Viagra Side Effects

Viagra is a medication primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Like all medications, Viagra can have side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common Side Effects

• Headache: Headaches are one of the most common side effects of Viagra. They are usually mild to moderate in intensity and may go away on their own.
• Flushing: Some people may experience facial flushing or warmth, often accompanied by redness of the skin.
• Indigestion: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as indigestion, heartburn, or upset stomach can occur.
• Nasal Congestion: Viagra can cause a stuffy or runny nose.
• Dizziness: A feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness may occur, especially when standing up from a sitting or lying position.
• Vision Changes: Some people may notice changes in their vision, such as blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, or a bluish tinge to their vision. This is more common at higher doses.
• Muscle Aches: Some individuals may experience muscle pain or back pain.

Less Common Side Effects

• Priapism: This is a rare but serious side effect where an erection lasts longer than four hours. If not treated promptly, priapism can cause permanent damage to the penis.
• Sudden Hearing Loss: Although very rare, some cases of sudden hearing loss have been reported in individuals taking Viagra. If you experience any sudden changes in hearing, seek immediate medical attention.
• Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to Viagra are uncommon but can include rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, lips, or tongue), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• Low Blood Pressure: Viagra can lower blood pressure, especially when taken with other medications that lower blood pressure. This can lead to dizziness or fainting.
• Chest Pain: In rare cases, Viagra can cause chest pain or angina in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.
• Digestive Issues: Some people may experience more severe digestive problems, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Changes in Blood Cell Counts: Rarely, Viagra can affect blood cell counts, leading to conditions like anemia (low red blood cell count) or leukopenia (low white blood cell count).

Viagra is one of the leading brands of Sildenafil, manufactured and marketed by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Pakistan.

Presently, Viagra is available in Tablet Form

Viagra Tablets : 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg Strengths

1. Nitrates: Taking Viagra with nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, is extremely dangerous and can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure, which can be life-threatening. Nitrates are often prescribed for chest pain (angina) and should not be used with Viagra.
2. Alpha-Blockers: Some medications used to treat high blood pressure or prostate problems, known as alpha-blockers (e.g., doxazosin, tamsulosin), can also lower blood pressure. Combining them with Viagra can result in a significant drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness, fainting, or other complications.
3. CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Viagra is metabolized in the liver by the enzyme CYP3A4. Drugs that inhibit this enzyme can increase the levels of Viagra in your blood, potentially leading to more pronounced side effects. Common CYP3A4 inhibitors include certain antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole), and HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir).
4. Other Erectile Dysfunction Medications: Using Viagra in combination with other erectile dysfunction medications (e.g., tadalafil, vardenafil) is generally not recommended, as it can increase the risk of side effects and complications.
5. Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice: Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can inhibit the same enzyme, CYP3A4, that Viagra relies on for metabolism. This can lead to higher levels of Viagra in the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of side effects.
6. Alcohol: While moderate alcohol consumption may not interact directly with Viagra, excessive alcohol can impair your ability to get an erection and may increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects such as dizziness or low blood pressure.
7. Antihypertensive Medications: Combining Viagra with other blood pressure-lowering medications may result in a more significant drop in blood pressure. It’s essential to consult your healthcare provider if you are taking medications for hypertension while also using Viagra.
8. Riociguat: Viagra should not be taken in combination with riociguat, a medication used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. This combination can lead to a severe drop in blood pressure.