The drug Viagra (sildenafil) is one of the most popular medication treatments for erectile dysfunction. However, several studies have shown that this popular drug can have some pretty unpleasant side effects.
In fact, some men taking Viagra have reported increased blood pressure. Now, if you have high blood pressure, you need to be very careful about taking this drug because it can make your condition worse. If this happens, there are other options available which you should consider before taking Viagra.
Key Facts About Viagra
Here are some important facts about Viagra (sildenafil):
- Generic
- Trade Name: Viagra
- Active Ingredient: Sildenafil
- Dose: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg
- Indication: Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Class: Drug
- Onset of Action: 5-10 minutes
- Clinical Effect: Relieves Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Duration of Effect: About 60 minutes
- Side Effects: Nausea, headache, and visual disturbances (in some cases)
- Drug Interactions: Grapefruit and Seville orange contain compounds that affect how some medicines work. It is recommended that you do not take these compounds along with Viagra (sildenafil)
- Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of Viagra (sildenafil), you should take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a double or even a single dose. If you are using it regularly, you will notice that your body gets used to it and you may not need to take as much as you originally did. So do not hesitate to adjust the dosage if this happens.
- Storage: Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this medication away from small children and pets.
- Warning: Although this drug is perfectly safe when used in recommended doses, it can also be harmful if used in larger quantities or by people with certain medical conditions. Consult your doctor if you are unsure whether or not this drug is right for your situation.
- Overdose: If you suspect that you or someone else has used too much of this drug, immediately call your local emergency services or seek medical advice. Severe overdose can cause liver damage and even death.
- Pediatric Population: This medication is not recommended for children under 12 years of age due to lack of safety data. However, younger children can experience a better effect when using this drug with their parents’ consent.
- Storage: Storage is the same as for all other medications. This drug is sensitive to light and heat and should be stored in a cool, dark place away from heat and moisture. Once opened, this medication should be used right away.
- Warning: Although this drug is perfectly safe when used in recommended doses, it can also be harmful if used in larger quantities or by people with certain medical conditions. Consult your doctor if you are unsure whether or not this drug is right for your situation.
- Phenomenon: This medication can cause some unpleasant side effects that most people experience. However, these side effects are usually mild and do not last long. Some people have also reported symptoms similar to a stroke or a heart attack which need medical attention. It is important to remember that this medication is not for everyone and you should consult your doctor before using it.
- Interactions: This drug can cause some interactions with other medications. If you are taking other blood pressure medication or medication for heart problems, you should consult your doctor before using this drug. Similar interactions have been reported between this drug and cholesterol medication, narcotics, amphetamines, or other stimulants. People taking these medications should consult their doctors about the effects of this drug.
- Approved By: The FDA in April 1997.
- Pro-Health Tip: Sildenafil can be helpful if you are looking for a drug that is both effective and has few side effects. Due to its effectiveness and safety, this medication is often prescribed for ED. Men who are looking for a treatment that is both reliable and cost-effective should consider this option.
Can Viagra Cause High Blood Pressure?
Yes, it can. Several studies have shown that the drug Viagra can cause high blood pressure. In addition, some men have reported headaches, nausea, and/or visual disturbances after taking this drug. If you are one of these men, there are other medications which you should consider before taking Viagra. In fact, if you have a history of heart disease or stroke, you should consult your doctor before using this drug.
In the largest of these studies, involving over 1,400 subjects, high blood pressure was reported in 40% of the men who took the drug. In this clinical trial, 30% of the men had to discontinue use of the drug due to significant side effects. However, in a smaller trial that involved only 64 subjects, no such side effects were reported.
Although this drug is generally considered safe, you should still consult your doctor if you experience unusual symptoms, especially if these symptoms persist or get worse. Your doctor may also want to monitor your blood pressure or perform other tests if you are taking this medication.
Other Options For Men With High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, there are other medications which can help. For example, you can try apomorphine. This is a non-surgical alternative which is injected into the penis. It induces an erection which you can then handle with your partner. Another option is vacuum erection therapy. With this therapy, you wear a vacuum suit and your partner helps you achieve an erection by pumping the bladder. Finally, you can use a prosthetic device to achieve an erection. There are many different prosthetic devices available. Some men have even reported improved blood pressure levels using these alternative treatments. If none of these treatments help, or if you experience severe side effects with any of them, then surgery may be an option. However, if your doctor determines that this medication will be safe for you to take, then surgery may not be necessary. In addition, if you are prone to heart disease or stroke, then you should ask your doctor about other treatment options which may be safer for you.
Blood Pressure And What It Means
Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) for a variety of vessels, such as the brachial artery in the arm, the radial artery in the wrist, and the femoral artery in the thigh. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart beats and diastolic blood pressure is the pressure between heartbeats. Men generally have lower blood pressure than women. High blood pressure is usually defined as being greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg. There are many different causes of high blood pressure, including, but not limited to: genetics, hormones, environment, diet, and lifestyle. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should consult your doctor:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Racing Heart
- Shortness of Breath
These are all signs of high blood pressure. However, not all high blood pressure is created equal and not all require the same treatment. Your doctor will put forward a treatment plan which takes into account your personal situation. It is important to remember that your doctor knows you best and can give you the best advice possible for your specific situation.
Treatment For High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will usually recommend some combination of the following treatments: