Sunday, July 12, 2009
Viagra Uses
The most common use of Viagra is the treatment of erec
tile dysfunction (ED), or impotence. Some off-label Viagra uses include treating Raynaud's phenomenon and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the artery that carries blood to the lungs). Viagra is not approved for use in children, newborns, or women.
An Overview of Viagra Uses
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a medication that has been licensed to treat erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is defined as a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Essentially, erectile dysfunction is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra is very effective at treating erectile dysfunction. The medication works by blocking a chemical that causes blood to flow out of the penis. More blood in the penis means an improved erection.
Viagra, a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, works by blocking a chemical in the body that is normally responsible for reversing an erection. As a result, more of the chemicals responsible for the erection remain, so the muscles in the penis do not constrict. This allows blood to stay in the penis longer, which allows the man to maintain an erection. Because Viagra has no effect on the chemicals that cause an erection, it does not work without stimulation.
An Introduction to How Viagra Works
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a medication that has been licensed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra works by blocking PDE5. When PDE5 is blocked, more of the chemicals responsible for the erection remain, so the muscles in the penis do not constrict. This allows blood to stay in the penis longer, which allows the man to maintain an erection.
Impotence --
also known as erectile dysfunction or ED -- can be caused by anything that disrupts the sequence of events leading to an erection. The most common cause is other health conditions, such as nerve damage, diabetes, or diseased arteries. Many cases of impotence can be treated with medication, either taken orally or injected into the penis.
What Is Impotence?
Some people can talk to their doctors about sex without any embarrassment. Others feel that sex is private and do not want to share details with anyone. But if you have erection problems, including getting or keeping an erection, you have two good reasons to talk to a doctor:
• Your health
• Your quality of life.
Today, impotence is more commonly known as erectile dysfunction, or ED. In fact, the word "impotence" may also be used to describe other problems that interfere with sexual intercourse and reproduction, such as lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation or orgasm. Using the term erectile dysfunction makes it clear that those other problems are not involved.
However, in this article, the terms impotence and erectile dysfunction are used to describe the same problem: the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Off-Label Viagra Uses
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Viagra for something other than the conditions listed above. This is called an "off-label" use. Some off-label uses of Viagra include the treatment of:
• Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the artery that carries blood to the lungs)
• Raynaud's phenomenon.
Understanding Erections and Erectile Dysfunction
To understand how Viagra works, it may be helpful to understand erections.
When a man is aroused, nerve signals are sent from the brain and around the penis. These nerve signals cause chemicals to be released. These chemicals relax muscles in the penis. Normally, these muscles are constricted so that blood cannot flow into the penis. When these muscles relax, large amounts of blood are able to enter the penis, causing an erection. An erection is reversed when another chemical (known as phosphodiesterase type 5 [PDE5]) breaks down the chemicals that caused the muscles to relax in the first place. This causes the muscles in the penis to constrict again, which results in blood leaving the penis.
Viagra Dosage
The recommended starting Viagra dosage is 50 mg one hour prior to sexual activity. The maximum recommended Viagra dose is 100 mg. A few of the factors that can affect Viagra dosing include your age, other medical conditions you may have, and any medications you may be currently taking. You must take Viagra as prescribed in order for it to work properly.
How is Viagra Prescribed?
Viagra comes in tablet form in dosages of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.
• Men Up to 65 Years of Age - Viagra 50mg is prescribed to be taken once a day, 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse. In situations where 50mg isn't effective, your doctor may prescribe 100mg to be taken once daily 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse.
• For Men Older than 65 Years of Age - Viagra 25mg is prescribed to be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse. In some circumstances, men older then 65 may have their doses increased.
Important Caution - Under no circumstances should men increase their Viagra doses without first consulting their physician.
Usual Dosage:
• For adults up to 65 years of age, Viagra 50mg is prescribed to be taken once a day, 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse. In situations where 50mg isn't effective, your doctor can prescribe 100mg to be taken once daily 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse.
• For men older than 65 years of age, Viagra 25mg is prescribed to be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse. In some circumstances, men older then 65 may have their doses increased.
Instructions:
• Can be taken with or without food.
• Take 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse.
• Always start with the lowest effective dose.
Side Effects to Report to Your Doctor:
Special Warning! - If you experience any sudden change in vision or loss of vision stop taking Viagra and contact your doctor immediately.
How Long Does Viagra Last?
