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Is Viagra Safe for Seniors? Side Effects and Precautions

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Dubbed the little blue pill, Viagra is the most well-known medicine for Erectile Dysfunction (ED). 

The medicine has helped several men overcome erectile problems since its approval in 1998.

ED is a condition that primarily affects people between the ages of 40 to 70. 

But, is Viagra safe for seniors and older men? Can people over the age of 70 also take Viagra

This article discusses the ED pill’s effect on older males.

Is Viagra safe for seniors?

Viagra may be safe for seniors when taken as prescribed. According to the Archives of Andrology, Viagra is well-tolerated by older men.

It is an FDA-approved medicine containing Sildenafil with minimal side effects. But taking Viagra without a prescription and regulations may be unsafe for all ages. 

Viagra reacts with certain medicines, foods, and diseases. The risk of health issues increases with age. Due to this, older men may be more likely to experience adverse effects. 

High levels of Viagra in the plasma increase the risk of side effects. Young men tend to clear the medicine out of their bodies quickly. Thus, they do not experience side effects for long. 

But men above 70 retain Sildenafil in their bodies for extended periods. Due to this, they may experience side effects longer. 

Pfizer Medical Information recommends half a regular dose of Viagra to men over 65.As the typical starting dose of Viagra is 50 mg, seniors are advised to start with 25 mg.

Viagra’s effect on elderly men

Viagra’s effect on elderly menSource: Getty-images
Viagra’s effect on elderly men

Like other medications, Viagra has side effects. The symptoms are common and wear off within a few hours.

Yet, older men absorb Viagra more slowly than younger men. Thus, it may take longer for the effects to subside in older men.

Some common side effects of Viagra include:

  • Headache
  • Nasal congestion
  • Nausea
  • Muscle pain
  • Indigestion
  • Dizziness 
  • Rashes
  • Sensitivity to light

In rare cases, people may experience more severe side effects. These include:

Glossary:
Tinnitus: It is a condition where you hear a buzzing or ringing noise in the ears.
Priapism: It is a prolonged erection that lasts for over 4 hours.
Stroke: Brain damage due to interruption of blood supply.

These effects are rare and usually only occur due to overdose or underlying disease reactions. 

It is advisable to discuss your medical history with your doctor before starting treatment with Viagra.

The metabolization of Viagra in the blood occurs more slowly in people over the age of 65. As a result, older men are more likely to experience side effects.

Some older men also experience vision problems and hearing loss after taking Viagra. According to Frontiers in Neurology, these effects can be permanent. Clinical investigations indicate little difference in side effects in people over and under 65.

Viagra precautions for seniors

Viagra precautions for seniorsSource: Getty-images
Viagra precautions for seniors

Viagra may interact with specific diseases and medicines. Older men are more likely to have health issues and take medication than younger ones. 

Due to this, Viagra may negatively affect some older men, such as:

  • Men with kidney or liver disease
  • Men with heart disease
  • Men who take Nitroglycerin
  • Men who take blood pressure medicines 
Note
The term ‘men’ in this article describes individuals with an anatomically male reproductive system. It refers to individuals who have a penis, scrotum, and testicles.

Kidney or liver disease

Kidney and liver diseases can delay the body’s ability to break down and eliminate Viagra.

The prevalence of these conditions increases with age. Hence, your physician may need to reduce the dosage or switch medications.

Heart disease

Men with cardiovascular problems should use Viagra with caution. Some heart disease patients, especially elderly males, may be advised to avoid it entirely.

Viagra causes arterial dilation, leading to a drop in blood pressure. It may be risky for those with heart disease.

In this situation, follow your doctor’s instructions.

Viagra interactions with Nitroglycerin

Some individuals with heart problems take Nitroglycerin or nitrates. Viagra may be unsafe for them, as the combination of these medications may result in cardiovascular problems.

Nitrates decrease blood pressure in the same manner as Viagra. Taking both medicines together may double this impact.

The duration of Sildenafil’s effect on the bodies of older men is longer. They will require a longer interval between taking these two medicines.

Viagra interactions with blood pressure medicines

Viagra and blood pressure (BP) medications may interact. Males over 65 are more likely to take blood pressure medications than younger men.

Viagra lowers blood pressure like BP medications. Hence, combining them may result in a concerning reduction in blood pressure.

Did you know?
Sildenafil, the generic version of Viagra, has the same effect as brand-name Viagra but costs much less. If you’re looking for a cheap alternative to Viagra, Cenforce 25 mg is available here.

The bottom line on Viagra for seniors

So, is Viagra safe for seniors? It may be safe for healthy seniors. Viagra is well-tolerated by most people.

But men over 65 retain Viagra longer in their bodies than older men. They may experience side effects for a longer duration as a result.

In addition, individuals with heart, liver, or kidney illnesses should exercise caution when taking Viagra. Individuals who take nitrates or blood pressure medications should avoid Viagra.

Citations: Cheap Medicine Shop only refers to credible, authoritative sources for our content. If you’re curious about how we ensure the integrity of our content, we encourage you to read our Content Information Policy.

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Photo of author Janet Fudge
Janet Fudge is a highly skilled and experienced pharmacologist who serves as a contributing writer for CheapMedicineShop.com. With a strong academic background from a premier US University and a passion for helping others, Janet has become a trusted voice in the pharmaceutical world. After completing her Doctor of Pharmacy degree, Janet embarked on a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry, working with various clients, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, and drug manufacturers. Her in-depth knowledge of pharmacology and dedication to patient-centered care has led her to excel in her field. As a writer for CheapMedicineShop.com, Janet uses her wealth of expertise to provide readers with accurate, reliable, and up-to-date information on various topics related to medicine and healthcare. Her engaging writing style and ability to break down complex topics into easily digestible content make her a valuable resource for healthcare professionals and the general public.
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