Viagra, commonly known as the ‘little blue pill,’ is a well-known brand-name medication.
It was discovered by Pfizer in 1989, and the FDA approved it for treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in 1998.
Since then, several men around the world have been able to overcome their erectile problems with Viagra.
The breakthrough of Viagra also paved the way for future Erectile Dysfunction treatments.
Table of Contents
What is Viagra
Viagra is a small blue-colored tablet that includes the active salt Sildenafil Citrate. It is the first drug doctors prescribe for Erectile Dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction is a common sexual condition that affects around 30 million people in the United States. It weakens a man’s ability to achieve an erection when aroused.
Viagra is taken orally, whenever needed, one hour before engaging in sexual activity.
What is Viagra used for
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Viagra for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction. ED refers to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection when sexually aroused.
Viagra does not help increase your sex drive. You need to be in a state of sexual arousal to achieve an erection after taking Viagra.
Also, Viagra does not improve your performance in bed. It does not help you last longer in bed.
It helps you achieve and keep an erection for a longer period. It can also help you regain your erection quickly after ejaculation.
The discovery resulted in Viagra, the first medicine ever developed to treat Erectile Dysfunction.
How does Viagra work to treat ED
Source: Africa-imagesViagra works by helping the blood vessels relax and increasing blood flow to the penis.
Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, is a Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor. PDE5 inhibitors are a class of medications that help reduce the symptoms of ED.
Erections occur when the nerve messages stimulate the penis during sexual arousal. The nerve impulses relax the muscles in the penile tissues, allowing better blood flow in the penis.
The blood increases pressure in the corpora cavernosa (soft tissue in the penis). It makes the penis expand and produce an erection.
Penile blood flow plays an essential role in the formation of an erection. An enzyme called cGMP is responsible for generating blood flow in the penis.
Erectile Dysfunction happens when another enzyme, PDE5, breaks down cGMP, restricting the blood flow necessary for erections.
PDE5 inhibitors like Sildenafil block the activity of PDE5 to prevent the breakdown of cGMP. They allow the muscles to relax and increase blood flow in the penis.
How long does Viagra last
The effects of Viagra last for around 4 hours. The body quickly absorbs Viagra when taken orally.
The concentration of the medicine in the blood reaches its peak within 30 to 120 minutes. You may start feeling the effects of Viagra within this duration.
After 4 hours of taking the drug, the effects start wearing off. It may be better to take Viagra one hour before you plan to have sex.
Viagra side effects
Source: Getty-imagesLike any other medicine, Viagra has a few side effects. Due to its short-term use for ED, Viagra rarely causes these side effects. Yet, if you do experience them, you need not be alarmed.
These side effects are typical and subside once your body adjusts to the medication.
Short-term side effects of Viagra
The most common side effects of Viagra include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Nasal congestion
- Indigestion
- Hot flushes in the face
In rare instances, such as an overdose or a harmful drug interaction, you may experience severe side effects.
In such a case, you should stop taking Viagra and seek medical assistance immediately. Call a doctor instantly if you experience the following:
- Abnormal vision or loss of vision
- A prolonged and painful erection that lasts for hours (Priapism)
- Pain or tightness in the chest or throat
- Stroke
- Heart attack
Long-term side effects of Viagra
As Viagra is a treatment and not a cure for ED, some men may take it long-term. Although Viagra is well-tolerated by most people, long-term use may cause complications.
Some long-term side effects of Viagra are:
- Decrease in hearing ability
- Double vision or temporary vision loss
- Irregular heartbeat
- Enlarged heart
- Heart palpitations
How to get rid of Viagra side effects
The common short-term side effects of Viagra are usually not a cause for concern. They disappear when the medicine drains out of the body.
Most side effects of Viagra are easily manageable. You may lie down or rest if you experience dizziness, nausea, flushing, or headaches.
As side effects are rare, they usually occur due to the incorrect use or dosage of Viagra. Let us learn how to take Viagra for the best results and avoid side effects.
How should I take Viagra
You should take Viagra in doses prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it without a prescription.
Follow your doctor’s instructions for the dose and administration of the medicine. Do not take more than the recommended dose of Viagra.
Dosage and strengths
Viagra oral tablets for ED are available in different strengths ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg. The standard starting dose of Viagra is 50 mg.
Depending on its effectiveness, your doctor may raise or lower your dose. Do not take two doses in a day.
How and when to take Viagra
You may swallow the tablet with water or juice. But avoid taking it with grapefruit juice as it may cause a drop in blood pressure.
For best results, try to take it on an empty stomach. If you do eat, avoid having a heavy-fat meal before taking medicine. Fatty foods can delay the absorption of Viagra in the blood.
You may take the medicine an hour or two before sex to enjoy its peak effect.
Recommended Read: How to Use Viagra For Best Results? Know What to Avoid
What if you take too much Viagra
Taking more than the recommended dose of Viagra might cause unwanted side effects. Seek medical assistance if you overdose on Viagra and experience symptoms.
Who should not take Viagra
Viagra may not be suitable for everyone. People with specific conditions may experience adverse effects when taking Viagra. It may also negatively interact with some medicines.
In general, men above 18 can legally take Viagra with a prescription. Women, especially those who are pregnant or nursing, should not take it.
But Viagra may not be safe for all adult men, either.