Many people wonder, "How long does Viagra last?" In most people, Viagra lasts for about four hours. Generally, it starts to lose its effectiveness after a couple of hours. There are a number of factors that can increase or decrease how long Viagra lasts. Some factors that increase the amount of time Viagra stays in the body include being over 65 years old, having severe kidney disease, and taking certain other medicines. Among the factors that can decrease how long Viagra lasts are taking it with a high-fat meal or certain other medicines, such as rifampin.
How Long Does Viagra Last?
Many people thinking of taking Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) wonder, "How long does Viagra last?" The answer is that it depends on a number of factors and will vary between individuals. However, in most people, Viagra will last for about four hours -- although it generally starts to lose its effectiveness after a couple of hours.
The time it takes for Viagra to start working will also vary based on the individual. In clinical studies, Viagra began to work in as little as 14 minutes. For most people, though, it began working within 30 minutes.
Factors Affecting How Long Viagra Lasts
There are a number of factors that can increase or decrease how long Viagra lasts. Some factors that increase the amount of time Viagra stays in the body include:
• Being over 65 years old
• Having severe kidney disease or liver disease
• Taking certain other medicines (see Viagra Drug Interactions).
There are also factors that can decrease how long Viagra lasts. Some of these factors include:
• Taking Viagra with a high-fat meal
• Taking Viagra along with certain other medications, such as rifampin.
All About Taking Viagra
Everyone wants to take Viagra. In fact there is concern that Viagra is becoming a party drug in certain circles. But for those who take Viagra for their ED and as prescribed, there are a few things you need to know before taking your first dose?
Women
Viagra is neither approved or recommended for use in women. Therefore, women should not take Viagra under any circumstances.
Older Men
Men older than 65 are very sensitive to the effects of Viagra. It's for this reason that men over 65 are started on a smaller dose and increased if indicated and tolerated.
Other Medicines
Certain drugs can alter the way Viagra works in the body and vice versa. For this reason, some drugs are not recommended for use while taking Viagra. In fact, some drugs can interact in such a way that they could cause harm or severe illness. The following is a list of drugs your doctor needs to be made aware of before taking Viagra.
• Protease Inhibitors (Crixivan, Invirase, Norvir, Viracept, Fortovase, Agenerase, Lopinavir): Increases the amount of Viagra in your blood and prolongs the action of Viagra. Men on Protease Inhibitors should start with a dose of 25mg and at most use 50mg.
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Erythromycin (E.E.S. or Ery-Tab)
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
• Ketaconazole (Nizoral)
• Mibefradil (Posicor): These medicines may increase the unwanted effects of sildenafil, unless lower starting doses of sildenafil are used.
• Nitrates / Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat or Transderm-Nitro): Sildenafil and nitrates excessively lower blood pressure when used together. Therefore you should NEVER use sildenafil when you have been prescribed nitrates for chest pain.
Herbal Viagra
Many people are interested in Viagra alternatives that either cost less or are more natural. If you search the Internet for "herbal Viagra," you are bound to find many people selling products that claim to have similar effects to Viagra. However, at this point, no supplements or herbs have been shown to be effective at treating erectile dysfunction (ED). It's also important to remember that even though an herbal supplement may be labeled "natural," it could still be unsafe or have harmful effects.
An Overview of Herbal Viagra
Because of the high cost of Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) and the fact that the drug is not "natural," many people look for Viagra alternatives. One alternative is "herbal Viagra." If you search the Internet for "herbal Viagra," you are bound to find many people selling products that claim to have similar effects to Viagra. However, at this point, no supplements or herbs have been shown to be effective at treating erectile dysfunction (ED). If you suffer from erectile dysfunction, visit your doctor so that the problem can be diagnosed. Your doctor can recommend treatment that is right for your particular situation.
Other Things to Consider
Before taking any herbal medicine, including an herbal alternative to Viagra, it is important to be informed about that particular herb -- the same way that you would want to be informed about a licensed prescription medicine you were taking. This is especially true for people who have erectile dysfunction because, in many cases, people with erectile dysfunction are taking other medicines that could interact in a negative way with an herbal supplement. Some things to keep in mind regarding any herbal medicine include:
• The fact that an herbal supplement is labeled "natural" does not mean it is safe or without any harmful effects. For example, the herbs kava and comfrey have been linked to serious liver damage.
• Herbal supplements can act in the same way as drugs do. Therefore, they can cause medical problems if not used correctly or if taken in large amounts. In some cases, people have experienced negative effects even though they followed the instructions on a supplement's label.
