What Is Viagra®?
Viagra® is a brand-name for the drug sildenafil that is taken by mouth to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men ages 18 and older. Erectile dysfunction is a consistent or recurrence of not being able to have or maintain an erection. Viagra® increases the blood flow to the penis, allowing you to keep an erection. Viagra® works best when taken an hour before sexual activity but can be effective in as little as thirty minutes to up to four hours before sexual activity. It may be taken with or without food.
Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction May Include:
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Low testosterone
- High cholesterol
- Cardiovascular problems
- High blood pressure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Certain medications
- Older age
Viagra® contains sildenafil, which belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) enzyme inhibitors. Viagra® comes as tablets and is available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg strengths. Depending on the reason for ED, medical studies have found between 43-85% of men who were diagnosed with erectile dysfunction saw improvement in their condition while taking Viagra®. Like with any medication, be aware of mild to moderate side effects and seek medical care if you experience severe side effects at any time.
Mild Side Effects May Include:
- Flushing
- Indigestion, nausea, or diarrhea
- Visual changes
- Back pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Rash
Severe Side Effects May Include:
- Allergic reaction
- Low blood pressure, dizziness, or passing out
- Chest pain
- Trouble hearing
- Erection that lasts more than 4 hours
Use of Viagra® with medicines called nitrates (i.e. Nitrostat® or nitroglycerin) is contraindicated due to potentially severe low blood pressure. Other blood pressure medicines may also interact with Viagra®. If taking Viagra®, ask your doctor or pharmacist for the complete list of side effects and drug interactions that may occur.
Generic Viagra®
A generic form of medication is an exact replica of the active drug in a name-brand medication. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in generic Viagra®. The only difference between name-brand medicines and generics are the small amounts of inactive ingredients which help mold and hold its shape into the pill form. Generic drugs are known to cost the patient less and are just as safe and effective as name brand Viagra®.
Do You Need A Prescription to Get Viagra®?
Do you need a prescription to get Viagra ®?Viagra® is a prescription medication and is not available over the counter. It is essential to talk to your doctor before taking Viagra® to discuss any medications you are taking, any past or ongoing health conditions you may have, and to see if the medicine is right for you. Do not take any prescription medication without speaking to your doctor first.
Get Discounts On Your Prescription Medications!
Do you need a prescription to get Viagra ®? Easy Drug Card is a discount Prescription drug card that is accepted at over 65,000 pharmacies nationwide and is free to download, receive via text or email, or by mail. Receive your free discount card and get up to an 80% discount on your prescription today!
References:
- UpToDate®: Snyder, P.J., Rosen, R.C. (2020). Overview of male sexual dysfunction. In M.P. O’Leary & K.A. Martin (Eds.), uptodate. Available from Overview of male sexual dysfunction – UpToDate.
- Lexicomp®: Sildenafil drug information
