Patient Education

WHY is this drug prescribed?
VIAGRA is used for treatment of impotence (difficulty achieving or maintaining erections). Erections are created by blood that is trapped within the chambers of the penis. VIAGRA has been shown to affect a normally occurring chemical in the penis (nitric oxide) that allows the penis to trap blood within its chambers more efficiently. The end result is an erection that is more rigid and lasts longer. VIAGRA has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration as an oral medication for the treatment of impotence.

Other similar drugs:
There are other medications for the treatment of impotence, but Viagra is the first oral medication to be used. Other treatments and medications exist including ones containing a drug called prostaglandin (Caverject) that can be injected into the penis or inserted as a pellet (MUSE) into the urethra, the tube that transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Other injectable drugs include papaverine and phentolamine. Other oral medications are being tested but have not been approved by the FDA as of yet. These drugs include phentolamine and apomorphine.

WHEN should it be used?
VIAGRA can be used in any man with impotence (difficulty maintaining or achieving an erection). VIAGRA should be considered in men with impotence due to physical causes such as nerve damage or problems with the blood supply to the penis. The drug can also be used in men with psychological causes of their impotence.

HOW should it be used?
VIAGRA comes in 25, 50, and 100 mg tablets. One tablet is taken 30-60 minutes before sexual intercourse. An erection will only occur with genital stimulation. The erection will usually last 30-45 minutes. Our usual starting dose is 50 mg. 100 mg is the maximum and studies have shown that 200 mg is no better than 100 mg.

What SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS should I follow while using this drug?
There are no special instructions. VIAGRA may be taken with or without food. For best results I suggest not taking Viagra after a heavy, fatty meal as this will decrease the absorption of the drug.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this drug cause? What can I do about them?
The side effects associated with VIAGRA are usually mild, transient and reversible. They include headache (16%), flushing (11%), indigestion (7%), and runny nose or nasal congestion (7%). Rarely, transient visual disturbances (a blue-green haze) will occur with VIAGRA (3%) if doses more than 100 mg is taken. Viagra will not cause blurry vision or difficulty with night vision. Prolonged erections should not occur. If symptoms are severe the drug should be stopped until the symptoms subside. Your physician should be notified before you restart the drug.

Are there any contraindications to using VIAGRA?
Yes, men who take or need nitroglycerin or nitrates, in any form (pill, under the tongue, paste, injection, or amyl nitrate ampules), should not use this treatment for impotence. Ask if you are not sure if you are taking a nitroglycerin or nitrate for your heart. There are other treatment options available for men who take nitroglycerin or nitrates. At this time, no other treatment for problems with erections should be used simultaneously with Viagra until further testing shows the safety of multiple drug combinations. Cimetidine (Tagamet) and erythromycin users had slightly higher blood levels but without consequences.

What results can I expect from using VIAGRA?
VIAGRA has been tested in over 4500 men in Europe and the United States and the success rate is between 40-80%. If the drug does not work, notify your physician and heshe can suggest other treatment options.

How often can I use VIAGRA?
The recommended use is no more than once in a 24 hour period.

What drugs are considered Nitrates and cannot be used with Viagra?
(This list may not be complete and new drugs may be added. If you are not sure ask!)

If you use any of these drugs, even intermittently or as needed, you may NOT use Viagra

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