Viagra, 1 piece, 100 mg, film-coated tablets

Features of the active substance

The active substance of the drug is sildenafil. Currently, many drugs containing this active substance have already been registered in the Russian Federation. It only works when a man experiences natural sexual arousal, and when intercourse is finished, the penis naturally returns to a relaxed state. In other words, the drug affects only the natural mechanisms of erection. This was precisely its undeniable novelty and the secret of Viagra’s enormous popularity.

Molecular structure of sildenafil. Image: olla.davies/Depositphotos

For what diseases is sildenafil needed?

According to research results, sildenafil may help:

• patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction;
• with diabetes;
• with atherosclerosis;
• with damage to the nerves going to the vessels of the penis;
• with spinal cord injury and other associated clinical conditions;
• people taking a number of medications at the same time, etc.

But, unfortunately, the drug is not able to cure all types of erectile dysfunction. In any case, before taking any medications, you should consult your doctor.

Photo: maksymiv_yura / freepik.com

Description of the drug

Viagra tablets have been on the pharmaceutical market for more than 20 years. They are produced in American only in a diamond-shaped form of blue color with a dosage of 25, 50 or 100 mg. Packaged in packs of 1, 2, 4 or 12 pieces.

The composition of Viagra includes one active component - sildenafil and several additional ones: magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, calcium hydrogen phosphate and crosscarmellose sodium.

The tablets are designed to increase blood flow to the male genital organ, since it is due to poor circulation in the penis that erectile dysfunction occurs.

Indication for use is the treatment of disorders in which the penis is not able to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory intercourse.

The peculiarity is that the drug acts only under conditions of natural sexual arousal. It does not affect the quantity and quality of seminal fluid, therefore, if conception occurs during sex using Viagra and pregnancy occurs, there will be no harm to the health of the unborn baby.

Tablets are capable of:

• Increase sensory perception and orgasmic power.
• Increase the duration of sexual intercourse.
• Reduce the recovery period between intercourse.

Like any medicine, Viagra has contraindications and can cause unwanted effects.

When should you be careful?

Everyone has heard about sildenafil or Viagra. But few people know about the side effects and serious consequences of uncontrolled use.

• Caution in the use of sildenafil is necessary for people who intend to operate various types of mechanisms after taking it. Sometimes, after taking the drug, a person may experience a rapid change in color perception with a predominance of blue colors. In this regard, the management of one of the American airlines prohibited its pilots from taking Viagra an hour before flights.
• People with severe diseases of the cardiovascular system (heart failure, angina pectoris, impaired cerebral circulation) need to be especially careful. They need constant medical supervision. Sexual intercourse is a serious physical activity for a person with cardiac problems. This should be remembered if there are symptoms such as pain in the heart during physical activity and/or at rest, memory impairment and mental performance that have progressed over the past few months. Those who have suffered a heart attack or stroke should also take the issue seriously. This means that you should definitely consult with your doctor about the advisability of taking sildenafil.
• There are some men who should not take this medication. Because sildenafil is involved in the biochemistry of nitric oxide, it may interact with other drugs called nitrates, which are used to treat heart disease. Therefore, any man who takes nitrates in any form should not take sildenafil under any circumstances.
• Caution should also be exercised in those patients who have previously had priapism. Although to date there have been no reports of priapism occurring while taking sildenafil, patients who are predisposed to its occurrence also require close medical supervision.

Photo: maksymiv_yura / freepik.com

Viagra®

The most common side effects were headache and flushing.

Typically, the side effects of Viagra® are mild or moderate and transient.

Fixed-dose studies have shown that the incidence of some adverse events increases with increasing dose.

The frequency of adverse reactions is presented according to the following classification:

From the immune system:

uncommon - hypersensitivity reactions (including skin rash), allergic reactions.

From the side of the organ of vision:

often - blurred vision, blurred vision, cyanopsia; uncommon - eye pain, photophobia, photopsia, chromatopsia, redness of the eyes/scleral injections, changes in the brightness of light perception, mydriasis, conjunctivitis, hemorrhage in the eye tissue, cataracts, disruption of the lacrimal apparatus; rarely - swelling of the eyelids and adjacent tissues, a feeling of dryness in the eyes, the presence of rainbow circles in the field of vision around the light source, increased eye fatigue, seeing objects in yellow (xanthopsia), seeing objects in red (erythropsia), conjunctival hyperemia, irritation of the mucous membrane membranes of the eyes, discomfort in the eyes; frequency unknown - non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, retinal vein occlusion, visual field defect, diplopia*, temporary loss of vision or decreased visual acuity, increased intraocular pressure, retinal edema, retinal vascular disease, vitreous detachment/vigreal traction.

From the side of the hearing organ

: uncommon - sudden decrease or loss of hearing, tinnitus, ear pain, ringing in the ears.

