Viagra

Viagra is the popular trade name for sildenafil citrate, a drug prescribed for erectile dysfunction. First approved by the FDA in 1998, 2.9 million prescriptions for Viagra were written in the United States in its first quarter on the marketAmerican Chemical Society: Modern Drug Discovery: Viagra and since then, it has helped over 25 million men combat erectile dysfunction.Official Site: Treating ED: Then and Now

Viagra was originally tested for its ability to treat cardiovascular diseases such as angina and high blood pressure. However, Ian Osterloh and a team of researchers noticed it was showing little effect in the treatment of angina, and suggested its use in erectile dysfunction.American Chemical Society: Modern Drug Discovery: Viagra

The website Family Doctor lists headaches, facial flushing, upset stomach, and runny noses as potential side effects for users.Familydoctor.org: Sildenafil (Viagra) The FDA website also warns patients that they may experience a decrease in hearing, tinnitus and dizziness.FDA: Viagra Information

Viagra comes in three different dosages. The pills are available in 25mg, 50mg, 100mg. According to to Viagra's official website, a typical patient would take a 50 mg table once a day at least 30 minutes (but less than four hours) before sex. A patient should always consult with their doctor first. The website warns that the medication may not work the first few times.Viagra: Getting the right dose

Most patients who take the medication to treat hypertension, take a lower dose but more frequently.

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Web MD clearly states that the drug is not intended for womenWeb MD: Drug Information for Viagra Oral

The official website warns against taking any Viagra if the patient is taking Nitrates often prescribed for heart conditions and pain in the chest.Viagra: Getting the right dose Alpha Blockers (often prescribed for prostate conditions or hypertension), are over 65, have kidney disease or HIV, the site recommends consulting with a doctor. It also suggests starting the dose as low as possible, 25mg.Viagra: Getting the right dose

The main use of Viagra is to overcome erectile dysfunction. According to Web MD, the medication is also used to held with pulmonary circulation, decrease hypertension.Web MD: Viagra May Help Sever Altitude Sickness (February 1, 2009) Science Daily, suggested that Viagra may be helpful in the managing of Raynaud's Phenomenon (a condition, where the patient is has an adverse and painful reaction to cold) treatment in chronic and severe altitude sickness.

In a 2005 French doctors and researchers, tested Viagra on a group of 12 men . Some were given Viagra and some where given a placebo. They climbed to and stayed on top of a high altitude mountain village for five days. While all 12 of the men were distressed from some sort of altitude sickness, most of the Viagra medicated subjects recovered faster than their counterparts. If the results of the study are correct, Viagra could feasibly bring relief to those who suffered from altitude sickness or acute high-altitude pulmonary edema.Web MD: Viagra May Help Sever Altitude Sickness (February 1, 2009)

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The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking Viagra.