Viagra is a prescription medication for erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s an oral therapy, which goes by the generic name of Sildenafil. Manufactured by Pfizer, a renowned pharmaceutical company, this medication has helped millions of men; across the world bring about a marked improvement in their erections.

About Viagra - Erectile dysfunction medication

Erectile Dysfunction is a condition wherein a man faces difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection, long enough for a satisfying sexual experience. The condition manifests itself when the amount of blood flow to the penis is not enough to sustain the erection.

The concept of erectile dysfunction is different for different men. While some cannot get an erection, others get an erection, which is not conducive for sex. There are still others who have an erection that is hard, but aren’t able to maintain this erection for the duration of their sexual activity. Moreover, there is also a tendency to lose the erection before the commencement of the sexual activity or during sex.

Erections can improve with proper treatment and Viagra has emerged as the popularly prescribed ‘wonder’ drug for erectile dysfunction (ED). Viagra addresses the three main elements that are of paramount importance if one wants to have satisfying sex, namely; hardness, timely erection, and maintaining the erection.

Who Can Take Viagra – Basic eligibility to take Viagra

Safety is an important issue, when it comes to medications. Viagra is no different. Not everybody can take Viagra. When it comes to the age factor, only men above the age of 18 are eligible for Viagra. Another basic eligibility for taking Viagra is that the man should be suffering from erectile dysfunction or erection related problems periodically or all the time. It’s important that you take your doctor’s advice while taking Viagra. You must find out whether Viagra is a safe medication for you. If you are using Viagra and experience discomfort like chest pain, or nausea etc, it’s important to consult a doctor immediately.

Moreover, there are specific medications that react adversely with Viagra or specifically Sildenafil, which include medications that are nitroglycerin or nitrate based. Some of these drugs include Monoket, Ismo, Sorbitrate, Nitrostat, Minitran, and Transderm-Nitro. If a person is on other erectile dysfunction medications, it’s advisable that he does not take Viagra (Sildenafil).

Viagra can be taken with some other medications, including those meant for depression and high blood pressure. If one is on alpha blockers with respect to medications, the doctor might prescribe a lower dose of Viagra.

Side Effects of Viagra

There are a few common side effects associated with Viagra. These include headache, an upset stomach, and flushing of the face. Other less common side effects of Viagra include blurring of a person’s vision, bluish vision, and even an increased sensitivity to light. However, these side effects occur only for a very limited period of time.

There is a chance with the intake of any erectile dysfunction medicine that the erection might last for more than what is considered to be a normal time frame. If the erection lasts for more than 4 hours, you need immediate medical help. Otherwise you might run the risk of a long-term injury.

There have been some rare instances, wherein men taking oral erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra reported a sudden loss of vision; however it’s unsure whether the loss of vision can be directly attributed to the intake of Viagra or similar medications or for that matter, to other factors. There are also cases reporting the sudden loss of hearing or a decreased ability to hear. Like, the loss of vision, it is difficult to determine whether this loss of hearing is associated with the intake of these PDE5 inhibitors (Oral Erectile Dysfunction Medications).

It’s important in such cases that you discontinue the use of Viagra and seek medical help.