Viagra disease interactions
Before taking Viagra, check with a healthcare expert if you have ever experienced the following:
- Heart or liver problems
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Pulmonary disease
- Renal dysfunction
- Peyronie’s disease or deformity of the penis
- Sickle cell anemia (abnormality in the red blood cells)
- Stroke or heart attack
- Allergic reactions to Viagra in the past
Drugs not to take with Viagra
Viagra may interact with other medicines and cause unwanted side effects. Before starting treatment with Viagra, check with your doctor if you take these medicines:
- Nitrates (for heart problems or chest pain called Angina)
- Blood pressure medicines (especially alpha-blockers)
- Other PDE5 inhibitors
- Some antifungal medicines
- GC stimulators
Foods to avoid when taking Viagra
Some foods may interact with Viagra and delay its effects or cause adverse reactions. These include high-fat meals, alcohol, and grapefruit juice.
High-fat meals can slow down the absorption of Viagra in the blood and delay its effects. Try to take Viagra on an empty stomach or after a light meal free from heavy fats.
Avoid combining Viagra with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. It may delay the absorption of Sildenafil in the body and reduce its effectiveness.
You should also avoid having alcohol with Viagra. Like Viagra, alcohol may also lower blood pressure. Taking them together may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Recommended Read: Know All About Beverages and Foods to Avoid When Taking Viagra
Can women take Viagra
The FDA only approved Viagra for male use. Women cannot take Viagra as it is not designed for female problems.
Viagra works by enhancing blood flow to the penis to produce an erection. Since female sexual issues differ from Erectile Dysfunction, Viagra may be unable to help them.
Women with sexual dysfunction may request a prescription for a more appropriate medication like Addyi.
Sildenafil is also available in the form of Lovegra, which is sold as Viagra for women. It may act like a female counterpart of Viagra.
Where to get Viagra
You can get Viagra at any online or offline pharmacy with a prescription. Make sure to get Viagra from an authorized and trusted pharmacy.
Some online retailers claim to sell Viagra without a prescription. Do not shop at such pharmacies, as they might sell counterfeit medicines.
According to the FDA, all safe and reliable pharmacies:
- Have a state board of pharmacy certification
- Provide a phone number and address
- Require a prescription from a doctor to sell medicines
- Have a licensed pharmacist available for inquiries
Viagra alternatives
In general, Viagra is the first medication doctors prescribe for Erectile Dysfunction. But it is not the only approach to treat ED.
As Viagra may not be a suitable choice for everyone, it is best to know about alternative solutions.
Generic Viagra
Despite not being a brand, generic Viagra or Sildenafil has the same chemical composition as Viagra. As a result, it is available at lower prices than Viagra.
People with ED who can’t afford Viagra might consider buying Sildenafil. On Cheap Medicine Shop, Sildenafil is available as Cenforce, Fildena, and Kamagra.
Other PDE5 inhibitors
As discussed earlier, Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor. The FDA has also approved other PDE5 inhibitors that work the same way as Sildenafil. These include:
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
Though these medicines act like Sildenafil, their effectiveness and duration of peak concentrations may vary.
While Viagra lasts 4 hours, Cialis (Tadalafil) may stay active for up to 36 hours. It also works faster and can be taken with or without food.
If you desire a more spontaneous sexual experience, Cialis may be a better option. But, as the duration increases, so do the side effects.
Levitra (Vardenafil) is a Viagra alternative for people with cardiovascular conditions. Compared to Viagra, it may be safer for heart patient
Natural Viagra
Many companies sell herbal alternatives to Viagra in the form of dietary supplements. There is little evidence that these supplements work.
Some of these supplements include:
- L-arginine
- Yohimbine
- DHEA
- Red ginseng
These supplements may enhance sexual performance, but little scientific backing supports the claim.
Viagra — in a nutshell
Viagra has helped several men overcome their issues with ED since Pfizer introduced it in 1998. If you consider taking Viagra, make sure to get a prescription.
Inform your doctor about your health history and any current prescriptions and OTC medicines you take.
Your doctor will analyze your medical history and determine if Viagra suits you.
Take your medication as instructed by your physician. Do not take more than one dose a day. It may be best to take the medicine 30 to 60 minutes before sex.
Let your doctor know if Viagra does not work for you. They may increase your dose or prescribe an alternative. Seek assistance if you experience any alarming side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Viagra safe for 20 year olds?
Viagra is generally safe for 20-year-olds when taken with a prescription. Most men above the age of 18 can take Viagra for Erectile Dysfunction.
Consult your doctor about any conditions or medication that interact with Sildenafil (Viagra).
Is Viagra a steroid?
Viagra is not a steroid. Steroids are synthetic hormones that improve muscle growth. Viagra is a PDE5 inhibitor that helps treat Erectile Dysfunction in men.
How old do you have to be to buy Viagra?
You have to be older than 18 to be able to buy Viagra with a prescription. The FDA has approved the use of Viagra for men above 18.
How much Viagra should I take for fun?
The recreational use of Viagra is not advisable. You should only take Viagra if you have Erectile Dysfunction in doses prescribed by your doctor. The typical starting dose of Viagra is 50 mg.
How much Viagra should I take the first time?
The typical starting dose of Viagra is 50 mg. If you have Erectile Dysfunction, your physician may prescribe a dose of 50 mg one hour before sex.
They may adjust your dose later based on the effectiveness of the medicine.
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