What is Viagra?
Viagra is a prescription-only drug commonly used to treat male erectile dysfunction, (also called impotence). Specifically, Viagra is the trade name of a medicine known as Sildenafil citrate, which is used to help men gain and maintain an erection during any sexual activity.
How does Viagra work?
Viagra works by relaxing the blood vessels and, therefore, increasing blood flow to the penis when a man experiences sexual arousal. This helps a man achieve and maintain a hard erection throughout his sexual activity. Alternatives to Viagra may include, Levitra, Cialis and Spedra, which all work in the same way.
Viagra dosage information.
Initial dose: 50 mg orally once in a day, at least, 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity.
Maintenance: 25 to 100 mg orally once in a day, 30 minutes-1 hour prior to any sexual activity.
How long does Viagra last?
On average, the effects of Viagra should last between four to six hours. However, this doesn’t mean that your erection will last that long- it only means that you will have the ability to attain an improved erection within this duration of time.
If your erection goes for more than four hours, call your doctor immediately.
How should I take Viagra?
- Always take Viagra as prescribed by your doctor in Singapore. Make sure you follow all the directions on the prescription label and don’t take this medicine in smaller or larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
- Viagra should only be taken when needed, at least, 30 minutes to 1 hour before you have sexual activity. However, do not take Viagra more than once a day.
- You should not take more than one or two units of alcohol if you are using the drug as this may make Viagra less effective and increase the chances of possible side effects.
- Viagra shouldn’t be taken within 24 hours after using Cialis, Spedra or Levitra.
- Store Viagra at a room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
What are the possible side-effects of Viagra?
Some of the common mild effects of Viagra may include:
- Headache or dizziness.
- Stuffy nose.
- Muscle pains or back pains.
- Upset stomach.
Adverse effects of the drug may include:
- Heart attack symptoms, for instance, chest pains, nausea, sweating or pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder.
- Sudden vision loss or vision changes.
- A painful erection that lasts longer than 4 hours. (Such an erection can damage the penis muscles.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Ringing in the ears or sudden hearing loss.
- Seizure or light-headedness.
If you experience the symptoms above after using this medication, stop use and get emergency medical help.
I am self employed. General Practitioner in Melbourne, VIC. My special interest: male reproductive system.