Drug Name

Viagra Soft Tabs (Sildenafil Citrate)

Drug Uses

Viagra Soft Tabs are used to treat impotence in men by increasing the body's ability to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation.

How Taken

Take Viagra Soft Tabs in the mouth as needed 10 - 20 minutes before sexual activity. The manufacturer recommends a maximum of 1 dose per day (1 dose every 2 days for those taking ritonavir).

Drug Class and Mechanism

Viagra Soft Tabs are oral lozenges containing quick-dissolving compounds. As with the standard Viagra, Viagra Soft Tabs will stimulate the dopamine receptors in the hypothalamus and mid-brain, enhancing the natural erection process.

Excitory signals are then transmitted down the spinal cord to the sacral parasympathetic nucleus, stimulating parasympathetic activity of the sacral nerves supplying the penis. The penile smooth muscle then relaxes, and the pelvic arteries dilate. Dilated arteries of the penis fill with blood, and corpora cavernosa engorges, and the penis becomes erect.

Missed Dose

Viagra is to be used as necessary, so you are not supposed to take it according to a schedule.

Storage

Keep Viagra Soft Tabs in its original container. Store at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F); excursions permitted to 15-30 degrees C (59-86 degrees F). Keep out of the reach of children.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take Viagra Soft Tabs if you are taking any nitrate-based drug, including nitroglycerin patches (Nitro-Dur, Transderm-Nitro), nitroglycerin ointment (Nitro-Bid, Nitrol), nitroglycerin pills (Nitro-Bid, Nitrostat), and isosorbide pills (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate). Combining Viagra Soft Tabs with these drugs can cause a severe drop in blood pressure.

If you have heart problems severe enough to make sexual activity a danger, you should avoid using Viagra Soft Tabs. Use it cautiously if you've had a heart attack, stroke, or life-threatening heart irregularities within the past 6 months. Be equally cautious if you have severe high or low blood pressure, heart failure, or unstable angina.

If you take Viagra Soft Tabs and develop cardiac symptoms (for example, dizziness, nausea, and chest pain) during sexual activity, do not continue. Alert your doctor to the problem as soon as possible.

If you have a condition that might result in long-lasting erections, such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma (a disease of the bone marrow), or leukemia, use Viagra Soft Tabs with caution. Also use cautiously if you have a genital problem or deformity such as Peyronie's disease. If an erection lasts more than 4 hours, seek treatment immediately. Permanent damage and impotence could result.

If you have a bleeding disorder, a stomach ulcer, or the inherited eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, use Viagra Soft Tabs with caution. Its safety under these circumstances has not yet been studied.

Possible Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Viagra Soft Tabs and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• chest pain or an irregular heartbeat;
• swelling of the ankles or legs;
• shortness of breath;
• prolonged or severe dizziness;
• a prolonged (lasting longer than 4 hours) or painful erection; or
• dizziness, nausea, or angina (pain, tightness, discomfort, numbness, or tingling in the chest, arms, neck, or jaw).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Viagra Soft Tabs and talk to your doctor if you experience

• flushing;
• mild dizziness;
• headache;
• nasal congestion;
• diarrhea;
• temporary blue tint in vision or other vision abnormalities; or
• itching or a rash.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

More Information

If you are older than 65 years, you can suffer Viagra side effects. However, your physician may prescribe you a lower dose of this medication.