Two popular medications, Viagra and Ibuprofen, are frequently confused by customers. While both medications can be used to treat medical conditions, they also have different side effects and interactions that the pharmacist should be aware of.
Viagra: What Is It And What Does It Do?
Named after the famed pharmaceutical company, Viagra is a type of medication that is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. A dose of Viagra usually starts with a standard dose of 25 mg, although some men may need to start at a lower dose. It is also important to note that not all men will experience the same benefits from Viagra. In fact, some men may even experience the opposite effects. Therefore, it is critical that patients on this medication seek individualized therapy from a trained medical professional. In addition to helping men with erectile dysfunction, Viagra is also known to increase both the size and the strength of a man’s sperm. While the drug is considered effective, it is also important to remember that not all men will experience the same effects from this medication. It is, therefore, essential that patients on this medication be monitored by a professional in order to determine the proper dosage for each patient. While side effects are rare, some men may experience headaches, dizziness, and fainting due to low blood pressure. Like many other medications, Viagra is also prone to interactions and contraindications. It is especially dangerous to combine this medication with alcohol or vitamin E (Tocotrienol). Taking Viagra with food may also make the medication less effective. This drug is also known to interact with certain dietary supplements, such as ginkgo biloba and vitamin E.
Ibuprofen: An Overview
An anti-inflammatory drug that is sold under the brand name of IBUPROFEN, ibuprofen is another medication that is used to treat a variety of conditions. Like many other pain relieving medications, ibuprofen inhibits an enzyme called cyclooxygenase, which is responsible for the production of prostaglandins within the body. These prostaglandins play an important role in keeping the lining of the digestive tract intact and healthy. Taking ibuprofen alone can help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and various other types of joint pain. Also, like Viagra, not all men will experience the same effects from taking this medication. In fact, some men may experience stomach irritation and ulcers as a side effect. It is also well known that ibuprofen can cause kidney damage in patients with existing renal disease, especially in patients who take this drug for an extended period of time. As with any other medication, ibuprofen should not be taken by patients who have undergone brain surgery or who are suffering from peptic ulcers. Like many other medications, taking large quantities of ibuprofen may cause serious side effects, such as bleeding and heart problems. Like Viagra, ibuprofen is also prone to interactions and contraindications. There is also some evidence that this drug may cause Alzheimer’s disease.
The Consequence Of Confusing Viagra With Ibuprofen
Confusing Viagra with Ibuprofen is certainly a medication mistake that many people make. The effects of this medication blunder can be quite serious, especially if the patient is unaware of the interaction between these drugs. Remember: While Viagra directly interacts with the sildenafil citrate molecule, Ibuprofen interacts with a molecule known as prostaglandin E1. Because these chemicals are so similar, many patients may mistake one for the other, particularly if they are unaware of the interaction between these medications. When this happens, the effects of one medication may be added to or even overwritten by the effects of the other. For instance, if a man is taking Viagra and subsequently develops a strong erection that lasts for more than four hours, this is most likely a side effect of the medication and not due to his original condition. In these cases, the patient could end up unnecessarily undergoing surgery to treat an overactive prostate gland or blood vessel malformation. In other circumstances, patients may experience some relief from their symptoms but also suffer from unwanted side effects. One such example is men who are taking Viagra and Ibuprofen for arthritis. Although this drug combination may help with the inflammation, it also contains a high amount of both medications, which could lead to severe side effects. These include but are not limited to: blood vessel damage (e.g. aortic aneurisms, arterial spasms, strokes), ulcers, GI tract bleeding, heart attacks, and hypertension. It is also critically important that patients on this combination avoid alcohol, because although it may help with the pain, it will certainly exacerbate all of the negative side effects of the medication. In some instances, patients have mistaken the analgesic effects of the medication for the desired anticholinergic effects, resulting in serious side effects and even death. This is why it is always a good idea to consult with a physician or pharmacist before beginning any new medication regimen, especially if you are already on another medication for a different condition. While it is certainly understandable that many people are not privy to the details of pharmacology, it is often not easy to decipher the differences in chemical structures between similar medications, particularly without having had prior training in pharmaceutical science. Even then, the differences may not be easy to spot, as the structure of both these medications is very similar. When patients come in contact with these medications, it is usually as a result of a mistake, so it is very important that they are aware of the risks involved in making such a mistake.