While it’s true that you can find most medicines over the counter in the US, not all of them are created equal. It’s important to understand the differences in order to get the most from your medicines. Let’s take a quick look at how Viagra (sildenafil citrate) fits into this discussion.
How Is It Supplied?
As the name suggests, Viagra is a drug that’s mainly used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The key thing to know about Viagra is that it’s only available in the form of a tablet, and perhaps in the form of a liquid solution. This is in contrast to other over-the-counter erectile dysfunction drugs, which are usually available in a variety of forms (e.g. tablet, capsule, or liquid solution). Most pharmacies will not carry liquid medicine due to health regulations, which may make the tablet form the only choice for some people. In this case, knowing how to convert liquid into solid form would be beneficial.
How Is It Prescribed?
Viagra is generally recommended to men whose sexual dysfunction is caused by organic factors (e.g. diabetes, neurological disorders, or heart disease). However, it’s also prescribed for women with severe erectile dysfunction who have not responded to other treatments. In this case, the doctor may choose to prescribe a low dose of Viagra (25 mg) to test the waters before committing to a treatment course. It’s important to keep in mind that not everyone will experience the same effects from Viagra, and therefore, it’s essential that you consult with your doctor before starting treatment.
How Do You Take It?
As with most medications, the way it’s administered depends on the needs of the patient. For instance, if you’re taking the tablet form of Viagra, it is usually recommended that you take it shortly before sexual activity. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, or it can be dissolved in a liquid and administered with a dropper. Some men may prefer to self-administer the medication into their penis, as this has been shown to improve the effectiveness of the drug (and perhaps reduce the chance of side effects). You may experience the same results by placing a tablet on your tongue or inside your cheek before swallowing.
Are There Any Side Effects?
As mentioned, Viagra is generally prescribed to men whose sexual dysfunction is caused by organic factors. For this reason, most men will not experience any serious side effects from the medication. The most common side effects include headache, flushing, upset stomach, and abnormal vision. If you’re not experiencing any satisfactory results from the medication, your doctor may choose to reduce the dose or switch to a different drug. Additionally, if you’re taking the tablet form of the drug and experience severe stomach pain, you may take the following steps: (1) reduce the dose, (2) switch to a different tablet form, or (3) consult your doctor about an alternate treatment plan.
Cost Effective
One of the major reasons why Viagra is preferred over other erectile dysfunction medications is because of its accessibility and cost-effectiveness. If you’re currently paying out of pocket for your medications, you may prefer to try and stay within your budget. The average cost of a month’s supply of Viagra is around $100, as compared to $600 for Sildenafil Citrate (the active ingredient in Viagra) and Tadalafil (a generic form of Sildenafil Citrate) combined. In most cases, insurance will cover the cost of Viagra, and it’s generally a preferred medication for men with erectile dysfunction.
Generally Speaking
In most instances, it’s safe to assume that Viagra is a safe and effective drug, and it’s also cost-effective. This is mainly because most men whose sexual dysfunction is caused by organic factors will not experience any serious side effects from the medication. If you’re concerned about the effectiveness or safety of Viagra, you may choose to consult with your doctor before starting treatment.
In summary, if you’ve been prescribed or are considering to be prescribed Viagra, you should understand that it’s only available in the form of a tablet and perhaps in the form of a liquid solution. While tablets are easy to administer and effective, liquid solutions may prove more convenient for some patients. In this case, knowing how to convert liquid into solid form would be beneficial.