Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate)
Viagra is used for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Sildenafil Citrate may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Viagra is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Sildenafil Citrate works by helping to increase blood flow into the penis during sexual stimulation. This helps you to achieve and maintain an erection.
Special patient directions come with Sildenafil Citrate. Read the directions carefully before using Viagra.
Sildenafil Citrate usually begins to work within 30 minutes after taking it for erectile dysfunction. Viagra continues to work for up to 4 hours, although its action is usually less after 2 hours.
Viagra Dosage
The dose of Sildenafil Citrate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctors orders or the directions on the Viagra label. The following information includes only the average doses of Sildenafil Citrate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
Adults up to 65 years of age — 50 mg as a single Viagra dose no more than once a day, 1 hour before sexual intercourse. Alternatively, Sildenafil Citrate may be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual intercourse. If needed, your doctor may increase your daily dose to 100 mg or decrease your daily dose to 25 mg.
Adults 65 years of age and older — 25 mg of Sildenafil Citrate as a single dose no more than once a day, 1 hour before sexual intercourse. Alternatively, Viagra may be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual intercourse. If needed, your doctor may increase your daily dose.
If you are taking protease inhibitors, such as for the treatment of HIV, your doctor may recommend a 25 mg of Viagra dose and may limit you to a maximum single dose of 25 mg of Viagra in a 48 hour period.
If you miss a dose of Viagra
Since Viagra is used as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.
If you take Sildenafil Citrate every day and you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take Sildenafil Citrate and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra Viagra to make up the missed dose.
Storage — How to store Viagra
- Keep Viagra out of the reach of children.
- Store Sildenafil Citrate away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store Viagra in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause Sildenafil Citrate to break down.
- Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
- Do not keep outdated Sildenafil Citrate or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded Viagra is out of the reach of children.
Side effects of Viagra
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON Viagra side effects persist or become bothersome:
Diarrhea; dizziness; flushing; headache; heartburn; mild, temporary vision changes (eg, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, blue/green color tint to vision); stuffy nose; upset stomach.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE Sildenafil Citrate side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; painful or prolonged erection; ringing in the ears; seizure; severe or persistent dizziness; severe or persistent vision changes; sudden decrease or loss of vision in one or both eyes; sudden hearing loss.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.