From the cardiovascular system:

often - “hot flashes”; uncommon - tachycardia, palpitations, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, unstable angina, atrioventricular block, myocardial infarction, cerebral thrombosis, cardiac arrest, heart failure, abnormal electrocardiogram readings, cardiomyopathy, increased blood pressure; rarely - atrial fibrillation, sudden cardiac death*, ventricular arrhythmia*.

From the blood and lymphatic system:

infrequently - anemia, leukopenia.

Metabolism and nutrition:

uncommon - feeling of thirst, edema, gout, uncompensated diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, peripheral edema, hyperuricemia, hypoglycemia, hypernatremia.

From the respiratory system:

often - nasal congestion; uncommon - nosebleeds, rhinitis, asthma, dyspnea, laryngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, increased volume of sputum, increased cough; rarely - a feeling of tightness in the throat, dryness of the nasal mucosa, swelling of the nasal mucosa.

From the gastrointestinal tract:

often - nausea, dyspepsia; uncommon - gastroesophageal reflux disease, vomiting, abdominal pain, dry oral mucosa. glossitis, gingivitis, colitis, dysphagia, gastritis, gastroenteritis, esophagitis, stomatitis, deviation of liver function tests from the norm, rectal bleeding; rarely - hypoesthesia of the oral mucosa.

From the musculoskeletal system:

often - back pain; uncommon - myalgia, pain in the limbs, arthritis, arthrosis, tendon rupture, tenosynovitis, bone pain, myasthenia gravis, synovitis.

From the genitourinary system:

uncommon - cystitis, nocturia, breast enlargement, urinary incontinence, hematuria, impaired ejaculation, genital swelling, anorgasmia, hematospermia, damage to penile tissue; rarely - prolonged erection and/or priapism, bleeding from the penis.

From the central and peripheral nervous system:

very often - headache; often dizziness; uncommon - drowsiness, migraine, ataxia, hypertonicity, neuralgia, neuropathy, paresthesia, tremor, vertigo, symptoms of depression, insomnia, unusual dreams, increased reflexes, hypoesthesia; rarely - convulsions*, repeated convulsions*, fainting, cerebrovascular accident, transient ischemic attack.

For the skin and subcutaneous tissues:

uncommon - skin rash, urticaria, herpes simplex, itching, increased sweating, skin ulceration, contact dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis; frequency unknown - Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Others

: uncommon - feeling of heat, swelling of the face, photosensitivity reaction, shock, asthenia, increased fatigue, pain of various localizations, chills, accidental falls, pain in the chest, accidental injuries; rarely irritability.

* Side effects identified during post-marketing studies.

Cardiovascular complications

During post-marketing use of sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, adverse events such as severe cardiovascular complications (including myocardial infarction, unstable angina, sudden cardiac death, ventricular arrhythmia, hemorrhagic stroke, transient ischemic attack, hypertension and hypotension) have been reported ), which had a temporary association with the use of sildenafil. Most of these patients, but not all of them, had risk factors for cardiovascular complications.

Many of these adverse events occurred shortly after sexual activity, and some of them occurred after taking sildenafil without subsequent sexual activity.

It is not possible to establish a direct connection between the observed adverse events and these or other factors.

Visual impairment

In rare cases, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare condition and cause of vision loss or reduction, has been reported during post-marketing use of all PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil.

Most of these patients had risk factors, including decreased papilledema/disc ratio (“congestive disc”), age over 50 years, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, and smoking.

An observational study assessed whether recent use of the PDE5 inhibitor class of drugs was associated with acute onset of NPINSID. Results indicate an approximately 2-fold increase in the risk of NPINSID within 5 half-lives of PDE5 inhibitor use.

Published literature estimates the annual incidence of NPINSID to be 2.5–11.8 cases per 100,000 men aged >50 years in the general population. In case of sudden loss of vision, patients should be advised to stop sildenafil therapy and consult a doctor immediately.

Individuals who have already had a case of NPIND have an increased risk of recurrent NPIND. Therefore, the physician should discuss this risk with such patients, as well as discuss with them the potential for adverse effects from PDE5 inhibitors.

PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, should be used with caution in such patients and only in situations where the expected benefit outweighs the risk.
When using Viagra® in doses exceeding the recommended ones, adverse events were similar to those noted above, but usually occurred more often.

Can a healthy man take it?

As for the effect of sildenafil on healthy men who have heard a lot about the miracle drug and want to satisfy their curiosity, then, according to experts, the developer of Viagra, the drug has no effect on them! That is, if, when using the Viagra tablet, you felt some kind of revolutionary breakthrough in your own sexuality, then, apparently, you should go for a consultation with an andrologist. This does not necessarily mean the presence of any disease, but examination will not hurt.

