknown when to use nitrate drug after using Viagra. This medication persists in the bloodstream after 24 hours, and it's still unknown whether nitrate drugs can be safely co-administered after this period. This medication is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to its main chemical ingredient Sildenafil. Hypersensitivity reactions include urticaria, rashes, nausea, back pain, flushing, abnormal vision, and myalgia. So, it's best to seek medical advice before taking this medicine. Remember, avoid self-medication since it can lead to severe and painful side effects like priapism.

Instructions on Taking 

As mentioned earlier, always consult your physician before using this drug, and follow the manufacturer's instruction to the detail. Viagra Sildenafil like most over-the-counter medicines comes with strict instructions which ensure its efficiency. Do not overdose or underdose on Viagra Generic, as it comes with various side effects. It's preferable to take the drug on an empty stomach since this increases its efficiency in the bloodstream. Taking Viagra Sildenafil after a meal slows down its effects since the body is busy with the metabolism of food.

The recommended dosage for most patients is 50mg, and it may differ based on the previous medications and medical history of the patient. It should be taken approximately one hour before a sexual intercourse. Although, some manufacturer might indicate taking this medication anywhere from 4 hours to 30 minutes before an intercourse. The recommended daily dose for Viagra Sildenafil is 50mg, and it can be increased to 100mg or decreased to 25mg based on the patient's history. Avoid taking grapefruit or grape juice before using this medicine, as it may cause serious side effects. Lastly, avoid taking alcohol with Viagra Generic. Although alcohol doesn't have any effect on the efficiency of this drug, it can affect your ability to maintain an erection.

Dosage To Take

The dosage determines the efficiency of medication, and Viagra Sildenafil is no exception. Viagra is a blue, film-coated oral pill, which is administered at a daily dose of 25mg or 100mg. The dosage differs based on the medical history and current medicine of the patient. Viagra is readily absorbed by the body. Increased plasma levels are observed within 20 minutes to 2 hours of oral dosing in the fasted state. However, the rate of absorption is reduced when this medicine is taken with fat based meals. It leads to a delay of plasma levels up to 1 hour. The dosage levels for men up to 65 years of age should be 25mg before sexual activity. Patients with hepatic impairments and severe renal impairments should also start with 25mg before sexual activities.

Side Effects of Viagra Generic

As clarified by Meds4sure.com Like most medications, Viagra Sildenafil comes with side effects which may mildly affect or impair the daily activities of the user. Common side effects of the drug include headache, dyspepsia, abnormal vision, and flushing. Less common adverse effects of Viagra Generic include: bladder pain, cloudy or bloody urine, burning sensation in the chest, numbness of the jaws, dizziness, indigestion, increased frequency of urination, prickling or tingling feelings, stomach upset, tenderness in the abdominal region. On the other hand, the side effects of this medicine may include symptoms like blindness, abnormal dreams, clumsiness, diarrhea, anxiety, ear pain, increased skin sensitivity, salivation, and loss of bladder control. Other side effects are lack of coordination, rectal bleeding, ringing or buzzing in the ears, redness or irritation of the tongue, and worsening of asthma.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Drug interactions can lead to various side effects, and that's why it's important to consult your physician before using another medication. Administration of Viagra Sildenafil with organic nitrates or organic nitrites may cause severe side effects like hypotension. Viagra Generic can also cause low blood pressure effects when used with alpha-blockers. Therefore, patients on alpha-blockers should only start with a minimum dosage of the drug.

Furthermore, patients should not use Viagra with drugs like Erythromycin, Cimetidine (Tagamet), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Atazanavir (Reyataz), Itraconazole (Sporanox), and Mibefradil (Posicor). These drugs can increase the effects of Sildenafil in the body therefore increase its side effects. Lastly, patients taking protease inhibitors for the treatment of HIV infection should exercise caution when using Viagra. Protease inhibitors reduce the efficiency of this medicine and increase its side effects.