Viagra is a common treatment for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men or AMAB. ED is a very prevalent sexual dysfunction among males.
Many people may take Viagra to treat erection problems without paying attention to the adverse effects it may result in.
Viagra has several interactions, including food and disease interactions which can harm your health.
People with low blood pressure or heart diseases should not take Viagra to avoid disease interactions.
This article discusses people who should not take Viagra and Viagra contraindications.
Table of Contents
Allergic to Sildenafil
Source: rcphtotstockThe active salt in Viagra is Sildenafil Citrate. It might not be suitable for some people and cause allergic reactions.
An allergic reaction may involve symptoms such as rash, itching, and hives. You may have nausea, difficulty breathing, or dizziness in a severe allergic reaction.
People who are allergic to Sildenafil should not take Viagra. You can use other ED medications such as Tadalafil, Vardenafil, or Avanafil in such cases.
Taking nitrates as medicines
Nitrates are useful in the treatment of Angina. It is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
It is not usually life-threatening but is a warning sign of a heart attack or stroke.
Sildenafil in Viagra is a PDE-5 inhibitor that works by reducing blood pressure. Both nitrates and PDE-5 inhibitors cause a drop in blood
pressure.
Together they may cause extremely low blood pressure and affect consciousness and heart health.
Thus, people who should not take Viagra may also include people already taking nitrates.
Liver disease
The liver is responsible for processing everything you consume, including food and drugs you may take.
Liver damage can result from multiple causes. Liver damage may develop into liver failure, also called Hepatic failure.
According to Drugs.com, PDE-5 inhibitors such as Sildenafil (Viagra) can be used in patients with mild to moderate hepatic failure.
PDE-5 inhibitors should not be used in patients with severe hepatic failure. This is because the body might be unable to process the medication.
Heart disease
Source: Getty_imagesPeople with severe heart disease should not use Viagra. It may result in extremely low blood pressure.
Treatment of heart diseases such as Coronary Artery disease involves using nitrates. Sildenafil (Viagra) and nitrates have similar working.
Both medicines widen the arteries to increase blood flow. It may cause extremely low blood pressure.
People recovering from a stroke, heart attack, or other heart problem should not take Viagra.
Low blood pressure (Hypotension)
People with low blood pressure or Hypotension should not use Viagra to treat their erection problems.
Sildenafil Citrate in Viagra is a PDE-5 inhibitor. It causes the blood vessels to relax and widen the blood arteries.
This can cause your blood pressure to drop to extremely low levels. It may result in dizziness or lightheadedness.
Eye diseases
People with underlying vision problems or eye diseases should not take Viagra.
A study suggests stopping the use of Sildenafil (Viagra) in cases where Central Serous Chorioretinopathy appears.
Patients with a family history of retinal dystrophy should exercise caution before taking Viagra.
Viagra works by inhibiting the PDE-5 enzymes to increase blood flow. As per an article, Viagra in the process can also affect a related retinal enzyme to cause a rapid or gradual loss of vision.
Viagra can also interact with a rare inherited eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa.
Sickle Cell Anaemia, Leukaemia, or Multiple Myeloma
The presence of skin conditions such as Leukaemia or Multiple Myeloma can affect Viagra’s efficacy. This may result in adverse effects.
Leukaemia is the cancer of blood cells, while Multiple Myeloma is the cancer of bone marrow.
Sickle Cell Anaemia is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. These disorders affect the shape of blood cells.
Sickle Cell Disease patients should use Viagra carefully. As it can cause prolonged erections or Priapism in such patients.
Peptic ulcer
Peptic ulcers are open sores that may develop on the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, and small intestine. The causes of peptic ulcers may be bacterial.
Taking Viagra may increase the risk of bleeding. If you have a peptic ulcer, consult your doctor to help you decide the best course of treatment.
Bleeding problem
Viagra may enhance the risk of bleeding if you have problems like Haemophilia.
Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder in which the blood doesn’t clot normally. This can result in spontaneous bleeding or bleeding after an injury or surgery.
It is usually an inherited disorder.
Peyronie’s Disease or penis deformity
Most men do not face erection problems due to a curved penis, which is usually not a cause for concern.
In Peyronie’s Disease, fibrous scar tissue develops inside the penis. It may cause curved or painful erections.
It is usually safe to take Viagra in such conditions. But you should consult your doctor before taking any medications.
If you or someone you know is considering taking Viagra, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects that can come with the medication. In “8 Viagra Side Effects You Must Know,” you’ll learn about common and uncommon side effects of Viagra, as well as tips for minimizing your risk of experiencing them.
In rare cases, taking Viagra may result in Priapism.
Final thoughts
It is usually safe for most people to take Viagra for their erection problems. But an underlying health condition can interfere with the medicine’s working and result in adverse effects.
It is necessary to understand who should not take Viagra before consuming the tablet.
Underlying health conditions may include liver, heart, or eye disease. Taking Viagra if you have low blood pressure can also affect your body negatively.
Using medicines such as nitrates can also affect the effectiveness of the medication.
You should always be careful while taking any medicine. Consult your doctor and tell them about prevailing health conditions. Also, inform them about the medication you are taking.
This will help them get a better understanding of the state of your health. And they will be able to prescribe the most suitable treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a regular person takes Viagra?
Viagra is an Erectile Dysfunction medicine. A person should use Viagra only if they have symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction.
Viagra can result in mild to adverse effects, including headache, nausea, and vomiting. Consumption of Viagra by a regular person who does not have ED symptoms is not suggested.
Is Viagra bad for male fertility?
There is not enough evidence to suggest that Viagra has a negative effect on male fertility.
According to a study, Sildenafil in Viagra can positively affect semen parameters. Semen parameters may include sperm motility and volume of seminal fluid.
Can Viagra affect your partner?
Viagra is not known to cause side effects in the sexual partner. It can affect them only when the drug passes into the semen. Viagra does not pass into the semen in significant amounts.
If your partner takes the pill themselves, then it may pose a risk of possible side effects. It is suggested not to use Viagra prescribed for your partner.
