Viagra Uses, Composition, Cost, Side Effects, Precautions, Warnings, Interactions

By Helen PackOct 15, 20212218

Viagra is one of the prime treatments for erectile dysfunction, which is also widely recommended. Viagra pills are produced by a pharmaceutical company named Pfizer. Viagra composition is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor drug called Sildenafil citrate, which works to beat erectile dysfunction by inhibiting an enzyme called PDE5.

Erectile dysfunction is a male sexual disorder that has become a common issue worldwide as millions of men are suffering from it. A man fails to attain an erection to perform sexual intercourse is what erectile dysfunction is. Natural erection occurs when a man is sexually aroused; his body's normal response is enhancing blood supply to the male reproductive organ to stimulate erection. 

But an impotent man fails to attain an erection because of improper blood flow. The Viagra pills for men act by controlling the enzyme called PDE5 and stimulate an erection during sexual arousal. Without sexual desire for sexual intercourse, the Viagra pills for men fail to work. 

Viagra was launched later, but the Viagra active ingredient is Sildenafil citrate happened to be used for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension for both men and women. However, Viagra for women is not used because it is only meant for men. 

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that happens between the heart and the lungs. When blood pressure increases in the lungs, the heart needs to work harder to pump blood through the lungs. Viagra works on the PDE5 enzyme for relaxing the lungs and arteries. It will increase the supply of blood towards the lungs and reduces the load on the heart.

Viagra is a prescription-based drug to treat impotence.

Viagra is available in various forms:

• Viagra tablets
• Viagra powder for suspension
• Viagra jelly forms

Viagra cost

The branded version of Viagra produced by Pfizer is expensive. Viagra Cost is approximately $132, which is quite expensive. For treating such a common cause everyone cannot afford to spare. However, generic Viagra has come to the rescue for ED victims.

Generic Viagra Vs. Branded Viagra

Around 90% of anti-impotent medicines that are prescribed are generic drugs, and 74% are branded drugs. When we talk about generic Viagra vs branded Viagra, generic drugs have been helpful for millions of men. It is a fact that generic drugs save around $253 billion of consumers. Yes, in the pharmaceutical business generic drugs plays an important role as they are much affordable and accessible than branded drugs.

The generic drug is the replica of the branded drug Viagra. It is the same in terms of composition, dosage, side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interaction, etc. However, it may differ in terms of appearance, inactive ingredients, and brand name. These generic Viagra and Viagra are bioequivalent, which means they act the same in the body for combating erectile dysfunction. While the production of the branded medicine, the manufacturer requires huge capital for production, research & development, marketing, etc. For generic Viagra manufacturers, this all cost is saved; therefore, they are extremely affordable and accessible for men. It is easily available easily in different pharmacies. 

What are the Viagra uses?

Sildenafil-containing oral tablet is recommended for impotency and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Generic oral tablets are easily available for both conditions. However, the dosage and usage of the branded drug to treat PAH are different.

• Viagra: This is a brand name for treating erectile dysfunction. The minimum dosage is enough to stimulate erection in an impotent man.
• Revatio: This drug brand is widely recommended for PAH. With PAH, the blood pressure is very high in the lungs. It efficiently controls such conditions.

What is the Viagra duration of action?

Viagra requires 30 to 60 minutes to show the desired effect. It takes about an hour to boot in. Therefore, you must pre-plan everything takes the dosage only when you want to indulge in sexual activity.

Can you take Viagra empty stomach?

Yes, you should take Viagra empty stomach as it will quickly get absorbed into the bloodstream. It helps it to work faster. If you feel nauseous, you can take this drug after a light meal.

Viagra how does it work?

The active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil Citrate works to boost blood flow to the penile organ. A man with ED can attain an erection if he is sexually aroused. 

The ED drug Viagra how to take?

Viagra should be taken an hour before indulging in sexual activity. Take it on an empty stomach to get faster results. Make sure you take one dosage in 24 hours.

Viagra how long does it last?

The effect of one Viagra dosage lasts till four to five hours. It gives you enough time to perform sexually. You can be satisfied with such a long-lasting effect.

Mechanism of Viagra

Now, after knowing every detail about Viagra, you must know; what exactly does Viagra do? Viagra contains a PDE5 enzyme inhibitor drug called Sildenafil citrate. It works to inhibit this enzyme and increases the production of cGMP and nitric oxide, which are vasodilators. These two products enhance blood in the whole body, including the penile organ. It occurs by dilating arteries and relaxing the smooth muscles; the higher blood flow to the penile organ results in an erection when a man is sexually aroused. Sexual foreplay and sexual arousal are essential to attain an erection for Viagra to work. In absence of sexual desire, it will fail to work.

What are the Viagra Side effects?

Below mentioned are the common as well as serious side effects of the anti-impotent drug Viagra.