Photo: atlascompany / freepik.com

Side effects from Viagra

The most common side effects:

• headache (15.8%);
• sudden redness of the face and neck (10.5%);
• lack of smell (5.5%) and redness of the nasal cavity (4.2%).

These side effects were, as a rule, transient in nature, mild to moderate, and did not dictate the need to discontinue treatment.

Photo: stoker43rus / freepik.com

Instructions for use of Viagra

The tablets are taken orally; for faster action, it is better before meals.

The instructions for use of Viagra provide for no more than one dose per day, 1 hour before the planned sexual intercourse.

You can find out how to take Viagra for the first time from the instructions: it is recommended to start taking Viagra with 50 mg. If the dosage is sufficient to maintain potency, and the drug is well tolerated, then there is no need to increase the dose. If side effects appear, you can try taking 25 mg tablets and observe the effectiveness. If the patient complains of insufficient erection, the doctor will increase the dosage. The age of a man does not affect the choice of therapeutic dose. The maximum dose is 100 mg.

The action begins 30-60 minutes after administration and lasts for the next four hours.

To increase the effectiveness and speed up the absorption of the drug, follow these tips:

• Give preference to light dishes, avoid fatty foods.
• Don't drink grapefruit juice.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks and smoking.

It is important to understand that there is no point in taking them for a healthy man. In case of serious disorders in the circulatory system, the drug will also have no effect. If a man has low testosterone levels, taking Viagra will also not produce a “miracle”.

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Can everyone take sildenafil?

No. You should not use this drug if you are taking any of the following nitro medications:

• isosorbide mononitrate (Ismo, Monoket, Imdur)
• isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil, Sorbitrate)
• sublingual nitroglycerin tablets or sprays (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual spray)
• transdermal nitroglycerin pastes (Minitran, Nitro-Dur, Transderm-Nitro)

If you take sildenafil and experience chest pain, be sure to tell your doctor that you are using it and when you last took it.

Information provided by the American Academy of Family Physicians

Make an appointment Do not self-medicate. Contact our specialists who will correctly diagnose and prescribe treatment.

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In what form is Viagra available?

Viagra is produced and sold exclusively in tablet form. Any liquid options, injections or suspensions are fake.

The drug is packaged in blisters with different numbers of tablets, according to:

• 1 piece;
• 2 pieces;
• 4 pieces;
• 12 pieces;

Each tablet is coated with a blue varnish film shell. It has a diamond shape with rounded tops and clear edges. A blister with any quantity is placed in a cardboard package, on which there is a control confirming that it has not been opened.

The active ingredient in this product is

Sildenafil, which is part of the tablet, does not directly cause muscle relaxation, but under its influence the effect of nitric oxide is enhanced. The principle of action of Viagra is based precisely on this.

In addition to it, Viagra contains auxiliary components:

• cellulose;
• calcium hydrogen phosphate;
• magnesium stearate;
• sodium croscarmellose.

These substances are necessary for the drug to be fully absorbed by the body and give the desired effect.

After what time and for how long does the medicine take effect?

Viagra tablets have an effect within half an hour after administration. Average action time is 4-5 hours. However, this period can vary more or less. The cause of the deviation may be the weight and constitution of the man, the characteristics of the digestive system and the body as a whole.

A heavy, fatty meal eaten shortly before taking the pill will weaken the effect of the drug, and an empty stomach will enhance it. The maximum effect of the tablet occurs 1.5 hours after administration. Viagra should not be taken with alcoholic beverages, as this may negate the expected result.

Indications for use

Viagra is effective for erectile dysfunction, which is caused by poor filling of the penis with blood, which is why it cannot acquire the necessary hardness to ensure normal insertion into the partner’s vagina and friction. Such disorders are often caused by:

• atherosclerosis;
• varicose veins;
• diabetes mellitus;
• nervous disorders;
• circulatory disorders;
• spinal injuries;
• high blood viscosity.

If difficulties with full sexual intercourse are associated with one of the listed reasons, then Viagra becomes a real salvation for restoring potency. In addition, the use of these tablets allows you to remove the psychological negative consequences of male incompetence.

Many men who experience difficulties of a sexual nature often fall into the blues and begin to consider themselves inferior, out of print, which only aggravates the situation and complicates treatment. In some cases, having eliminated the physiological basis of erectile dysfunction, they then have to turn to the services of psychotherapists. With the help of Viagra, this situation can be avoided.

How to take Viagra: dosage

Viagra is taken no more than once a day. The standard dose of the drug is 1 tablet (50 mg). After the first use, assessing the individual reaction of the body and the resulting effect, it can be increased (no more than 100 mg) or decreased (up to 25 mg). You need to drink it with water.

Older men should take the standard dose. Adjustment may be necessary for patients with mild to moderate renal failure, as well as severe liver disorders such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.