Viagra: How Much Do You Know About This Magic Pill?

Are you one of those taking this magic pill without knowing much about what goes into your body? Do you, because of the internet revolution, just surf the net to Buy Viagra online safely? Do you visit any of those dubious internet sites just because you want to Buy Viagra cheap deal? If you fall into any of these categories, this is an opportunity for you to know the health implication of your action.

What is Viagra?
Viagra is the citrate salt of sildenafil formulated by Pfizer, Inc., to treat erectile dysfunction. A potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 enzyme, real Viagra tablets work by releasing nitric oxide (NO) into the corpus caverosum of the penis, thus enabling erection.

What should you do before taking the drug?
Self-medication, to all intents and purposes, is not the right way to go. However, if you’ve taken this route, you could still help yourself by seeing your health care provider. Provide him with honest answers if he wants to know if you have any of the following conditions:
• Liver or kidney disease
• Stroke
• eye or vision problems, including a rare inherited eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa
• an unusual or allergic reaction to sildenafil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• heart disease, low or high blood pressure, angina, a history of heart attack, or other heart problems
• breast-feeding
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

How should you take the drug?
Viagra is an ED treatment to be taken only through the oral route. It should be taken 1 hour before sexual activity, and do not exceed one dose per day. The medication should not be used in children for this condition, however, if you want to use it on children talk to a paediatrician. In case of an overdose, contact a poison control centre or emergency room immediately. Also remember that this drug should not be shared with anyone; it is only for you.

What drugs should you not take with Viagra?
The following drugs are contraindicated for Viagra:
• nitroprusside
• methscopolamine nitrate
• nitrates like amyl nitrite, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin
• cisapride
• other sildenafil products (Revatio)
Other drugs which could interact with Viagra include:
• medications for high blood pressure
• medications for the treatment of HIV infection or AIDS
• anti-fungal or anti-yeast infections drugs, like itraconazole, ketoconazole, fluconazole, and voriconazole
• erythromycin
• cimetidine
• rifampin

The list may not exhaustively describe all possible drug interactions. It is advisable you give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, non-prescription drugs, dietary supplements or herbs you use. Also let them know if you take alcohol, smoke, or use illegal drugs. It’s possible that any of these could interact with your medicine.

What should you watch out for while taking Viagra?
Viagra, like any other drug, produces some minor side effects like headache, facial flushing, stuffy or runny nose and diarrhea. These are normal problem that do not need you to see a doctor. However, some side effects may occur which you should report to your doctor. These side effects include allergic reactions like rashes or itching, breath difficulty, irregular heartbeats, hearing problem, seizure, priapism (a medical condition of prolonged and painful erection), etc. Also, if you are taking the medication and you observe any changes in your vision, an erection lasting longer than 4 hours, consult your doctor immediately. These may be indicative of a serious problem that needs to be treated immediately to prevent a more permanent damage.