Viagra: How a Little Blue Pill Changed the World

The typical starting dose is 50 mg, but your provider may adjust the dose up or down depending on the severity of your ED and how you respond to the drug. Viagra and sildenafil are virtually the same. Research shows both to be effective treatments for ED, but Viagra is more expensive and may look different in terms of its pills and packaging appearance. It’s possible to take Viagra daily, but it may not be right for everyone. You should never take more Viagra than has been prescribed by your healthcare provider.

• Viagra’s patent expired in many countries, leading to generics.
• Overdose symptoms include severe hypotension and visual changes.
• Do not double dose if the first dose does not work.
• Physical activity and mental arousal contribute to its effectiveness.
• Sexual health education can improve medication outcomes.
• Trust only licensed healthcare providers for prescription and advice.

*This information is from the label for brand name Viagra®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient sildenafil. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Use of third-party trademarks is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with Hims, Inc. Contains inactivated NDC Code(s)NDC Code(s): 67544-355-02, 67544-355-04, 67544-355-06, 67544-355-12, view more67544-355-52, 67544-355-74, 67544-356-02, 67544-356-04, 67544-356-06, 67544-356-12, 67544-356-52, 67544-356-56, 67544-356-64, 67544-356-89 If you are a consumer or patient please visit this version.

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

VIAGRA should be used with caution, and only when the anticipated benefits outweigh the risks, in patients with a history of NAION. Patients with a "crowded" optic disc may also be at an increased risk of NAION. (5.3)Patients should stop VIAGRA and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing (5.4)Caution is advised when VIAGRA is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives. Concomitant use may lead to hypotension (5.5)Decreased viagra super blood pressure, syncope, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures. In patients taking strong CYP inhibitors, such as ritonavir, sildenafil exposure is increased.

Key takeaways

Decrease in VIAGRA dosage is recommended (2.4, 5.6)ADVERSE REACTIONSMost common adverse reactions (≥ 2%) include headache, flushing, dyspepsia, abnormal vision, nasal congestion, back pain, myalgia, nausea, dizziness and rash (6.1)To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or INTERACTIONSVIAGRA can potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates, alpha blockers, and anti-hypertensives (4.1, 5.5, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 12.2)With concomitant use of alpha blockers, initiate VIAGRA at 25 mg dose (2.3)CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin): Increase VIAGRA exposure (2.4, 7.4, 12.3)USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONSSee 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA-approved patient labeling.Revised: 3/2014 VIAGRA is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) (1) For most patients, the recommended dose is 50 mg taken, as needed, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. However, VIAGRA may be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity (2.1) Based on effectiveness and toleration, may increase to a maximum of 100 mg or decrease to 25 mg (2.1) Maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day (2.1) Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg (3) Patients should not use VIAGRA if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status (5.1) Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours. Use VIAGRA with caution in patients predisposed to priapism (5.2) Patients should stop VIAGRA and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Patients should stop VIAGRA and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing (5.4) Caution is advised when VIAGRA is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives. Concomitant use may lead to hypotension (5.5) Decreased blood pressure, syncope, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures. HIGHLIGHTS generic viagra sildenafil citrate 50 mg OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION These highlights do not include all the information needed to use VIAGRA safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for VIAGRA.VIAGRA® (sildenafil citrate) tablets, for oral useInitial U.S.

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Viagra Original	100mg	76 + 4 Pills	306.59€ 291.99€	Buy

Approval: 1998INDICATIONS AND USAGEVIAGRA is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) (1)DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATIONFor most patients, the recommended dose is 50 mg taken, as needed, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity.

5.9 Counseling Patients About Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The typical starting dose is 50 mg, but your provider may adjust the dose up or down depending on the severity of your ED and how you respond to the drug. Viagra and sildenafil are virtually the same. Research shows both to be effective treatments for ED, but Viagra is more expensive and may look different in terms of its pills and packaging appearance. It’s possible to take Viagra daily, but it may not be right for everyone. You should never take more Viagra than has been prescribed by your healthcare provider.

