About Viagra

Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction

Viagra Overview

Viagra should be used for the persistent inability to attain or maintain an erection, also know as impotence or sexual dysfunction.

The non-trade name for Viagra is sildenafil. Sildenafil is an oral treatment, which increases inflow and retention of blood in the penis. It is effective as an oral treatment because of its rapid absorption, short half-life, and minimal effect on heart rate and blood pressure. Some medical groups claim up to a 98% success rate.

Viagra is not affected by:

• Race or age
• Duration of erectile dysfunction
• Duration of select underlying disease states (e.g., diabetes mellitus)

  Viagra has been effective in a broad range of patients with erectile dysfunction, including those with chronic illness (such as MS), a history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, other cardiac disease, peripheral vascular disease, type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus, mental depression, spina bifida, and spinal cord injury. <
  
  Viagra Dosage

  25-100 mg (usually 50 mg) 1 hour before sexual activity.
  
  Viagra Dosage Adjustments

• Geriatrics (over 65 yr old): initial, 25 mg orally
• Liver disease: initial, 25 mg orally
• Renal impairment: CrCl less than 30 mL/min, initial, 25 mg orally with ritonavir, maximum 25 mg orally every 48 hours
  
  Viagra Precautions
  
• Anatomical deformation of the penis
• Bleeding disorders or active peptic ulceration
• Cardiovascular disease (e.g., coronary ischemia, congestive heart failure)
• Accompanying use of cimetidine, erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, protease inhibitors
• Conditions predisposing to painful erection (e.g., sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia)
• Liver disease
• Multi-drug antihypertensive programs
• Renal impairment
• Retinitis pigmentosa or other retinal abnormalities
  
  Viagra¡¯s Common Adverse Effects
  
• Flushing (4%-10%), dizziness (2%), headache (11%-16%)
• Diarrhea (4%), dyspepsia (4%-8%)
• Abnormal vision, nasal congestion
• Skin rash (2%)
  
  
• Viagra¡¯s Serious Adverse Effects
  
• Heart attack (rare)
• Priapism (painful erection) (rare)


Viagra and Women


• Viagra has been effective in a limited number of women for the management of sexual dysfunction. However, additional study in women with sexual dysfunction is needed. Sildenafil has been misused and abused by women and men alike in an attempt to heighten their sexual desire and experience.

Always consult your doctor before beginning treatment with Viagra.