• If you use herbal supplements, it is best to do so under the guidance of a medical professional who has been properly trained in herbal medicine. This is especially important for herbs that are part of an alternative medical system, such as the traditional medicines of China, Japan, or India.
• In the United States, herbal and other dietary supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as foods. This means that they do not have to meet the same standards as drugs and over-the-counter medications for proof of safety, effectiveness, and what the FDA calls Good Manufacturing Practices.
• The active ingredients in many herbs and herbal supplements are not known. There may be dozens, or even hundreds, of such compounds in an herbal supplement. In fact, some herbal supplements have been found to be contaminated with metals, unlabeled prescription drugs, microorganisms, or other substances.
Many herbs have a long history of use and claimed health benefits. However, some herbs have caused health problems for users. If you are considering taking an herbal alternative to Viagra, talk with your healthcare provider. Together you can come up with a treatment plan that works for your particular situation.
Viagra and Alcohol
Although studies have shown that combining alcohol and Viagra is unlikely to cause problems, you should still be aware of potential risks. For example, because both substances cause the blood vessels to dilate, combining these two may lead to dizziness, a rapid heart rate, and low blood pressure. To avoid any problems, talk to your healthcare provider about consuming alcohol while taking this drug.
Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol With Viagra?
According to the manufacturer of Viagra® (sildenafil citrate), drinking alcohol while on this medication is not expected to cause problems. Although some similar medications may cause problems when combined with alcohol, this does not seem to be a problem with Viagra.
Research on Viagra and Alcohol
Both Viagra and alcohol can have similar effects on blood vessels, causing them to dilate (open wider). However, studies did not show such problems in men who combined the two to achieve a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent (legally intoxicated).
Although studies indicate that combining alcohol with Viagra is unlikely to cause problems, it is a good idea to be aware of problems that could theoretically occur due to overly dilated blood vessels, such as:
• Dizziness
• A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Low blood pressure.
Talking With Your Healthcare Provider
You should talk with your healthcare provider about alcohol consumption and Viagra. You and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. Based on what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, the two of you can make a shared decision about your intake of alcohol while on this medication. There may also be other medical reasons why you should not consume alcohol.
Read more...
The most common use of Viagra is the treatment of erec
tile dysfunction (ED), or impotence. Some off-label Viagra uses include treating Raynaud's phenomenon and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the artery that carries blood to the lungs). Viagra is not approved for use in children, newborns, or women.An Overview of Viagra Uses
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a medication that has been licensed to treat erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is defined as a total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Essentially, erectile dysfunction is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra is very effective at treating erectile dysfunction. The medication works by blocking a chemical that causes blood to flow out of the penis. More blood in the penis means an improved erection.
Viagra, a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, works by blocking a chemical in the body that is normally responsible for reversing an erection. As a result, more of the chemicals responsible for the erection remain, so the muscles in the penis do not constrict. This allows blood to stay in the penis longer, which allows the man to maintain an erection. Because Viagra has no effect on the chemicals that cause an erection, it does not work without stimulation.
An Introduction to How Viagra Works
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a medication that has been licensed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse.
How Does Viagra Work?
Viagra works by blocking PDE5. When PDE5 is blocked, more of the chemicals responsible for the erection remain, so the muscles in the penis do not constrict. This allows blood to stay in the penis longer, which allows the man to maintain an erection.
Impotence --
also known as erectile dysfunction or ED -- can be caused by anything that disrupts the sequence of events leading to an erection. The most common cause is other health conditions, such as nerve damage, diabetes, or diseased arteries. Many cases of impotence can be treated with medication, either taken orally or injected into the penis.
What Is Impotence?
Some people can talk to their doctors about sex without any embarrassment. Others feel that sex is private and do not want to share details with anyone. But if you have erection problems, including getting or keeping an erection, you have two good reasons to talk to a doctor:
• Your health
• Your quality of life.
Today, impotence is more commonly known as erectile dysfunction, or ED. In fact, the word "impotence" may also be used to describe other problems that interfere with sexual intercourse and reproduction, such as lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation or orgasm. Using the term erectile dysfunction makes it clear that those other problems are not involved.
However, in this article, the terms impotence and erectile dysfunction are used to describe the same problem: the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Off-Label Viagra Uses
On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Viagra for something other than the conditions listed above. This is called an "off-label" use. Some off-label uses of Viagra include the treatment of:
• Pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the artery that carries blood to the lungs)
• Raynaud's phenomenon.