When is the best time to take Viagra?

*This information is from the label for brand name Viagra®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient sildenafil. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. However, VIAGRA may be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity (2.1)Based on effectiveness and toleration, may increase to a maximum of 100 mg or decrease to 25 mg (2.1)Maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day (2.1)DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHSTablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg (3)CONTRAINDICATIONSWARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONSPatients should not use VIAGRA if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status (5.1)Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours. Use VIAGRA with caution in patients predisposed to priapism (5.2)Patients should stop VIAGRA and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). VIAGRA should be used with caution, and only when the anticipated benefits outweigh the risks, in patients with a history of NAION. Patients with a "crowded" optic disc may also be at an increased risk of NAION. (5.3)Patients should stop VIAGRA and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing (5.4)Caution is advised when VIAGRA is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives.

• Proper storage of Viagra includes keeping it in a cool, dry place.
• Never share your Viagra prescription with others.
• Viagra may cause nasal congestion in some users.
• It can improve confidence and reduce sexual anxiety.
• Viagra does not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
• Always follow the prescribed dosage for safety.

Concomitant use may lead to hypotension (5.5)Decreased viagra super blood pressure, syncope, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures. In patients taking strong CYP inhibitors, such as ritonavir, sildenafil exposure is increased. Decrease in VIAGRA dosage is recommended (2.4, 5.6)ADVERSE REACTIONSMost common adverse reactions (≥ 2%) include headache, flushing, dyspepsia, abnormal vision, nasal congestion, back pain, myalgia, nausea, dizziness and rash (6.1)To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Pfizer at 1-800-438-1985 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or INTERACTIONSVIAGRA can potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates, alpha blockers, and anti-hypertensives (4.1, 5.5, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 12.2)With concomitant use of alpha blockers, initiate VIAGRA at 25 mg dose (2.3)CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin): Increase VIAGRA exposure (2.4, 7.4, 12.3)USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONSSee 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA-approved patient labeling.Revised: 3/2014 VIAGRA is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) (1) For most patients, the recommended dose is 50 mg taken, as needed, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. However, VIAGRA may be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity (2.1) Based on effectiveness and toleration, may increase to a maximum of 100 mg or decrease to 25 mg (2.1) Maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day (2.1) Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg (3) Patients should not use VIAGRA if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status (5.1) Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours. Use VIAGRA with caution in patients predisposed to priapism (5.2) Patients should stop VIAGRA and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Patients should stop VIAGRA and seek prompt medical attention in the event of sudden decrease or loss of hearing (5.4) Caution is advised when VIAGRA is co-administered with alpha-blockers or anti-hypertensives. Concomitant use may lead to hypotension (5.5) Decreased blood pressure, syncope, and prolonged erection may occur at higher sildenafil exposures. Decrease in VIAGRA dosage is recommended (2.4, 5.6) Most common adverse reactions (≥ 2%) include headache, flushing, dyspepsia, abnormal vision, nasal congestion, back pain, myalgia, nausea, dizziness and rash (6.1) VIAGRA can potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates, alpha blockers, and anti-hypertensives (4.1, 5.5, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 12.2) With concomitant use of alpha blockers, initiate VIAGRA at 25 mg dose (2.3) CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin): Increase VIAGRA exposure (2.4, 7.4, 12.3) See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA-approved patient labeling. Table of Contents FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION2.1 Dosage Information2.2 Use with Food2.3 Dosage Adjustments in Specific Situations2.4 Dosage Adjustments Due to Drug Interactions2.5 Dosage Adjustments in Special Populations3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS4 CONTRAINDICATIONS4.1 Nitrates4.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS5.1 Cardiovascular5.2 Prolonged Erection and Priapism5.3 Effects on the Eye5.4 Hearing Loss5.5 Hypotension when Co-administered with Alpha-blockers or Anti-hypertensives5.6 Adverse Reactions with the Concomitant Use of Ritonavir5.7 Combination with other PDE5 Inhibitors or Other Erectile Dysfunction Therapies5.8 Effects on Bleeding5.9 Counseling Patients About Sexually Transmitted Diseases6 ADVERSE REACTIONS6.1 Clinical Trials Experience6.2 Postmarketing Experience7 DRUG INTERACTIONS7.1 Nitrates7.2 Alpha-blockers7.3 Amlodipine7.4 Ritonavir and other CYP3A4 inhibitors7.5 Alcohol8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS8.1 Pregnancy8.4 Pediatric Use8.5 Geriatric Use8.6 Renal Impairment8.7 Hepatic Impairment10 OVERDOSAGE11 DESCRIPTION12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY12.1 Mechanism of Action12.2 Pharmacodynamics12.3 Pharmacokinetics13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility14 CLINICAL STUDIES16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION*Sections or subsections omitted from the full prescribing information are not listed. Sections or subsections omitted from the full prescribing information are not listed. 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 2.1 Dosage InformationFor most patients, the recommended dose is 50 mg taken, as needed, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity.

