The Right Way to Use an ED Treatment (Sponsored)

Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

Find us on:

WebMD Home

Men's Health

Taking on Erectile Dysfunction

Email a Friend

Print Article

This content is from our sponsor. The sponsor has sole editorial control.

The Right Way to Use VIAGRA

You've talked to your doctor. You've gotten your prescription. Now, here's what you should know when you start taking VIAGRA.

VIAGRA starts to work in about 30 minutes, so take it 30–60 minutes before sex.
VIAGRA won't give you an immediate erection.
You must be sexually stimulated for it to work.
VIAGRA works for up to 4 hours. After sex,
your erection should go away.

Important things to remember

For most men, VIAGRA works the first or second time they try it. But here are some things that may affect how well it works for you:

Eat smart before you start. Keep in mind that fatty foods can slow your body's ability to absorb VIAGRA. For best results, avoid high-fat meals 2 hours before taking VIAGRA. While it's okay to drink alcohol with VIAGRA, you should do so in moderation.
VIAGRA comes in 3 doses: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. So if you aren't getting the results you want, talk to your doctor about a dose adjustment.

Taking VIAGRA safely

VIAGRA can help most men with ED. But it's not right for everyone. Here are some other things you should know:

Some men shouldn't take VIAGRA

Do not take VIAGRA if you take nitrates, often prescribed for chest pain, as this may cause a sudden, unsafe drop in blood pressure. Discuss your general health status with your doctor to ensure that you are healthy enough to engage in sexual activity. If you experience chest pain, nausea, or any other discomforts during sex, seek immediate medical help. VIAGRA should not be used with other treatments that cause erections. VIAGRA should not be used with REVATIO as REVATIO contains sildenafil, the same medicine found in VIAGRA.

Some men should take a lower dose of VIAGRA

If you are older than age 65, or have serious liver or kidney problems, your doctor may start you at the lowest dose (25 mg) of VIAGRA. If you are taking protease inhibitors, such as for the treatment of HIV, your doctor may recommend a 25 mg dose and may limit you to a maximum single dose of 25 mg of VIAGRA in a 48-hour period. If you have prostate problems or high blood pressure for which you take medicines called alpha blockers, your doctor may start you on a lower dose of VIAGRA. VIAGRA does not prevent against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

VIAGRA has been shown to safely treat ED in men who have certain other health conditions

These conditions include:
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Diabetes
Depression
Spinal cord injury

Talk to your doctor

Discuss your general health and your ED symptoms with your doctor. Work with him or her to see if VIAGRA is right for you.

Know the side effects

The most common side effects of VIAGRA include:
Headache
Facial flushing
Upset stomach

Less commonly, bluish vision, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light may briefly occur.

In rare instances, men taking PDE5 inhibitors (oral erectile dysfunction medicines, including VIAGRA) reported a sudden decrease or loss of vision. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to these medicines or to other factors. If you experience sudden decrease or loss of vision, stop taking PDE5 inhibitors, including VIAGRA, and call a doctor right away.

In the rare event of an erection lasting more than 4 hours—also known as priapism—seek immediate medical help to avoid long-term injury.

Sudden decrease or loss of hearing has been rarely reported in people taking PDE5 inhibitors, including VIAGRA. It is not possible to determine whether these events are related directly to the PDE5 inhibitors or to other factors. If you experience sudden decrease or loss of hearing, stop taking VIAGRA and contact a doctor right away.

To learn more, go to www.viagra.com.

VIAGRA is prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION BELOW.

Do not take VIAGRA if you take nitrates, often prescribed for chest pain, as this may cause a sudden, unsafe drop in blood pressure.

Discuss your general health status with your doctor to ensure that you are healthy enough to engage in sexual activity. If you experience chest pain, nausea, or any other discomforts during sex, seek immediate medical help.

In the rare event of an erection lasting more than 4 hours, seek immediate medical help to avoid long-term injury.

If you have prostate problems or high blood pressure for which you take medicines called alpha blockers, your doctor may start you on a lower dose of VIAGRA.

VIAGRA should not be used with other treatments that cause erections. VIAGRA should not be used with REVATIO as REVATIO contains sildenafil, the same medicine found in VIAGRA.

VIAGRA does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

The most common side effects of VIAGRA are headache, facial flushing, and upset stomach. Less commonly, bluish vision, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light may briefly occur.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Prescribing Information

The blue diamond tablet shape is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.

The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

The product information provided in this site is intended for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

May 2011

VGU00900A

WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.