Viagra is the most commonly recommended drug for men who have erectile dysfunction. Male erectile dysfunction is a common problem faced by men after the age of forty. It can result in relationship issues and can even harm the quality of your life. Sildenafil citrate or Viagra has shown promising results in treating erectile dysfunction..
Male erectile dysfunction is the inability to attain or maintain penile erection for satisfactory sexual performance. It is seen in 52% of men of age ranging from 50 to 70 and 95% of men over 70. While working on angina treatment, Dr. Simon Campbell discovered sildenafil citrate, which has shown promising results in treating erectile dysfunction. Viagra is a well-known brand name for this drug. Viagra is an effective and well-tolerated oral therapy, which is approved by the FDA (1).
How Does it Work?
Viagra, or drugs like Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra[1] (vardenafil) help relax the muscles and arteries of the penis. This allows more blood flow to the penis resulting in arousal. The combined effect of relaxation and increased blood flow helps in maintaining the erection. Research studies have proven that sildenafil or viagra restores natural erectile response to various sexual stimuli but does not cause an erection in the absence of any stimuli (2). It is given in the dose of 50-100 mg orally. It gets rapidly absorbed, and maximum plasma levels are achieved within one hour of oral intake.
How to Take Viagra?
You can take viagra 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity. It can be taken without a meal, as a high-fat meal can delay its absorption. You can eat a lighter meal while taking viagra. You can also wait for one to hours after a meal to take viagra.
How Long the Effect Lasts?
It depends on several factors, such as your age, overall health, dosage, and your body’s metabolism. Generally, the effects of viagra can last up to 5 hours or longer. Though its effects stay for long does not mean your erection will last that long. The erection usually goes away after ejaculation. The mean half-life of viagra is 3 to 5 hours, which means half of the medicine gets eliminated from your body within 5 hours. It may take longer for the drug to move out of the system in older people and people with kidney and liver diseases.
Potential Side Effects of Viagra
Viagra is considered as a safe and well-tolerated drug. You may experience minor side effects like headache, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion, visual disturbances, dizziness, and rash. If you experience a prolonged erection, then consult your doctor. Viagra is not advised if you have any heart condition and is on medication. Sildenafil enhances nitric oxide’s muscle relaxant effect; hence patients with ischemic heart disease taking nitrates should be prescribed sildenafil with caution. In erectile dysfunction, the recommended single-dose of viagra is 25-100 mg. In the absence of contraindications, Viagra is extremely safe, provided the drug is taken under proper conditions following all the guidelines.
How Long you can Take Viagra
There is no known maximum safety period for viagra. Your doctor may recommend the course for a few weeks to a few months. Discuss with your doctor before taking Viagra or any medications for erectile dysfunction. It’s essential to take a safe dose and have a clear understanding of how much dosage is advised in a 24-hour period. Taking more than a single prescribed dose in a day increases the risk of some severe side effects.
Overdosage
Overdosage or taking more than recommended can lead to serious side effects, such as severely lowered blood pressure and priapism or persistent erection for more than 4 hours. Never take more than the recommended dosage and, during any severe side effects, seek immediate medical care.
Is it Safe to Buy Viagra Online?
There are many concerns over the quality, safety, and effectiveness viagra which are sold online. Due to low active ingredients, some medications may lack effectiveness. Some harmful components may also result in potential side effects, including low blood pressure and priapism. On iLiveActive, you can be sure of getting genuine medication with quality ingredients under doctor’s guidelines. iLiveActive drugs are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies that are regulated by the FDA. With the right online support, you can be assured about the pills you are taking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much viagra should I take?
The dosage of viagra varies depending on your age. For instance, people who are 60 years or older might need a higher dosage. Your doctor will recommend dosage for viagra, depending on your age and medical condition.
2. Is it safe to use viagra?
Viagra is generally considered as a safe drug if;
- A doctor has prescribed it after evaluating your medical history.
- You are taking the medicines as directed.
However, viagra is not safe if you have underlying medical conditions such as heart disease. Also, consulting a doctor is essential if you are on any medication.
3. Does viagra work the first time?
It works with its first dosage for most of the people. But, sometimes, you may have to try a few times to get the desired effect. It is not advisable to take Viagra more than once in a day. If you feel it’s not effective and you need a higher dosage, talk to your doctor.
4. I don’t have erectile dysfunction, can I take viagra?
Viagra is a prescription medication, which is approved for treating erectile dysfunction. It can cause serious side effects if taken otherwise. Take viagra only when it is prescribed to you by a doctor after evaluating your medical history.
Use Ethically
Erectile dysfunction can become frustrating, creating stress and affecting the quality of your life. Viagra is a prescription medicine, a physician can advise you after a complete evaluation of your medical records. You should follow proper guidelines while taking viagra. Before starting your course, discuss with your doctor about possible risk factors you might be concerned about. As there is a possibility of dangerous adverse effects, following proper guidelines, and consulting a doctor is essential while taking viagra.