Viagra side effects

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Viagra is a powerful drug that helps increase blood flow to the penis and maintain an erection. Viagra is highly effective, but it can cause some side effects. What are the side effects of Viagra?

1. What is Viagra?

Viagra (sildenafil) relaxes the muscles of the blood vessel walls and increases blood flow to specific areas of the body. Sildenafil is an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5 - an enzyme that regulates certain chemicals in the blood that make it difficult for the body to achieve and maintain an erection).
Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Although Viagra helps people to temporarily maintain an erection for sexual intercourse, Viagra does not cure erectile dysfunction nor does it affect sex drive. You still need mental or physical stimulation to get an erection. Viagra is prescribed by a doctor.

2.Effects of Viagra

The male body requires a meticulous process to achieve an erection. It starts with stimulating signals from the brain that govern blood flow to the penis. Inside the penis there are two chambers called the corpus cavernosum. Nitric oxide (NO) is released in the cavities during sexual arousal. NO activates an enzyme called Guanylate cyclase, which increases cyclic Guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels, causing muscles to relax.

These compartments also contain a network of blood vessels. As those blood vessels dilate and widen, blood rushes in and causes an erection. PDE5 may decrease the effects of cGMP. Viagra works by inhibiting PDE5 which increases cGMP levels.
Viagra is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. Maximum concentration is reached within about an hour. About 80% of Viagra leaves the body in the feces, the rest is metabolized and excreted in the urine.

3. Side effects of Viagra

One of the common side effects of Viagra is flushing, runny or stuffy nose, nosebleeds, trouble sleeping (insomnia). In addition, the use of Viagra also causes some side effects as follows:
This drug can also lower blood pressure, especially 1 to 2 hours after taking it. If you already have low blood pressure, discuss the pros and cons of Viagra with your doctor. The effects of Viagra usually last about 4 hours or longer for some men. A rare but serious side effect is Priapism - painful, prolonged erections (prolonged erections can damage the penis). If you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, see your doctor right away. A fairly common side effect of Viagra is indigestion or upset stomach. PDE5 inhibitors sometimes cause nausea or vomiting.

Viagra may be associated with symptoms of a heart attack, chest pain or tightness, pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating; Some potential side effects of Viagra are headache and runny or blocked nose. Some men even feel lightheaded or dizzy. In rare cases, Viagra can cause fainting. Some men taking PDE5 inhibitors also complain of back or muscle pain. Although side effects are uncommon, a rare percentage of men experience tinnitus, hearing loss, or vision loss (blurred vision, change in color vision) after taking a PDE5 inhibitor.

4.Notes when using Viagra

Viagra improves blood flow to the penis, but the brain is still the main sex organ. Viagra will not work if the user is not "in the mood". Viagra does not protect users from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so users should consider using condoms to prevent infection. In addition, users should also be wary of PDE5 inhibitors if there is an anatomical abnormality of the penis.
For most people, moderate sexual activity is good for heart health. However, if you have cardiovascular disease, you should ask your doctor if it is safe to take Viagra and should avoid taking Viagra if your doctor advises you not to have sex. Viagra should not be taken if the patient has had a stroke, heart attack, or unstable angina.
Some drug interactions can be harmful to the heart, so avoid PDE5 inhibitors if the patient is also taking long-term alpha blockers or taking drugs containing nitrates.

Avoid PDE5 inhibitors if the patient has a history of eye disease, characterized by disruption of blood flow to the optic nerve. If you experience hearing or vision loss while taking Viagra, get medical help right away.
Viagra is available as a film-coated tablet. Users can take Viagra with or without food, preferably about an hour before planning to have sex. Do not take Viagra more than once per day. During sexual activity, if you experience dizziness, nausea, pain, numbness or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away as it is very likely that you are sick. are experiencing serious side effects of sildenafil. Tell your doctor right away if you have the following signs:
Tinnitus or sudden hearing loss; Irregular heartbeat; Swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet; Short of breath; Convulsions; Faint. Viagra is a powerful drug that helps increase blood flow to the penis and maintain an erection. In addition to the therapeutic benefits, Viagra also has certain side effects. Therefore, patients should carefully read the instructions for use of the drug or seek advice from a specialist doctor.

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References: drugs.com, healthline.com