| Viagra has revolutionized medical
practice world over, with its treatment of erectile
dysfunction in men. Viagra has become so popular
that over 600,000 doctors claimed to have prescribed
it to their patients so far. However, with all the
success Viagra has generated, some bad publicity
has also come with it. This comes in the form of
linking Viagra to death in certain patients with
heart conditions.
Research shows that Viagra’s active ingredient
sildenafil does have a negative affect on patients
who use nitrate drugs for pre-existing angina
conditions. Viagra by interacting with nitrates
can lower a person’s blood pressure to unsafe
or life threatening levels. Pfizer, the drug company
that manufactures Viagra, however has mentioned
this on the prescription label. And cautions users
not to take Viagra, if they use nitrate medication
or have some form of pre-existing heart condition
such as a heart attack or stroke.
Viagra is a prescription medication that needs
to be taken under a qualified doctor or health
care professional’s supervision. Research
also shows that Viagra is usually well tolerated
by most and even patients with heart problems.
However, as each patient is different, it is ideal
that they speak to their doctor about taking Viagra.
Viagra should not be taken by people who;
- Take nitrate medications for angina. Nitrates
include nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual,
Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, Minitran, Deponit), isosorbide
dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate),
and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO).
- Have had a hear attack or stroke within the
last 6 months
- Have coronary heart disease and suffer from
low blood pressure
- Have liver or kidney problems
- Have blood disorders such as leukemia or sickle
cell anemia
- Have any stomach ulcers or any bleeding disorders
- Have a rare eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa
or,
- Are on other impotence medications.
Viagra though usually well tolerated has side
effects, they include;
- Headaches
- Facial flushing
- Stomach upsets or indigestion
- A runny nose &
- Vision changes (a bluish tinge or blurriness)
The most common side effect of Viagra is headaches,
with the least common being vision changes. If
at any time you feel different after taking Viagra
it is important that you inform your doctor immediately.
Viagra is also known to cause prolonged erections
in certain people; any one who has an erection
for more than 4 hours should seek medical help
right away.
The American College of Cardiology and the AHA
(American Hear Association) both agree that Viagra
is safe enough for even men with heart disease,
but who do not take nitrate medications. People
need to use Viagra cautiously; it is not a recreational
drug, but a prescription medication for erectile
dysfunction. Viagra can be safely used in most
patients as long as they speak to their doctor
and thoroughly discuss their medical history before
taking this drug. Men need to know that before
they take Viagra, their heart can take the physical
stress of any sexual activity.
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