Viagra (sildenafil)

Viagra is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). We know that no medicine is for everyone. If you use nitrate drugs, often used for chest pain (known as angina), don't take VIAGRA. Taking these drugs at the same time could cause your blood pressure to drop to an unsafe level. Talk with your doctor first. Make sure you are healthy enough to have sex. If you have chest pain, nausea, or other discomforts during sex, seek medical help right away. Although erections lasting for more than four hours may occur rarely with all ED treatments in this drug class, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Erections lasting more than six hours can result in long-term loss of potency.

The most common side effects of VIAGRA are headache, facial flushing, and upset stomach. Less common are bluish or blurred vision, or being sensitive to light. These may occur for a short time. VIAGRA does not protect you from diseases that can be passed on through sex. Make sure to protect yourself and your partner. If you take an alpha blocker drug for high blood pressure or prostate problems, talk to your doctor. You should not take more than 25 mg of VIAGRA and an alpha blocker within 4 hours of each other.

The lowest dose of VIAGRA is 25 mg. Your doctor may start you at this dose if any of these apply to you.

* You are age 65 or older
* You have severe liver or kidney problems
* You take protease inhibitors, drugs for HIV.

If you do take them, your doctor may also limit how often you take VIAGRA. Your doctor may tell you to take no more than 1 dose within a 2-day (48-hour) time period.

For further information about VIAGRA, consult with your doctor.