..This summary contains general information about Viagra and Erectile Dysfunction (ED). It is not meant to take the place of your doctor’s instructions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

..The highly successful launch of Viagra in 1998 after the FDA approved it on March 27 was something of a cultural phenomenon, but, more importantly, it represented a major advance in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

..Viagra, an oral medication, increases blood flow to the penis, so that when a man is sexually aroused, he can get and maintain an erection. When the sexual encounter is over, the erection subsides. It is effective in a broad range of patients, improving erections in 70% of the cases, while offering the convenience of a pill. Viagra has a strong acceptance by physicians and patients, attesting to its safety, efficiency –and its benefits for many men and their partners- when the product is taken in accordance with the approved package insert.

..Viagra was originally developed as a heart medication to improve blood flow by relaxing arteries. During these studies, it was found to be effective in increasing blood flow to the penis. Increased blood flow will allow men who in the past were diagnosed as sexually dysfunctional to perform normally for up to four hours after taking it.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction is defined as the inability to obtain or sustain an erection that is adequate for intercourse on at least 25 % of attempts.

What causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction or ED as it is also known is a symptom not a disease. Erectile Dysfunction may be caused by organic, physiological or psychological problems, which may include the following:

Diabetes, hypertension, aging, cardiovascular diseases, hormonal imbalance, prostate gland disease or treatment for that disease, certain medications, fear of failure during sex, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety or peripheral or central nerve damage.

How does Viagra Work?

Viagra enables many men with ED to respond to sexual stimulation. When a man is sexually aroused, the arteries in the penis relax and widen, allowing more blood to flow into the penis. As the arteries in the penis expand and harden, the veins that normally carry blood away from the penis become compressed, restricting the blood flow out of the penis. With more blood flowing in and less flowing out, the penis enlarges, resulting in an erection.

If the nerves or blood vessels associated with this process are not working properly, a man may not be able to get an erection. Viagra increases blood flow to the penis, so that when a man is sexually aroused, he can get and keep an erection. When the sexual encounter is over, the erection goes away.

Who should not use Viagra?

Viagra is only for adult males with erectile dysfunction. Viagra is not for newborns, children or women.

Do not let anyone else take your Viagra. Viagra must be used only under a doctor's supervision.

If you take any medicines that contain nitrates—either regularly or as needed—you should never take Viagra. You should not take nitrates ( Partial List ) within 15 days of your most recently taken dose of Viagra. If you take Viagra with any nitrate medicine or recreational drug containing nitrates, your blood pressure could suddenly drop to an unsafe level. You could get dizzy, faint, or even have a heart attack or stroke. Nitrates are found in many prescription medicines that are used to treat angina (chest pain due to heart disease) such as:

• Nitroglycerin (sprays, ointments, skin patches or pastes, and tablets that are dissolved under the tongue)
• Isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate (tablets that are swallowed, chewed, or dissolved under the tongue)

Nitrates are also found in recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). If you are not sure if any of your medicines contain nitrates, or if you do not understand what nitrates are, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If for any reason you use Viagra and happen to experience chest pains, be sure to tell the paramedics, nurses or doctors at the hospital that you use Viagra and how long ago it was that you last took a Viagra Tablet.

What does Viagra not do?

Viagra does not cure erectile dysfunction. It is a treatment for ED. Viagra does not protect you or your partner from getting sexually transmitted diseases. Viagra is not a hormone, an aphrodisiac or a contraceptive.

What should I tell my Doctor before I begin using Viagra?

You will need to have a thorough medical exam to diagnose your erectile dysfunction and to find out if you can safely take Viagra alone or with your other medicines.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you:

• Have ever had any heart problems (e.g., angina, chest pain, heart failure, irregular heart beats, or heart attack)
• Have ever had a stroke
• Have low or high blood pressure
• Have a rare inherited eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa
• Have ever had any kidney problems
• Have ever had any liver problems
• Have ever had any blood problems, including sickle cell anemia or leukemia
• Are allergic to sildenafil or any of the other ingredients of Viagra tablets
• Have a deformed penis, Peyronie's disease, or ever had an erection that lasted more than 4 hours.
• Have stomach ulcers or any types of bleeding problems
• Are taking any other medicines

There are several medications that are known to interact with Viagra, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking including those you can get without a prescription.

Viagra should not be used with any other medical treatments that cause erections. These treatments include pills, medicines that are injected or inserted into the penis or implants.

When should I take Viagra and what dosage?

Viagra comes in different doses (25mg ,50mg and 100mg). You and your doctor can determine the dose that works best for you. If you do not get the results you expect, be sure to speak to your doctor.

Do not take more than the recommended dosage prescribed by your doctor. Viagra should not be taken more than once a day,  100mg is the maximum approved dosage of Viagra.

Take Viagra about one hour before you plan to have sex. Beginning in about 30 minutes and for up to 4 hours, Viagra can help you get an erection if you are sexually excited. If you take Viagra after a high-fat meal (such as a cheeseburger and French fries), the medicine may take a little longer to start working. Viagra can help you get an erection when you are sexually excited. You will not get an erection just by taking the pill.

What are the possible side effects?

Like all medicines, Viagra can cause some side effects. These effects are usually mild to moderate and normally do not last longer than a few hours. Some of these side effects are more likely to occur with higher doses. The most common side effects of Viagra are headache, flushing of the face, and upset stomach. Less common side effects that may occur are temporary changes in color vision (such as trouble telling the difference between blue and green objects or having a blue color tinge to them), eyes being more sensitive to light, or blurred vision. Talk to your physician if you experience any side effects that bother you.

Where do I keep it?

Store at controlled room temperature 59° to 86° F (15° to 30° C)