 Viagra (Sildenafil) is a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE-5 inhibitor),
used to treat male impotence or erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil works by
preventing the action of (inhibiting) phosphodiesterase type 5, because
PDE-5 breaks down Cyclic GMP (a chemical messenger needed to widen the
blood vessels in the penis). This widening allows more blood to enter the
penis, which ultimately results in the penis becoming rigid and erect.
Sildenafil must be used in conjunction with sexual stimulation, so that
Cyclic GMP messengers are produced, it then stops the breakdown of Cyclic
GMP, which means that the blood vessels are kept dilated for longer, which improves the blood
flow to the penis and this results in the erection being maintained longer.
This ED drug is available as oral tablets and as sublingual Sildenafil or Viagra 'Soft Tabs',
which dissolve under the tongue (often used in patients when sildenafil cannot be tolerated by
the stomach). Soft tabs also enter the blood stream directly resulting in a faster effect.
Sildenafil brand names include: Aurogra, Bio Forte M, Caverta, Intagra, Kamagra, Penegra,
Silagra, Sildenafila, Sildenafilo, Sildenafilum, Veega, Viagra and Zenegra (and others).
Ordering options for Viagra, Caverta, Intagra, Kamagra, Penegra and Silagra are below.
No prescription is needed, but some pharmacies will require a consultation via questionnaire
to enable their staff physician to issue a prescription (this is a free consultation)
Other pharmacies do not require a consultation (no consultation needed)*
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Precautions: before taking Sildenafil or Viagra
Do not use sildenafil if you are also taking or using any form of nitroglycerin, other nitrates
such as isosorbide, nitroprusside or any "nitric oxide donor" medicine, or recreational drugs
called "poppers" containing amyl or butyl nitrate as very serious interactions may occur.
If you are not sure if a medication is a nitrate, contact your doctor for advice.
Sildenafil Cautions : Consult your doctor first:
Use of sildenafil is not recommended if you have a history of angina or chest pain, heart attack,
stroke, low or high blood pressure, severe liver problems, peptic ulcers or bleeding disorders
such as haemophilia (hemophilia). PDE-5 inhibitors can cause vision problems, also consult your
doctor if you suffer from any eye disease, degeneration of the retina (retinitis pigmentosa) or
if you have any physical abnormality of the penis, curvature, scarring or Peyronies disease.
Sildenafil Side Effects
Side effects that may occur include headache, flushing, stomach upset or nausea, heartburn,
stuffy or runny nose, back pain and muscle pain. Vision changes such as trouble telling the
difference between blue and green or seeing a blue tinge to objects and also loss of vision.
Other side effects are high blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension),
increased heart rate and/or awareness of heart beat (heart palpitations). Sudden loss of brain function with full recovery within 24 hours (known as transient ischaemic attack)
There may be other side effects not listed here: consult your doctor.
Avoid grapefruit juice
Grapefruit juice may increase the level of sildenafil in the blood and increase side effects.
Important
If you experience a painful or prolonged erection (lasting more than 4 hours), stop using this
medication and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems may occur.
Viagra (Sildenafil) Drug Interactions
Additional monitoring of your condition or dosage may be needed if you are taking other drugs
for erectile dysfunction (ED Drugs). Other drugs may also adversely interact or increase the actions of sildenafil. Check with your doctor if you are taking antifungal medicines such as
itraconazole or ketoconazole. Macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin or erythromycin.
Alpha-blockers such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, indoramin, prazosin, tamsulosin or terazosin.
This NOT a complete list:
Tell your doctor of ALL medications (and natural supplements) that you may take.
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