How do you take Viagra?

Decrease in VIAGRA dosage is recommended (2.4, 5.6) Most common adverse reactions (≥ 2%) include headache, flushing, dyspepsia, abnormal vision, nasal congestion, back pain, myalgia, nausea, dizziness and rash (6.1) VIAGRA can potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates, alpha blockers, and anti-hypertensives (4.1, 5.5, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 12.2) With concomitant use of alpha blockers, initiate VIAGRA at 25 mg dose (2.3) CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin): Increase VIAGRA exposure (2.4, 7.4, 12.3) See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and FDA-approved patient labeling. Table of Contents FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION2.1 Dosage Information2.2 Use with Food2.3 Dosage Adjustments in Specific Situations2.4 Dosage Adjustments Due to Drug Interactions2.5 Dosage Adjustments in Special Populations3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS4 CONTRAINDICATIONS4.1 Nitrates4.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS5.1 Cardiovascular5.2 Prolonged Erection and Priapism5.3 Effects on the Eye5.4 Hearing Loss5.5 Hypotension when Co-administered with Alpha-blockers or Anti-hypertensives5.6 Adverse Reactions with the Concomitant Use of Ritonavir5.7 Combination with other PDE5 Inhibitors or Other Erectile Dysfunction Therapies5.8 Effects on Bleeding5.9 Counseling Patients About Sexually Transmitted Diseases6 ADVERSE REACTIONS6.1 Clinical Trials Experience6.2 Postmarketing Experience7 DRUG INTERACTIONS7.1 Nitrates7.2 Alpha-blockers7.3 Amlodipine7.4 Ritonavir and other CYP3A4 inhibitors7.5 Alcohol8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS8.1 Pregnancy8.4 Pediatric Use8.5 Geriatric Use8.6 Renal Impairment8.7 Hepatic Impairment10 OVERDOSAGE11 DESCRIPTION12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY12.1 Mechanism of Action12.2 Pharmacodynamics12.3 Pharmacokinetics13 NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility14 CLINICAL STUDIES16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION*Sections or subsections omitted from the full prescribing information are not listed. Sections or subsections omitted from the full prescribing information are not listed. 2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 2.1 Dosage InformationFor most patients, the recommended dose is 50 mg taken, as needed, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. However, VIAGRA may be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity.The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day.Based on effectiveness and toleration, the dose may be increased to a maximum recommended dose of 100 mg or decreased to 25 mg.2.3 Dosage Adjustments in Specific SituationsVIAGRA was shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates and its administration in patients who use nitric oxide donors such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form is therefore contraindicated [see Contraindications (4.1), Drug Interactions (7.1), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].When VIAGRA is co-administered with an alpha-blocker, patients should be stable on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating VIAGRA treatment and VIAGRA should be initiated at 25 mg [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Drug Interactions (7.2), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].2.4 Dosage Adjustments Due to Drug InteractionsRitonavirThe recommended dose for ritonavir-treated patients is 25 mg prior to sexual activity and the recommended maximum dose is 25 mg within a 48 hour period because concomitant administration increased the blood levels of sildenafil by 11-fold [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Drug Interactions (7.4), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].CYP3A4 InhibitorsConsider a starting dose of 25 mg in patients treated with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, or saquinavir) or erythromycin.

