Viagra (Sildenafil) – The first prescription erectile dysfunction medication

Viagra is the first treatment for erectile dysfunction. Before this treatment came about, not much was said or done about erection problems. Men used to accept erection problems as a part of ageing and as a part and parcel of life. Men came to know that erectile dysfunction is treatable when Viagra came around.

About Viagra

Viagra is an oral medication for erectile dysfunction (ED). It helps more than 75% men with erectile dysfunction improve their erections. Improving erections has two connotations as some men have problems in achieving erection and some men have problems in keeping erections; Viagra helps both types of men by solving their erection problems.

Viagra also helps men achieve harder erections, which is very important for satisfying sexual experience for both the partners.

Who can take Viagra? – Basic eligibility to take Viagra

Viagra has an established safety profile of almost a decade. It has been shown to work not only safely but also effectively in men with erectile dysfunction. Following is the basic eligibility for taking Viagra:

• Men only (above the age of 18)


• Men who have erection problems all the time or just some of the time


• Men with health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression

Nevertheless, seek a doctor and find out from him whether it is safe for you to take Viagra, engage in sexual activities, etc. If you experience chest pain or discomfort during sex or feel nauseous, seek immediate medical attention.

If you are older than 65 years of age or have serious liver or kidney problems, your doctor may start you at the lowest dose of Viagra. If you take protease inhibitors for the treatment of HIV, your doctor may recommend 25mg dose and may limit you to a maximum single dose 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. Do not take Viagra if you are currently using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems.

Before taking Viagra, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• heart disease or heart rhythm problems


• a recent history of a heart attack, stroke, or heart rhythm disorder


• congestive heart failure


• high or low blood pressure


• coronary artery disease


• liver disease


• kidney disease


• a blood cell disorder such as sickle cell anaemia, multiple myeloma, or leukaemia


• a bleeding disorder such as haemophilia


• a stomach ulcer


• retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye)


• a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie’s disease)

Strength and ingredients of Viagra

Viagra comes in following strengths:

• Viagra 25mg – blue, film-coated tablets with a rounded-diamond shape


• Viagra 50mg – blue, film-coated tablets with a rounded-diamond shape


• Viagra 100mg – blue, film-coated tablets with a rounded-diamond shape

Viagra should be taken only when needed, 30 minutes to an hour prior to sexual activity. You may take it up to four hours before sexual activity. Do not take Viagra more than once a day.

The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil. It can help you have an erection only if there is sexual stimulation. An erection does not occur just by taking a pill.

Side effects of Viagra

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

During sexual activity, if you become dizzy or feel nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, call your doctor right away. It could be a side effect of Viagra.

Why men choose Viagra as erectile dysfunction treatment?

Viagra is the first drug for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It has a proven track record of almost a decade. Most men take Viagra for years and have no erection problems to complain of. This makes Viagra a preferred erectile dysfunction treatment.