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Viagra
Information
The
following represents the most frequently asked questions concerning
the use of Viagra for the treatment of impotence. Simply click on
the following Viagra questions of interest and you will be directed
to the appropriate Viagra question and answer.
What is ViagraŽ?
How does ViagraŽ work?
What is the appropriate dose?
What clinical studies have been done?
How much time must surpass before ViagraŽ is
effective?
What happens if there is no sexual stimulation
following the ingestion of ViagraŽ?
What
are the side effects of ViagraŽ?
What are precautions/warnings concerning ViagraŽ?
Can I use ViagraŽ with other medications?
Why is ViagraŽ absolutely contraindicated in
individuals who are currently taking medications containing nitrates?
Can I get ViagraŽ over the counter?
For what types of ED is ViagraŽ proving to be especially effective?
Is ViagraŽ less effective in treating ED that
is secondary to certain underlying medical conditions?
Can ViagraŽ be combined with other treatments
for erectile dysfunction?
Is there a potential for ViagraŽ to be used
in the treatment of ED in women?
What
is ViagraŽ?
ViagraŽ
is the first significant oral medication for the
treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED). The medicine was originally
developed as a cardiovascular medicine designed to improve blood flow
in the vessels of the heart. However, during initial studies
the medication was found to have a profound side effect. Individuals
began to report a remarkable difference in their ability to achieve
and maintain an erection. Further studies were completed and
on March 27, 1998, the medication was approved by the FDA for the
treatment of (ED).
How
does ViagraŽ work?
ViagraŽ
is dispensed as a pill and ingested orally. Approximately
30-60 minutes later the drug is absorbed in the bloodstream.
ViagraŽ then functions as an inhibitor to an enzyme called phosphodiesterase
type (PDE5) which is found primarily in the penis. By inhibiting
PDE5, smooth muscle in the penis remains relaxed for a longer period.
This allows for increased blood flow into the cavernous tissue of
the penis thereby generating an erection. ViagraŽ is unique
in that it increases a natural occurring process, therefore, only
through sexual stimulation will an erection occur.
What
is the appropriate dose?
The
standard dose is 50mg one hour prior to sexual activity. However,
if you are older than age 65 or have a serious kidney or liver disease
some physicians will recommend starting with the minimal dose of
25mg. ViagraŽ should not be taken more than once per any 24-hour
period and doses should not exceed 100mg. The half-life of
ViagraŽ, the time the drug remains effective after ingestion, is
approximately four hours.
What
clinical studies have been done?
Fortunately, there is now a proven way to treat impotence. Viagra
has been tested in over 130 clinical trails involving men of all
ages. In all of these clinical trial Viagra as proven to be the most
trusted treatment option for impotence. There is no substitute for
experience, some 600,000 physicians have prescribed Viagra to more
than 20 million individuals worldwide. The following graph
depicts how men rate the long term use of Viagra for the treatment
of impotence:
 
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) has changed the course of treatment
for Erectile Dysfunction. Rarely has there ever been so much enthusiasm
surrounding a prescription medication.
How
much time must surpass before ViagraŽ is effective?
Viagra
is rapidly absorbed. Maximum observed plasma concentrations
are reached within 30 to 120 minutes (median time 60 minutes) of
oral dosing on an empty stomach. Note: when ViagraŽ is taken
with a high fat content meal, the rate of effectiveness can be significantly
diminished.
What
happens if there is no sexual stimulation following the ingestion
of ViagraŽ?
ViagraŽ
is naturally eliminated from your body in a few hours.
What
are the side effects of ViagraŽ?
- The side effects of ViagraŽ are relatively few and if they do occur,
they are usually short lived. However, some patients have
reported the following side effects:
- Congestion
- Diarrhea
- Facial Flushing
- Headaches
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Visual Changes (mild and temporary changes in blue/green colors or
increased sensitivity to light)
What
are precautions/warnings concerning ViagraŽ?
Men
who are taking medicines that contain nitrates (Nitroglycerin) of
any kind must never use ViagraŽ. Patients should not take
ViagraŽ even if you only take nitroglycerin medication occasionally.
(Please see list of nitrates) There is also a potential for
cardiac risk during sexual activity in patients with preexisting
cardiovascular disease. Therefore, ViagraŽ should not be used
in men where sexual activity is inadvisable because of their underlying
cardiovascular status. Several medications are known to interact
with ViagraŽ. Therefore, one should inform their physician
concerning all medications they are taking, including those medications
acquired by a prescription as well as over the counter medicines.
The use of ViagraŽ offers no protection against sexually transmitted
diseases, including HIV. Patients should continue to use protective
measures necessary to guard against these diseases. In case
of an overdose, call your physician immediately.
Can
I use ViagraŽ with other medications?
Yes,
it is generally safe to use ViagraŽ while on other medications,
however some medicines may potentiate the effects of ViagraŽ.
Individuals should always consult with their healthcare provider
prior to taking any medication. Note ViagraŽ does have one
absolute contraindication; individuals who are taking medication-containing
nitrate (even intermittently) should not take ViagraŽ.
Why
is ViagraŽ absolutely contraindicated in individuals who are currently
taking medications containing nitrates?
ViagraŽ
has been shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates
to life threatening levels. Therefore, individuals who are
currently using nitrates in any form even intermittently should
not take ViagraŽ. Nitrates are available in many medications;
sprays, ointments, skin patches, pastes and tablets dissolved in
the mouth. Nitrates are also found in illicit drugs such as
amyl nitrate or nitrite "Poppers". If you are unsure
if you are currently taking nitrates please value your health and
consult with your local physician or pharmacist.
Can
I get ViagraŽ over the counter?
No,
ViagraŽ should only be taken by prescription from a licensed physician.
FDA regulations do not permit ViagraŽ to be taken without prescription.
CLICK
HERE for a consultation for a ViagraŽ prescription.
A Licensed Physician will review your medical history and patient
profile. If approved for a ViagraŽ prescription, we will have
your order shipped discretely to your home or office.
For
what types of ED is ViagraŽ proving to be especially effective?
ViagraŽ
is showing optimal results in individuals who experience ED secondary
to high levels of anxiety (performance anxiety) and individuals
with mild ED.
Is
ViagraŽ less effective in treating ED that is secondary to certain
underlying medical conditions?
This
question is somewhat difficult to answer right now. More data
is expected in the near future. Some initial data suggests
that men, who have undergone radical prostatectomy (surgical removal
of their prostate), using nerve-sparing procedures, are not achieving
the same positive results with Viagra.
Can
ViagraŽ be combined with other treatments for erectile dysfunction?
The
use of such combined treatments is not recommended, since no studies
have been done to access Viagra'sŽ safety and effectiveness.
Is
there a potential for ViagraŽ to be used in the treatment of ED
in women?
There
are currently several medical research centers that are studying
whether ViagraŽ is a viable oral therapy for woman with ED.
The problem is, secondary to anatomy, we know less concerning female
ED than male ED. Historically, research has focused on male ED.
Until we have a better understanding of the physiological processes
causing Ed in women are ability to treat the condition is limited.
Although some physicians are prescribing ViagraŽ to their female
patients, it is important to note, the FDA has not approved the
medication for the treatment of ED in women.
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