Altitude sickness

Clinical data have shown that co-administration with saquinavir or erythromycin increased plasma levels of sildenafil by about 3 fold [see Drug Interactions (7.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].2.5 Dosage Adjustments in Special PopulationsConsider a starting dose of 25 mg in patients > 65 years, patients with hepatic impairment (e.g., cirrhosis), and patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/minute) because administration of VIAGRA in these patients resulted in higher plasma levels of sildenafil [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5, 8.6, 8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. However, VIAGRA may be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity.The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day.Based on effectiveness and toleration, the dose may be increased to a maximum recommended dose of 100 mg or decreased to 25 mg.2.3 Dosage Adjustments in Specific SituationsVIAGRA was shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates and its administration in patients who use nitric oxide donors such as organic nitrates or organic nitrites in any form is therefore contraindicated [see Contraindications (4.1), Drug Interactions (7.1), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].When VIAGRA is co-administered with an alpha-blocker, patients should be stable on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating VIAGRA treatment and VIAGRA should be initiated at 25 mg [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Drug Interactions (7.2), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].2.4 Dosage Adjustments Due to Drug InteractionsRitonavirThe recommended dose for ritonavir-treated patients is 25 mg prior to sexual activity and the recommended maximum dose is 25 mg within a 48 hour period because concomitant administration increased the blood levels of sildenafil by 11-fold [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Drug Interactions (7.4), and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].CYP3A4 InhibitorsConsider a starting dose of 25 mg in patients treated with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, or saquinavir) or erythromycin.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Use of third-party trademarks is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with Hims, Inc. Contains inactivated NDC Code(s)NDC Code(s): 67544-355-02, 67544-355-04, 67544-355-06, 67544-355-12, view more67544-355-52, 67544-355-74, 67544-356-02, 67544-356-04, 67544-356-06, 67544-356-12, 67544-356-52, 67544-356-56, 67544-356-64, 67544-356-89 If you are a consumer or patient please visit this version.

What happens with ED?

HIGHLIGHTS generic viagra sildenafil citrate 50 mg OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION These highlights do not include all the information needed to use VIAGRA safely and effectively. See full prescribing information for VIAGRA.VIAGRA® (sildenafil citrate) tablets, for oral useInitial U.S. Approval: 1998INDICATIONS AND USAGEVIAGRA is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) (1)DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATIONFor most patients, the recommended dose is 50 mg taken, as needed, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. However, VIAGRA may be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity (2.1)Based on effectiveness and toleration, may increase to a maximum of 100 mg or decrease to 25 mg (2.1)Maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day (2.1)DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHSTablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg (3)CONTRAINDICATIONSWARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONSPatients should not use VIAGRA if sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular status (5.1)Patients should seek emergency treatment if an erection lasts >4 hours. Use VIAGRA with caution in patients predisposed to priapism (5.2)Patients should stop VIAGRA and seek medical care if a sudden loss of vision occurs in one or both eyes, which could be a sign of non arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Clinical data have shown that co-administration with saquinavir or erythromycin increased plasma levels of sildenafil by about 3 fold [see Drug Interactions (7.4) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].2.5 Dosage Adjustments in Special PopulationsConsider a starting dose of 25 mg in patients > 65 years, patients with hepatic impairment (e.g., cirrhosis), and patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/minute) because administration of VIAGRA in these patients resulted in higher plasma levels of sildenafil [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5, 8.6, 8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Aspect	Effect	Scientific Evidence	Notes
Libido enhancement	Limited evidence	Not FDA-approved	Off-label considerations
Vaginal blood flow	Increased blood flow	Some studies show	More research needed
Satisfaction levels	Mixed results	Inconclusive	Subjective reports
Side effects in women	Similar to men, mild and rare	Limited data	Caution advised