Understanding Erections and Erectile Dysfunction
To understand how Viagra works, it may be helpful to understand erections.
When a man is aroused, nerve signals are sent from the brain and around the penis. These nerve signals cause chemicals to be released. These chemicals relax muscles in the penis. Normally, these muscles are constricted so that blood cannot flow into the penis. When these muscles relax, large amounts of blood are able to enter the penis, causing an erection. An erection is reversed when another chemical (known as phosphodiesterase type 5 [PDE5]) breaks down the chemicals that caused the muscles to relax in the first place. This causes the muscles in the penis to constrict again, which results in blood leaving the penis.
Viagra Dosage
The recommended starting Viagra dosage is 50 mg one hour prior to sexual activity. The maximum recommended Viagra dose is 100 mg. A few of the factors that can affect Viagra dosing include your age, other medical conditions you may have, and any medications you may be currently taking. You must take Viagra as prescribed in order for it to work properly.
How is Viagra Prescribed?
Viagra comes in tablet form in dosages of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg.
• Men Up to 65 Years of Age - Viagra 50mg is prescribed to be taken once a day, 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse. In situations where 50mg isn't effective, your doctor may prescribe 100mg to be taken once daily 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse.
• For Men Older than 65 Years of Age - Viagra 25mg is prescribed to be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse. In some circumstances, men older then 65 may have their doses increased.
Important Caution - Under no circumstances should men increase their Viagra doses without first consulting their physician.
Usual Dosage:
• For adults up to 65 years of age, Viagra 50mg is prescribed to be taken once a day, 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse. In situations where 50mg isn't effective, your doctor can prescribe 100mg to be taken once daily 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse.
• For men older than 65 years of age, Viagra 25mg is prescribed to be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse. In some circumstances, men older then 65 may have their doses increased.
Instructions:
• Can be taken with or without food.
• Take 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse.
• Always start with the lowest effective dose.
Side Effects to Report to Your Doctor:
Special Warning! - If you experience any sudden change in vision or loss of vision stop taking Viagra and contact your doctor immediately.
How Long Does Viagra Last?
Many people wonder, "How long does Viagra last?" In most people, Viagra lasts for about four hours. Generally, it starts to lose its effectiveness after a couple of hours. There are a number of factors that can increase or decrease how long Viagra lasts. Some factors that increase the amount of time Viagra stays in the body include being over 65 years old, having severe kidney disease, and taking certain other medicines. Among the factors that can decrease how long Viagra lasts are taking it with a high-fat meal or certain other medicines, such as rifampin.
How Long Does Viagra Last?
Many people thinking of taking Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) wonder, "How long does Viagra last?" The answer is that it depends on a number of factors and will vary between individuals. However, in most people, Viagra will last for about four hours -- although it generally starts to lose its effectiveness after a couple of hours.
The time it takes for Viagra to start working will also vary based on the individual. In clinical studies, Viagra began to work in as little as 14 minutes. For most people, though, it began working within 30 minutes.
Factors Affecting How Long Viagra Lasts
There are a number of factors that can increase or decrease how long Viagra lasts. Some factors that increase the amount of time Viagra stays in the body include:
• Being over 65 years old
• Having severe kidney disease or liver disease
• Taking certain other medicines (see Viagra Drug Interactions).
There are also factors that can decrease how long Viagra lasts. Some of these factors include:
• Taking Viagra with a high-fat meal
• Taking Viagra along with certain other medications, such as rifampin.
All About Taking Viagra
Everyone wants to take Viagra. In fact there is concern that Viagra is becoming a party drug in certain circles. But for those who take Viagra for their ED and as prescribed, there are a few things you need to know before taking your first dose?
Women
Viagra is neither approved or recommended for use in women. Therefore, women should not take Viagra under any circumstances.
Older Men
Men older than 65 are very sensitive to the effects of Viagra. It's for this reason that men over 65 are started on a smaller dose and increased if indicated and tolerated.
Other Medicines
Certain drugs can alter the way Viagra works in the body and vice versa. For this reason, some drugs are not recommended for use while taking Viagra. In fact, some drugs can interact in such a way that they could cause harm or severe illness. The following is a list of drugs your doctor needs to be made aware of before taking Viagra.
• Protease Inhibitors (Crixivan, Invirase, Norvir, Viracept, Fortovase, Agenerase, Lopinavir): Increases the amount of Viagra in your blood and prolongs the action of Viagra. Men on Protease Inhibitors should start with a dose of 25mg and at most use 50mg.
