Viagra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men. Its active compound, sildenafil citrate, increases blood flow to particular areas of the body by relaxing muscles found in blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction, a condition which affects 1 in 10 Australian men, occurs when there is not enough blood flow to the penis. Viagra treats this condition by permitting enough blood to reach the area, which allows the patient to achieve and sustain an erection.
Viagra is not an ongoing treatment; it is only taken when the patient expects to need it. It does not cause dependency. It can be taken with or without food. It will become effective after 30 to 60 minutes, but it may take longer if the patient has ingested a large meal with a high fat content. Viagra can be taken up to 4 hours before sexual activity, but taking it 1 hour prior to intercourse will yield the best result. It is not recommended to take Viagra more than once every 24 hours.
The most common side effects of Viagra include headache, flushing, upset stomach, nasal congestion, abnormal vision (such as changes in color vision, extreme sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and loss of peripheral vision), back pain, muscle pain, nausea, dizziness, and rash. Less common but more serious side effects include priapism (a painful ongoing erection which lasts more than 4 hours and will not subside, potentially damaging penile tissue), hypertension (low blood pressure), heart attack, arrhythmia, stroke, increased intraocular pressure, swelling of the extremities, and sudden hearing loss.
Because it directly affects the patient’s blood pressure, Viagra should not be taken by men with cardiovascular risk factors, such as a recent heart attack or stroke, or abnormally low blood pressure. It is also not recommended for patients with decreased renal or liver function, or patients with degenerative retinal disorders. Patients with high cholesterol, diabetes, eye problems, blood cell disorders, stomach ulcers, or penile deformity should consult with their physician about the potential risks of taking Viagra.
Viagra should not be taken by patients who are taking medication to treat pulmonary hypertension, such as riociguat (Adempas). It is also not recommended for patients who are already taking a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems, including nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, and some recreational drugs such as “poppers”. If Viagra interacts with these medications, it can produce a sudden and serious loss of blood pressure. Other drug interactions to watch out for include antibiotics such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, or telithromycin; antifungal medicine such as ketoconazole or itraconazole; and medicine to treat HIV/AIDS, such as atazanavir, indinavir, ritonavir, or saquinavir.
Due to high risk of side effects for people with certain health concerns, and the possibility of dangerous interactions with other medications, Viagra can be legally purchased in Australia without a doctor’s prescription.
Viagra should only be bought online through certified online pharmacies which are trusted.
I am self employed. General Practitioner in Melbourne, VIC. My special interest: male reproductive system.