|
|
Before Taking This Medicine
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Viagra. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) or
- Coronary artery disease or
- Heart attack, history of (within the last 6 months) or
- High blood pressure or
- Low blood pressure or
- Stroke, history of (within the last 6 mont
hs)¡XChance of problems occurring may be increased
- Abnormal penis, including curved penis and birth defects of the penis¡XChance of problems occurring may be increased
- Bleeding problems
- Retinitis pigmentosa¡XChance of problems occurring may be increased. It is not known if the medicine is safe for use in these patients
|
Possible Side Effect
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
- Abnormal visio
n, including blurred vision, seeing shades of colors differently than before, or sensitivity to light; bladder pain; cloudy or bloody urine; dizziness; increased frequency of urination ; pain on
urination
- Bleeding of the eye; convulsions (seizures) ; decreased vision or other changes in vision; double vision; prolonged, painful, or inappropriate erection of penis; redness, b
urning, or swelling of the eye; vision loss, temporary
|
Before Taking This Medicine
Breast-feeding¡XIt is not known whether Viagra passes into breast milk. Viagra is not indicated for use in women.
|
|
|
|
Overdosage
Although there is no report for overdose of Viagra, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
|
Other Medicines
When you are taking Viagra, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Cimetidine (e.g., Tagamet)
- Erythromycin (e.g.,
E.E.S. or Ery-Tab)
- Itraconazole (e.g., Sporanox)
- Ketaconazole (e.g., Nizoral)
- Mibefradil (e.g., Posicor)
- Ritonavir (e.g., Norvir)
- Saquinavir (e.g., Fortovase or Inv
irase)¡XThese medicines may increase the unwanted effects of Viagra, unless lower starting doses of Viagra are used
- Nitrates, such as nitroglycerin (e.g., Nitrostat or Transderm-Nitro)¡XViagra
creases the lowering of blood pressure by nitrates too much and their use together is not recommended
|
How to Use
Doses range from 25 milligrams to 100 milligrams, depending on the drug's effect. The usual dose is 50 milligrams. If you are over 65, have liver or kidney problems, or are taking erythromycin, ketoco
nazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, or saquinavir a dose of 25 milligrams may be sufficient. Your doctor will adjust the dosage if the drug is not working properly for you.
Take Viagra only bef
ore sexual activity. The manufacturer recommends a maximum of 1 dose per day (1 dose every 2 days for those taking ritonavir).
To avoid low blood pressure, do not take the 50-milligram or 10
0-milligram dose of Viagra within 4 hours of taking an alpha-blocking drug such as Cardura.
|
|