The Viagra oral tablet not only causes drowsiness but may cause other side effects too, including:

• nosebleeds
• headaches
• upset stomach
• flushing (reddening and warming of the face)
• trouble sleeping
• fever
• an erection that lasts longer than normal
• respiratory infection
• nausea
• vomiting
• bronchitis
• sore throat
• runny nose

These side effects are very mild; they may go away after a few hours or days. However, if they do not vanish, ask for medical help immediately. Do not avoid long-lasting Viagra side effects.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any such serious Viagra side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms if you feel like the side effects are worsening. Serious side effects and dangerous symptoms are:

• Low blood pressure symptoms caused by Viagra are:
• blurry vision
• confusion
• dizziness
• fainting
• lightheadedness
• nausea or vomiting
• sleepiness
• weakness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Prolonged painful erection
• Vision problems or blurry vision such as:
• unexpected vision loss in one or both eyes
• Symptoms of hearing difficulties by Viagra:
• abrupt hearing loss
• tinnitus 
• giddiness
• Heart problems ( heart attack or stroke) Symptoms are:
• chest pain
• breathing difficulty
• giddiness
• slurry speech
• confusion
• nausea or vomiting
• lightheadedness

The serious side effects are extremely rare. These mainly occur if drug interaction takes place or Viagra overdose. Other than this, Viagra usually may not cause such fatal side effects. It is important to take Viagra dosage under medical supervision.

What are the Viagra Precautions?

• If you want to under a medical procedure, you need to inform your health professional that you take Viagra for erectile dysfunction. 
• Do not use Viagra if you are taking medicines to control hypertension, such as nitrate-based medicine; it is often used to treat angina or high blood pressure. 
• Before taking Viagra, tell your doctor if you are allergic to the PDE5 inhibitors drug or other inactive ingredients. You must also mention other allergies before taking Viagra pills. The inactive components may cause allergies or other problems. Talk to your doctor before.
• Discuss your medical history in detail before you start your erectile dysfunction treatment with Viagra pills. Men dealing with cardiovascular disorders, liver disorders, or kidney disorders should avoid taking these blue pills.

What are the Viagra Warnings?

• Avoid illicit drugs and consumption of alcoholic beverages while taking Viagra pills. It can make you very dizzy. 
• Do not perform any activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or using machinery after taking Viagra pills. It can make you drowsy. Sleepiness caused by Viagra can result in accidents by performing such tasks.

Viagra Interactions

Viagra may cause some dangerous drug interactions with other medicines. Different interactions may cause different health effects and side effects. For instance, some interactions can hamper the mechanism of Viagra or its efficacy. Other interactions can enhance the risk of side effects.

Before taking Viagra, consult your health professional. Inform him about the medicines that you take, including prescription-based and OTC medicines. Also, inform your doctor about the vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Make sure to share all the details to avoid dangerous interaction.

Viagra and blood pressure medicine

When we talk about the co-relation of Viagra and blood pressure, we know that it is also used to treat hypertension. Therefore, Viagra can sometimes cause low blood pressure. Taking Viagra with drugs for treating hypertension can cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure, which can be very dangerous. You may require medical help in such a case.

Examples of drugs for high blood pressure are:

• calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine (Norvasc)
• beta-blockers, such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL)
• ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil)
• angiotensin II receptor blocker, for example losartan

If you take the above-mentioned drugs, your physician may prescribe you a lower dosage of Viagra to avoid dangerous side effects.

Let’s know about Viagra vs. Cialis

The use of Viagra vs. Cialis for treating ED has been compared in various research studies. One research study found both anti-impotent drugs are equally effective for stimulating firm erection. However, some studies found Cialis improved confidence in men compared to Viagra. Men preferred Cialis over Viagra, which was because of the 36 hours effect of Cialis.

Some frequently asked questions about Viagra

Where to buy Viagra?

Viagra is a prescription medicine for treating ED; you can buy it in any reputed pharmacy across the USA. You can get the dosage that you need. Besides, check for generic Viagra for an affordable option.

Is Viagra safe?

Yes, Viagra is safe. It was clinically studied for treating erectile dysfunction and was found to be effective and safe against it. 

Is Viagra FDA approved?

Yes, in 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Viagra in the USA. Therefore, the drug is safe.

Is Viagra a blood thinner?

No, Viagra is not a blood thinner. It is approved for treating erectile dysfunction. Avoid using this drug for other purposes.

Is it safe to buy Viagra online?

Yes, you can safely buy Viagra online. However, you need to choose an assured pharmacy that follows prescription policy and keeps all its data transparent. Make sure you talk to a representative of the pharmacy before purchasing Viagra online.

Is Viagra bad for you?

Healthy men with ED can use Viagra after a doctor’s consultation. It is safe to use but avoid drug interaction and overdose.  

Is Viagra harmful?

Viagra is proven safe by the FDA. It can be harmful if you are suffering from heart, liver, or kidney disease. 

Is Viagra covered by insurance?

Viagra is not covered by insurance. But some private insurance companies may cover limited dosages of pills. Choose generic Viagra to save money.

Is Viagra addictive?

No, Viagra is not addictive. It is only used when you want to indulge in sexual intercourse. 

Is Viagra a controlled substance?

Viagra is not a controlled substance under the act of Controlled Substances Act (CSA). It does not cause dependency.

Is Viagra bad for your heart?

Viagra is known to be effective for stable cardiovascular problems. Consult your doctor before.

Is Viagra government funded?

No, in the USA, Viagra is not government funded for citizens. However, Viagra government funded service is only for men in the military, active-duty personals, retired personnel, and eligible family members.

What do we know about Viagra and diabetes?

Men with controlled diabetes can use Viagra drugs to treat ED. In the research studies, it was well-tolerated by diabetic men. You must consult your health professional if you are diabetic before taking Viagra.

What is the association between Viagra and heart attack?

To date, there is no strong evidence that says Viagra causes a heart attack. However, some research suggests it may occur in some cases, but it is yet not confirmed.

Is Viagra and pregnancy interlinked?

Viagra is not approved for women. Besides, it is not studied in pregnant. Therefore, pregnant women should not take Viagra by any chance.