Is Viagra (Sildenafil) right for you? Understanding eligibility and safety
For those considering Viagra (Sildenafil) use for erectile dysfunction (ED), we shed light on how the drug works, its proper dosage, who can safely use it, potential side effects, and its interactions with other medications. Understanding these aspects is key to making informed decisions with your doctor and safely managing ED.
At Chemist2U, we’re here to provide clear information and answer your general questions to help you stay informed when it comes to your medications.
In this article
1. How does Viagra (Sildenafil) work?
Viagra (Sildenafil) is typically prescribed for erectile dysfunction treatment. It is a sexual performance enhancer that facilitates blood flow to the penis, allowing the user to achieve and sustain an erection. This is done by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase-type 5 (PDE-5).[1]
Normally, PDE-5 breaks down a protein called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which is essential for controlling blood flow. Viagra (Sildenafil) regulates cGMP levels when a person is sexually stimulated, thus facilitating increased blood flow to the penis. It’s important to note that Viagra (Sildenafil) does not induce erections on its own; sexual stimulation is necessary for it to work as intended.
2. How do you take Viagra (Sildenafil)?
Typically, these tablets come in various strengths, ranging from 25mg to 100mg. The common starting dose is 50mg, taken as required, but importantly, not more than once a day. Depending on how your body responds, this dosage can be adjusted up or down to either 100mg or 25mg. For the best results, it’s recommended to take Sildenafil for up to four hours before engaging in sexual activity.[2]
It’s essential to have open discussions with your doctor regarding the appropriate dosage for your specific situation.
3. Who can take Viagra (Sildenafil)?
Viagra (Sildenafil) is primarily intended for men aged eighteen and over to help manage erectile dysfunction. However, it’s important to understand that this impotence medication isn’t suitable for everyone.[3][4] For adults over sixty-five and those with heart, liver, or kidney issues or any history of eye problems, extra caution is advised. These conditions may affect how your body responds to Viagra (Sildenafil).
Always consult with a doctor or pharmacist for guidance before proceeding with the medication. They may recommend other prescription potency drugs, such as Caverject (alprostadil) or Cialis (tadalafil), if they find them more suitable for your situation.
4. Side effects of Viagra (Sildenafil)
Some common side effects include flushing, headaches, nasal congestion, and heartburn.[5] You may also experience muscle pain, changes in colour vision, sensitivity to light, and nasal congestion.[6]
It’s crucial to contact your doctor immediately if you encounter any serious side effects. These can include severe vision loss, blurred vision, sudden hearing changes, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, worsening shortness of breath, a painful or prolonged erection, or signs of an allergic reaction like a rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
5. Viagra (Sildenafil) and other medications
When considering Viagra (Sildenafil) for erectile dysfunction, it’s important to be aware of how it interacts with other medications.
Sildenafil’s interaction with other medications varies depending on the specific drug involved. While its combination with organic nitrates like glyceryl trinitrate is contraindicated due to the risk of severe hypotension, its use alongside amlodipine in hypertensive patients does not result in synergistic hypotensive effects and is considered to be relatively safe. However, users should be closely monitored for any adverse effects, especially changes in blood pressure, when sildenafil is used in combination with other medications.[7]
At Chemist2U, we always encourage you to discuss with your doctor all the medications you are taking. This ensures that you receive the most appropriate and safe treatment.
6. Medicines you should not use with Viagra (Sildenafil)
Viagra (Sildenafil) should not be used with nitrates[8], often prescribed for chest pain or angina, like nitroglycerin and isosorbide. This combination can cause a significant drop in blood pressure.
Additionally, avoid using Sildenafil with recreational drugs that contain substances like amyl nitrate, amyl nitrite, or butyl nitrite. These can also lead to dangerously low blood pressure levels.
For those on alpha-blocker medications, such as doxazosin or tamsulosin, used for treating enlarged prostates or high blood pressure, caution is advised. When combined with most medications, phosphodiesterase-type 5 inhibitors are safe, but doxazosin and terazosin can cause orthostatic hypotension together with sildenafil.[9]
7. How to order Viagra (Sildenafil) through Chemist2U
You don’t have to search for a discreet online pharmacy Australia-wide any longer.
Ordering erectile dysfunction medication and other men’s health medication through Chemist2U is straightforward and designed with your convenience in mind.
Begin by downloading our user-friendly app or ordering delivery on this website. Here, you can effortlessly upload an eScript or a clear photo of your paper prescriptions online.
Remember, you can also include any over-the-counter items you may need, just like you would at your local pharmacy. Rest assured, a qualified pharmacist will carefully prepare your order, which will be delivered straight to your doorstep, offering same-day service in most areas.
At Chemist2U, we’re committed to streamlining your medication management, making it easier and more accessible for you.
Have your medication delivered by Chemist2U today!
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3776492/
[2] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/how-and-when-to-take-sildenafil/
[3] https://www.goodrx.com/viagra/who-should-not-take-viagra
[4] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/who-can-and-cannot-take-sildenafil/
[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S009042950000649X
[6] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699015.html#side-effects
[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002914999000442
[8] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/01.CIR.102.20.2516
[9] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022534705608981
