The most recognizable brand in the world of ED treatment, Viagra has been a huge help to men around the world with erectile dysfunction (ED). Often times men think that impotence is just a part of aging and it will happen to them whether they want it or not. However, this couldn’t be more wrong. There are actually several things that you need to know before using Viagra the first time, and here is a short guide on how to do that.
Know Your Medicinal Ingredient
Before you start taking any medications, it’s important to understand precisely what they are. In the case of Viagra and the like, it is a medication that is intended to treat erectile dysfunction. The most effective way to do this is by stimulating the production of nitric oxide in the body. This helps to improve blood flow to the penis and, in turn, enables you to achieve and maintain an erection which is sufficient for sexual penetration. In rare cases, individuals taking nitric oxide synthase inhibitors (e.g., phenylpropanolamine or sildenafil) can experience a decrease in blood pressure which in turn, can lead to a stroke or heart attack. This would also qualify as an adverse effect of taking these types of medications
How To Take Viagra
Once you know what Viagra is and how it works, you can figure out the proper way to take it. It is recommended that you take it approximately half an hour prior to sexual activity. Additionally, it helps improve the effectiveness of the drug if you take it with food. However, since this medication is a potent vasodilator, you should never take it more than once a day and only on days that you know you will be using it. If you take it too soon after eating, you will most likely experience a drop in blood pressure which can be dangerous. Sometimes, this effect is so great that the medication actually has to be withdrawn and the person taking it needs to go to the hospital. This is why it is always recommended to take this medication at least 30 minutes before going for a sexual activity.
When Not To Take Viagra
Aside from the obvious fact that you shouldn’t take this medication if you are already taking a nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor (e.g., aspirin, salicylates, or dietary supplements containing nitrates), there are other situations in which you shouldn’t take it. These include:
- if you have a sensitivity to sulfites (found in many food products) – in this case, you will need to avoid taking it
- if you have a history of Raynaud’s disease – in this case, you will need to avoid taking it
- if you have a nitrate containing product in your diet – in this case, you will need to avoid taking it (it will act as a pro-angiogenic agent, increasing the formation of new blood vessels)
- if you are already taking a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (e.g., sildenafil) – in this case, you will need to take it with caution as it can have an additive effect with regard to blood pressure lowering
- if you are already taking a potassium channel opener (e.g., dapiprazole) – in this case, you will need to take it with caution due to possible additive effects on the heart rate (a potassium channel opener is also commonly found in combination with a β-blocker, such as propranolol or acebutolol)
- if you have a medical condition that requires you to be on a low-salt diet – in this case, you will need to avoid taking it as it contains a decent amount of salt
- if you have prostatitis – in this case, you will need to avoid taking it as it can cause an overgrowth of bacteria in this particular area of the body
- if you have an injury or a surgical procedure that could lead to bleeding – in this case, you will need to avoid taking it
- if you are taking any other medication – in this case, you will need to avoid taking it as it could have adverse effects due to incompatibilities with other medications you are taking
As you can see, there are several situations in which you shouldn’t take Viagra. It is always recommended that you consult your doctor before taking any medication, including this drug. Additionally, make sure that you have the recommended tests done before starting treatment and that your doctor is aware of all of your medical conditions. If you follow these guidelines, you will be able to make the most out of your prescription and ensure you get the best possible results from it.