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Viagra side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop
or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon
as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it
is safe for you to continue taking Viagra.
Side effects may include:
Abnormal vision (color tinge, blurring, sensitivity
to light), acid indigestion, diarrhea, flushing, headache,
nasal congestion, urinary tract infection
Heart attack, stroke, heart irregularities, dangerous
surges in blood pressure, and sudden death have all
been reported after use of Viagra, usually in men
with existing cardiac risk factors, and typically
during or shortly after sex.
Caution:
Do not take Viagra if you are taking any nitrate-based
drug, including nitroglycerin patches (Nitro-Dur,
Transderm-Nitro), nitroglycerin ointment (Nitro-Bid,
Nitrol), nitroglycerin pills (Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat),
and isosorbide pills (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate).
Combining Viagra with these drugs can cause a severe
drop in blood pressure.
If Viagra gives you an allergic reaction, do not use
it again.
warnings
If you have heart problems severe enough to make sexual
activity a danger, you should avoid using Viagra.
Use it cautiously--if at all--if you've had a heart
attack, stroke, or life-threatening heart irregularities
within the past 6 months. Be equally cautious if you
have severe high or low blood pressure, heart failure,
or unstable angina (crushing heart pain that occurs
at any time).
If you take Viagra and develop cardiac symptoms (for
example, dizziness, nausea, and chest pain) during
sexual activity, do not continue. Alert your doctor
to the problem as soon as possible.
If you have a condition that might result in long-lasting
erections, such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma
(a disease of the bone marrow), or leukemia, use Viagra
with caution. Also use cautiously if you have a genital
problem or deformity such as Peyronie's disease. If
an erection lasts more than 4 hours, seek treatment
immediately. Permanent damage and impotence could
result.
If you have a bleeding disorder, a stomach ulcer,
or the inherited eye condition known as retinitis
pigmentosa, use this medication with caution. Its
safety under these circumstances has not yet been
studied.
To avoid low blood pressure, do not take the 50-milligram
or 100-milligram dose of Viagra within 4 hours of
taking an alpha-blocking drug such as Cardura.
Remember that Viagra offers no protection from transmission
of sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV, the
virus that causes AIDS.
Dosage
Doses range from 25 milligrams to 100 milligrams,
depending on the drug's effect. The usual dose is
50 milligrams. If you are over 65, have liver or kidney
problems, or are taking erythromycin, ketoconazole,
itraconazole, ritonavir, or saquinavir a dose of 25
milligrams may be sufficient. Your doctor will adjust
the dosage if the drug is not working properly for
you.
Take Viagra only before sexual activity. The manufacturer
recommends a maximum of 1 dose per day (1 dose every
2 days for those taking ritonavir).
To avoid low blood pressure, do not take the 50-milligram
or 100-milligram dose of Viagra within 4 hours of
taking an alpha-blocking drug such as Cardura.
Overdosage
No overdose of Viagra has been reported. However,
any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences.
If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention
immediately.
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