How Viagra Works and Its Side Effects in Erectile Dysfunction

Men of all ages are finding a new found sexual youth because of the little blue pill called viagra — which is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence as it's often called. 

Let's learn more about viagra, how it's dosed, and what to watch out for if when a person is prescribed this medication. 

ED and the Meds That Cause It

Viagra (sildenafil) belongs to a group of medicines that delay the enzymes called phosphodiesterase from working too quickly. By controlling phosphodiesterase, sildenafil helps to maintain an erection that is produced when the penis is physically stimulated.

Viagra Fact Sheet

Viagra comes in tablet form in dosages of 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg.

• Men Up to 65 Years of Age - Viagra 50mg by mouth is usually started. It's prescribed to be taken once a day, 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse. In situations where 50mg isn't effective, a person's doctor may prescribe 100mg to be taken once daily 30 minutes to 4 hours before intercourse.
• For Men Older than 65 Years of Age - Often a lower dose is started, like 25mg. It's taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual intercourse. In some circumstances, men older then 65 may have their doses increased.

Important Caution - Under no circumstances should men increase their Viagra doses without first consulting their physician.

• headache
• heartburn
• diarrhea
• feeling of warmth
• nosebleeds
• sleep disturbance
• numbness, tingling, or burning in extremities
• muscle aches
• changes in color vision
• sensitivity to light

Serious side effects that require a person to call their doctor right away include blurry vision, loss of vision, fainting, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty hearing, ringing in ears, rash, pain when urinating, painful erection, or an erection that lasts more than 4 hours. 

If you think you need viagra, please see your doctor and inquire about a workup and a prescription for your erectile dysfunction. Do not order viagra online — the FDA warns about the potential harm of obtaining viagra-like products through the Internet, as their safety has not been studied, and their ingredients may be harmful to the consumer.  

Also, the use of viagra may be associated with higher levels of unprotected anal sex with an HIV-positive partner, according to a 2002 study in AIDS. Practicing safe sex, regardless of whether you use viagra, is critical for your own sexual health and the health of your partner.