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.
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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
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:
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 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
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.
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.