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Erythromycin (E.E.S. or Ery-Tab)
• Itraconazole (Sporanox)
• Ketaconazole (Nizoral)
• Mibefradil (Posicor): These medicines may increase the unwanted effects of sildenafil, unless lower starting doses of sildenafil are used.
• Nitrates / Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat or Transderm-Nitro): Sildenafil and nitrates excessively lower blood pressure when used together. Therefore you should NEVER use sildenafil when you have been prescribed nitrates for chest pain.
Herbal Viagra
Many people are interested in Viagra alternatives that either cost less or are more natural. If you search the Internet for "herbal Viagra," you are bound to find many people selling products that claim to have similar effects to Viagra. However, at this point, no supplements or herbs have been shown to be effective at treating erectile dysfunction (ED). It's also important to remember that even though an herbal supplement may be labeled "natural," it could still be unsafe or have harmful effects.
An Overview of Herbal Viagra
Because of the high cost of Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) and the fact that the drug is not "natural," many people look for Viagra alternatives. One alternative is "herbal Viagra." If you search the Internet for "herbal Viagra," you are bound to find many people selling products that claim to have similar effects to Viagra. However, at this point, no supplements or herbs have been shown to be effective at treating erectile dysfunction (ED). If you suffer from erectile dysfunction, visit your doctor so that the problem can be diagnosed. Your doctor can recommend treatment that is right for your particular situation.
Other Things to Consider
Before taking any herbal medicine, including an herbal alternative to Viagra, it is important to be informed about that particular herb -- the same way that you would want to be informed about a licensed prescription medicine you were taking. This is especially true for people who have erectile dysfunction because, in many cases, people with erectile dysfunction are taking other medicines that could interact in a negative way with an herbal supplement. Some things to keep in mind regarding any herbal medicine include:
• The fact that an herbal supplement is labeled "natural" does not mean it is safe or without any harmful effects. For example, the herbs kava and comfrey have been linked to serious liver damage.
• Herbal supplements can act in the same way as drugs do. Therefore, they can cause medical problems if not used correctly or if taken in large amounts. In some cases, people have experienced negative effects even though they followed the instructions on a supplement's label.
• If you use herbal supplements, it is best to do so under the guidance of a medical professional who has been properly trained in herbal medicine. This is especially important for herbs that are part of an alternative medical system, such as the traditional medicines of China, Japan, or India.
• In the United States, herbal and other dietary supplements are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as foods. This means that they do not have to meet the same standards as drugs and over-the-counter medications for proof of safety, effectiveness, and what the FDA calls Good Manufacturing Practices.
• The active ingredients in many herbs and herbal supplements are not known. There may be dozens, or even hundreds, of such compounds in an herbal supplement. In fact, some herbal supplements have been found to be contaminated with metals, unlabeled prescription drugs, microorganisms, or other substances.
Many herbs have a long history of use and claimed health benefits. However, some herbs have caused health problems for users. If you are considering taking an herbal alternative to Viagra, talk with your healthcare provider. Together you can come up with a treatment plan that works for your particular situation.
Viagra and Alcohol
Although studies have shown that combining alcohol and Viagra is unlikely to cause problems, you should still be aware of potential risks. For example, because both substances cause the blood vessels to dilate, combining these two may lead to dizziness, a rapid heart rate, and low blood pressure. To avoid any problems, talk to your healthcare provider about consuming alcohol while taking this drug.
Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol With Viagra?
According to the manufacturer of Viagra® (sildenafil citrate), drinking alcohol while on this medication is not expected to cause problems. Although some similar medications may cause problems when combined with alcohol, this does not seem to be a problem with Viagra.
Research on Viagra and Alcohol
Both Viagra and alcohol can have similar effects on blood vessels, causing them to dilate (open wider). However, studies did not show such problems in men who combined the two to achieve a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent (legally intoxicated).
Although studies indicate that combining alcohol with Viagra is unlikely to cause problems, it is a good idea to be aware of problems that could theoretically occur due to overly dilated blood vessels, such as:
• Dizziness
• A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Low blood pressure.
Talking With Your Healthcare Provider
You should talk with your healthcare provider about alcohol consumption and Viagra. You and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. Based on what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, the two of you can make a shared decision about your intake of alcohol while on this medication. There may also be other medical reasons why you should not consume alcohol.
