Viagra is an oral prescription treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence. Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra. Taken 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity, Viagra remains active in your body for about 4 hours. This gives you enough time to participate in sexual activity at will.

What is Viagra?

Marketed under the trade name of Viagra, sildenafil citrate is one of the most commonly-prescribed medications used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). ED, also known as impotence, can be defined as a total, partial or inconsistent inability to achieve or retain an erection that is satisfactory for the purpose of sexual intercourse. An erection occurs when there is a greater flow of blood to some of the internal parts of your penis. If the level of the chemical PDE5 increases in your body, blood flow to your penis is restricted, resulting in ED. Viagra helps enhance blood flow to the penis upon sexual stimulation of the penile shaft. Viagra does not work without sexual stimulation.

How does Viagra work?

Developed and marketed by Pfizer, Viagra belongs to a class of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors. PDE5 inhibitors work by blocking the action of the chemical PDE5, thereby easing penile blood flow and promoting satisfactory erections. The effects of viagra sildenafil citrate can be experienced within a period of 30-120 minutes, if the tablet is taken on an empty stomach. The duration of the effect of Viagra will be apparent for about 4 hours. However, if you have a high-calorie meal before or along with Viagra, the effectiveness of this impotence treatment will be drastically reduced.

When do I take Viagra?

Sildenafil citrate is recommended for oral use an hour before anticipated sexual intercourse. Do not take it more than once in a period of 24 hours. Viagra works more effectively when taken on an empty stomach, or with a low-calorie meal. Alcohol intake also has a negative impact on the effect of Viagra. Viagra can successfully treat erectile dysfunction in most cases, but it is not a miracle impotence pill and does not work in the absence of sexual stimulation. Viagra is not an aphrodisiac, so you need to take it only when you are already sexually stimulated or anticipate sexual activity within an hour. Since it is a prescription only medication, you need to ask for more information from your doctor.

What is the appropriate Viagra dosage?

Viagra is available in doses of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. Your doctor will probably start you off on the initial dose of 25mg, and adjust the dose depending on the effectiveness of the medication and how your body responds to it. If your age is 65 years or more, or if you have a kidney or liver condition, your doctor may prescribe only a 25mg dose of Viagra for you. The same holds true if you are already taking medications such as protease inhibitors.

What are the side effects of Viagra?

Like other drugs for treating ED, Viagra can affect your body in adverse ways, which include vision problems and headaches. Viagra is not prescribed for people taking medications that contain nitroglycerin as treatment for angina. People having any kind of heart conditions also need to consult their doctor before taking Viagra. Your doctor will study your medical history and determine if this impotence pill is suitable for you. Viagra is not meant to be used as a recreational drug, and men who use it for that purpose are at greater risk of penile damage and developing drug dependency.