Health Photos
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Sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra, is a drug that has helped many men suffering from the problem of erection of the penis (erectile dysfunction). Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to get an erection, sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. It helps a man who is sexually aroused to get and maintain an erection by increasing the blood flow to the penis. If however, a man takes viagra but is not sexually stimulated he will not get an erection. It is a prescription medicine, which aims at improving the problems of erection in men.
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Sildenafil improves erections in 4 out of 5 men who take it, regardless of how long they have had erectile dysfunction and what caused it. It is to be taken about 1 hour before engaging in sexual activity. In most cases, it helps get an erection in 30 minutes that lasts for around 4 hours if a man is sexually excited. If sexual stimulation is absent then nothing will happen.
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Viagra comes in different doses of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. The recommended dosage is one tablet a day. For most people it should not be taken more than once a day. It is advisable to go by the doctor's prescription regarding the dose to be taken as it will vary from person to person.
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It should never be taken by men who are using nitrate drugs, like nitroglycerine that is used for the treatment of chest pains due to heart disease. This could lead to a sudden drop in the blood pressure to unsafe levels. This includes the use of nitroglycerines in any form such as sprays, ointments and chewable tablets. There are additional warnings about the use of the drug by individuals with cardiovascular disease.
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The side effects of Sildenafil include dilation of the blood vessels in other parts of the body, causing headaches and fainting.
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The drug has some side effects, which last for a few minutes to a few hours after taking the drug, such as facial flushing, upset stomach, blurred vision and sensitivity to light usually occur with high doses.
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It has been found that 82% of the men who have taken Sildenafil, have experienced an improvement in their erections. It has helped men having mild erectile dysfunction. Those who have severe impotence problems have had less success with the drug. Men who have undergone surgery for prostate removal have also not experienced significant success.
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The tablet should be stored at room temperature; away from heat, moisture and direct light.
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Drinking alcohol may temporarily impair the ability to get an erection. It is therefore advisable not to drink large amounts of alcohol before taking viagra.
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Taking viagra after a meal rich in fats may cause the drug to take a longer time to start working. It is best to have a balanced meal before the drug is taken for increased effectiveness.
