Anxiety medication

Prescription medications - Safety and side effects of Viagra

Prescription medications are known for their side effects. The fact that these are FDA approved is not guarantee that these are safe. This applies to all prescription medications including erectile dysfunction or ED pills. The most popular among these is Viagra. Viagra was the first pill for treatment of erectile dysfunction that was approved by the FDA in the United States. Viagra (slidenafil) is an oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. Restriction of this enzyme (PDE5) eventually leads to delay in relaxation of corpora cavernosa, the smooth muscle in the penis. In simple words, Viagra increases blood supply to the penis and restricts its outflow from the penis.

Before Viagra was launched, ED pills had achieved very bad reputations. FDA approval made Viagra one of the most popular prescription medications for erectile dysfunction. It has been found to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction even in persons with coronary artery disease, diabetes and, hypertension. Slidenafil (Viagra) is available as an oral tablet. The doses available are 25, 50 and 100 mg and have to be taken nearly one hour before sexual activity. Prescription medications, including slidenafil, are not available over the counter, but as said before that is no guarantee of their safety. There is a lot more than what meets the eye.

There are many considerations before a doctor actually prescribes medications for the patient. The doctor takes into account the age, general health and other over the counter or prescription medications the patient may already be taking. This is necessary to arrive at the dosage as well as restrict side effects. The normal starting dosage is 50 mg and the maximum recommended dosage is 100 mg in a day. In certain cases the doctor may start with a 100 mg dose as the effectiveness of slidenafil depends largely on the age factor. Metabolism or breakdown of the drug slows down with age.

All these precautions are necessary. Prescription medications may be effective but they are placed in this category only because these have to taken with care and under medical supervision. Reckless use of these so called safe medications can prove to be extremely harmful and may cause an irreparable damage to your health.

As ED pills go, slidenafil is relatively safer than other prescription medications. However, continued use may cause mild as well as severe side effects. Mild side effects include headache, nasal congestion, heartburns, nausea and diarrhea. Severe side effects include abnormally low blood pressure. It has also been known to cause painful erections lasting for more than 6 hours.

Even for patients taking nitrates, the dosage is still no more than the recommended by the doctor. Nitrates are commonly used to alleviate angina pain. Viagra should also not be taken by men on alpha-blockers as it is known to react and cause low blood pressure to the pint of fainting and shock. Drug interaction is a major precaution in regard to prescription medications.