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Patient Information
(sildenafil citrate)
This medication is used to treat
male sexual function problems (erection problems).
Viagra
is taken by mouth as needed between four hours and one-half hour before
sexual activity (about one hour before is most effective), with or without
food. Take only as directed, usually once daily as needed. Viagra works
along with sexual stimulation to help achieve an erection. If you are
sexually stimulated, Viagra can help you get an erection about 30 to 60
minutes after taking it. The erection can last for up to 4 hours. Alcohol
can be consumed while taking Viagra.
The most common side effects of Viagra are headache, flushing of the face,
and upset stomach. These are usually mild and do not last very long. You
are more likely to experience these effects at higher doses. Other less
common side effects include temporary changes in color vision, eyes becoming
sensitive to light, and blurred vision. A rare side effect is prolonged
erection. If you ever have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, you
should contact your physician immediately.
Before using Viagra, tell
your doctor your medical history, including any allergies (especially
drug allergies), any penis conditions such as fibrosis/scarring, history
of painful/prolonged erection (priapism), sickle cell anemia, blood system
cancers (such as leukemia or myeloma), or Peyronie's disease, eye problems
(retina diseases). kidney or liver disease, bleeding disorders or active
stomach ulcers, heart diseases, stroke or severe high or low blood pressure.
Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate side effects of this drug. To
avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying
position, get up slowly. The elderly may be more sensitive to the side
effects of this drug, therefore caution is advised in this group.
Tell your doctor
of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially
any nitrate medications (e.g., nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate), nitroprusside
(any "nitric oxide donor" medicines), cimetidine, erythromycin,
azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), mibefradil, rifamycins
(e.g., rifampin) or high blood pressure medicines.
Do not share Viagra with others,
since they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this
drug. Use of this drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases
(e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B, gonorrhea).
Not applicable.
People who are currently taking nitrates, whether this is ongoing or just
periodic therapy. A list of all medications that falls in the category
of nitrates can be found on the reverse side of this information sheet.
People who are using inhaled nitrates, amyl nitrate or nitrite, also known
as poppers.
People whose heart is not healthy enough for sexual activity. If you have
chest pain during sexual activity, you should consult your primary physician
to see if your heart can handle the strain of this activity.
The most common side effects of Viagra are headache, flushing of the face,
and upset stomach. These are usually mild and do not last very long. You
are more likely to experience these effects at higher doses. Other less
common side effects include temporary changes in color vision, eyes becoming
sensitive to light, and blurred vision. A rare side effect is prolonged
erection. If you ever have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, you
should contact your physician immediately.
Viagra® should not be taken more than once a day.
If you are taking protease inhibitors for the treatment of HIV, you may
want to take the lowest dose (25 mg) of Viagra and not exceed a maximum
single dose of 25mg in a 48 hour period.
If you are over 65, or have serious liver or kidney problems, you may
want to start with the lowest dose (25 mg) of Viagra.
If you are on Tagamet®(Cimetidine), ketoconazole, itraconazole, saquinivir,
or erythromycin, you may want to start with the lowest dose (25 mg) of
Viagra.
Viagra tends to work better on an empty stomach. You can take it after
you have eaten, but it may take longer to work, especially after a high-fat
meal.
Impotence is sometimes the result of other disease states including diabetes,
vascular disease, and heart disease. It is extremely important that you
have regular yearly check ups with your primary care physician!
Viagra does not prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.
Do not share this medication with anyone.
Store this medication at room temperature and out of the reach of children.
Protect from moisture. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused
medicine after the expiration date. |
