Safety Concerns one should keep in mind when taking Viagra
Quite opposite to the common belief that sexual problems like erectile dysfunction (ED) do not affect younger adults, about 1 in every 4 patients who are diagnosed with ED, happen to be younger than 40 years. Hence this is no longer just an ‘old age’ issue. However, we do have medicinal solutions to such medical conditions in men.
Viagra is a safe and effective branded pharmaceutical drug that is often prescribed by healthcare providers across the world, for patients diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. Having said that, taking Viagra too much Viagra (both in terms of quantity and tenure) may put the patient at a higher risk of various side effects.
This is why it is so important to be under the guidance of a doctor when it comes to using Viagra or the ”blue pill”. It is crucial that patients with ED discuss their health history and additional medication with their regular general physicians or any other authorized healthcare practitioner.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is a popular branded medication name used for treating erectile dysfunction in men that was invented and marketed by Pfizer. It is based on the salt Sildenafil Citrate, which is used to treat improper penile erection or erectile dysfunction in males.
It is very helpful for men who are unable to achieve and/or maintain an erection adequate for sexual intercourse. Such a condition might be a result of insufficient blood flow to the penile area, which again might be due to some physical injuries or some pre-existing medical conditions, or even if there are some psychological conditions such as anxiety, stress, depression, etc.
Is Generic Viagra Safe?
The US Food and Drug Administration or FDA, approved the generic medication called Sildenafil Citrate in 1998, in order to treat symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence in men. Since then Sildenafil or generic Viagra has become one of the most popularly prescribed medications when it comes to men’s health space. As a first-line medication for treating ED, generic Viagra or Sildenafil is generally safe and effective; provided the patient does not have certain underlying health conditions and is not taking some specific medications.
Is Viagra Safe?
There are people who are curious about the usage of Viagra, in case not affected by ED. The fact that it helps people with ED to get an erection, many become curious if it may be helpful in getting a stronger erection in the absence of ED.
Viagra and other ED medications known as PDE-5 inhibitors can be unsafe to take with certain medical conditions or medications, and taking it can cause complications.
One should not take ED medications if any of the following conditions is applicable to him:
- Certain heart conditions that are considered too risky for sexual activity
- Take medications including alpha-blockers, anti-hypertensives, and nitrates or nitrites
- Have a history of low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or heart failure
- Experienced a stroke or heart attack in the past six months
- Ever previously reacted to sildenafil or any other medicine
- Low blood pressure
- Angina (chest pain) and take nitrates for this
- A serious liver or heart condition
- Sickle Cell Anaemia
- Multiple myeloma
- A stomach ulcer
- Recently had a stroke, heart attack, or other heart condition
- A rare inherited eye disease such as retinitis pigmentosa
- A penis deformity such as Peyronie’s disease
- Ever had an erection that has lasted for more than four hours
One should also not take Viagra tablets in case they are under treatment involving any of the following medications:
- Medications based on nitrates, such as isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
- Blood pressure drugs, such as calcium channel blockers, or alpha-blockers, which can also treat an enlarged prostate
- Certain pulmonary hypertension drugs, such as riociguat (Adempas)
- Protease inhibitors, a class of HIV medications
- Antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)
- Antibacterial drugs, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin)
- Anticoagulants
- Antihistamines
- Benzodiazepines
- Cardioselective beta blockers
- Corticosteroids
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid analogs
- Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid
- Miscellaneous analgesics
- Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- PDE5 inhibitors
- Statins
- Stimulants
- Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNRIs)
- Vitamins- B12, C, and D, or Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (including supplements)
Even if none of the above conditions or medications are applicable, one should never take a medication that is not prescribed by a healthcare provider. In general, erectile dysfunction drugs are safe to take if the heart is healthy and patients are not on any other medications that would interact with them. However, there is always a possibility that patients are unaware of any underlying medical conditions that could interact dangerously with Viagra.
Common Side Effects of Viagra (1 in 10 people)
There is a very minuscule percentage of chance that Viagra shows adverse effects in ED patients. Below is a table showing the percentage of men who get certain side effects from Viagra, based on the dose they take.
| Common Side Effects | 25 mg | 50mg | 100mg |
| Headache | 16% | 21% | 28% |
| Flushing | 10% | 19% | 18% |
| Dyspepsia | 3% | 9% | 17% |
| Abnormal vision | 1% | 2% | 11% |
| Nasal congestion | 4% | 4% | 9% |
| Back pain | 3% | 4% | 4% |
| Myalgia | 2% | 2% | 4% |
| Nausea | 2% | 3% | 3% |
| Dizziness | 3% | 4% | 3% |
| Rash | 1% | 2% | 3% |
For further understanding, you may read Viagra Side Effects Explained.
How many mg of Viagra is Safe?
A tablet of 50 mg can be taken some 30 minutes to 4 hours before starting off with any sexual act. The dose may be increased to 100 mg if 50 mg is ineffective or decreased to 25 mg if side effects are intolerable. Viagra should only be taken once a day even though the effects wear off after approximately 4 to 5 hours.
However, a proper medical consultation from an authorized medical practitioner is required in order to understand the suitability of an individual’s body for various powers. It should also be noted here that this is a prescribed drug. Hence one cannot buy Viagra without a prescription. Viagra is available in the strengths as mentioned below:
Conclusion
Viagra is an FDA-approved medication against erectile dysfunction in men. It has already been tried by millions of men worldwide and has generated great results for patients. Yet one should always go for a thorough diagnosis by an authorized medical practitioner before consuming this medication, as it may react differently for different people.
Further, it might inflict different side effects in some, and it might also react adversely with some of the existing medications. Hence people should have proper medical consultation to understand the suitability of the drug for them.
You may also like to read:
What to do If Viagra Tablets are not Working for you?
How to Use Viagra for the Best Results?