Is viagra safe for diabetics? Learn more about the medicine here. viagra is a popular drug in the marketplace today – especially amongst men seeking to improve their libido. its ability to increase blood flow to the penis has made it a very interesting medication to discuss, especially given its status as a “non-selective” vasodilator (it affects all blood vessels). while there is some debate as to whether or not diabetics should take viagra, it is generally considered safe for use in this population – at least in theory.
Type 2 Diabetes: What Is It And How Is Viagra Important?
type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects a large proportion of the population. it is well known that people with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. moreover, they are more likely to have erectile dysfunction (which viagra can help with). this is mainly due to the presence of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries of the patients. these atherosclerotic plaques reduce the blood flow to the penis (causing ED in some cases). some individuals with diabetes may also have damage to the nerves that control the function of the sexual organ (leading to ED).
in general, diabetes is considered a “high-risk” condition when it comes to taking viagra. the risk of having a severe allergic reaction to the drug is very high. it is also important to note that patients with diabetes mellitus have a higher risk of bruising and bleeding – which could complicate an already problematic situation. some doctors may also advise against its use in patients with diabetes or impaired kidney function due to the hypotensive (low blood pressure) effects of the drug. however, overall, the studies suggest that viagra is relatively safe in patients with type 2 diabetes. and it should not be forgotten that the medicine can also help to improve the blood circulation to the brain, which may help to prevent some of the complications associated with diabetes.
Heart Disease And Stroke: What Are The Long-Term Side Effects?
while there is little data available regarding the long-term effects of viagra in healthy individuals, patients with heart disease or stroke appear to be at a greater risk of experiencing some side effects. the possible side effects of the drug are numerous and may include hypotension (low blood pressure), bradycardia (slow heartbeat), and congestive heart failure. these symptoms can easily be identified and treated – but if not, they may lead to more serious complications. patients with heart disease or stroke should not take the drug unless specifically advised to do so by their physician. in some cases, they may require a low dose of aspirin (81mg) along with their medicines to reduce the risk of having a cardiovascular event (e.g. heart attack, stroke).
in general, the side effects of viagra in patients with heart disease or stroke are well known and documented. although the risks are usually minimal, it is still important to be aware of them.
Erectile Dysfunction: Is Viagra A First-Line Treatment For ED?
in some cases, erectile dysfunction (ED) may be a presenting symptom of cardiovascular disease. in other cases, it may be caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), hypothyroidism, or Parkinson’s disease. in these instances, ED may require treatment with drugs other than viagra (e.g. yaguayusa, apomorphine, or phentrinium). in some cases, it may also be caused by psychological factors (e.g. anxiety or depression). in these instances, counseling may be required to improve sexual function and overall wellbeing.
if ED is part of a patient’s medical history, their physician should be aware of the potential benefits of adding viagra to their treatment regimen. the primary use of the drug is in the treatment of erectile dysfunction – but given its status as a “non-selective” vasodilator, it may offer some therapeutic benefits in the treatment of heart disease and stroke as well. side effects are generally minimal in patients with ED and there is a wealth of data supporting the use of the drug in this population. given the documented evidence of its benefits as a primary or secondary treatment for ED and the fact that it is a relatively safe and well-tolerated medication, many physicians may opt to use it first-line, especially amongst patients who present with ED as a comorbidity. more research is obviously needed to confirm this hypothesis, but given its widespread use and well-established safety record, it would not be a bad idea to start treating erectile dysfunction with the least invasive procedures first and then move up the treatment chain as needed.
Severe Allergy: What Is The Risk Of Anaphylaxis?
anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can lead to death. it is caused by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies which, when bound to mast cells, initiate an allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis can be caused by insect stings, food allergies (e.g. peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish), or drug allergies (e.g. penicillins, cephalosporins, and sulfonamides). individuals who have previously experienced anaphylaxis have a higher risk of developing another reaction – especially if they are exposed to the antigen (allergen) involved in the initial reaction. in some cases, this risk may be greatly reduced by taking a beta-blocker (e.g. propranolol) along with the offending medication. beta blockers are a type of medication which, when taken along with other medications or supplements (e.g. vitamin C), can greatly reduce the risk of experiencing anaphylaxis. in general, individuals with a family history of anaphylaxis should be advised to avoid all allergens – particularly food allergies (which are very common). if an individual experiences anaphylaxis after taking a medication, it usually indicates that the medication in question is indeed the cause of the reaction – although sometimes it can take a while to identify the specific allergen behind the reaction.
in general, the risk of anaphylaxis is considered to be quite high in patients taking viagra. in fact, in cases where the medication was thought to have caused anaphylaxis, the FDA required that a warning be placed on the packaging of the drug. this is primarily due to its status as a non-selective vasodilator. although the risk is usually considered to be quite low in patients with type 2 diabetes, it is still quite high compared to the general population. as mentioned above, in cases where the cause of anaphylaxis was not obvious, it took the FDA years to identify the specific allergen involved in the reaction – and in some cases, the culprit allergen was not identified at all.
Kidney Problems: Are The Risks Of Nephropathy And Nephrolithiasis Undue?
in some cases, the side effects of viagra may be compounded by the individual’s nephrological status. for example, patients with kidney disease are more likely to have an increased risk of developing hypertension (high blood pressure) when taking the drug. this can lead to potentially serious complications. patients with severe kidney disease (e.g. chronic kidney disease) should not take the drug unless specifically advised to do so by their physician. in such cases, aspirin (81mg) or a similar medication may be required to reduce the risk of cardiovascular effects (e.g. heart attack, stroke).
dear readers, does anyone out there use viagra? let us know what you think in the comments below.