Viagra (Sildenafil citrate) is a pill that is taken by mouth to assist with attaining and maintaining an erection. It is in a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Viagra was approved by the FDA in 1998, there is no generic available and you do need a prescription to get it.

With PDE5 inhibitors there are some side effects as well as drug interactions. The most common side effects of Viagra are reddening of the face or the face appearing to be flushed, headaches, upset stomach, watery stool, nausea; you might actually feel like you have a flu bug. PDE5 inhibitors have been known to be responsible for lower than normal blood pressure, blurry vision, and the way that you perceive colors when you look at them. There have been occasions when a patient has experienced a longer than wanted prolonged erection and/or priapism. If you have an erection that lasts for more than four hours you should seek medical attention at once, it can be very serious.

When males had a preexisting heart disease use drugs such Viagra or PDE5 inhibitors in general some of the side effects have included chest pain, heart attacks, death, strokes, palpitations or increased heart rate. Studies have not been able to tell if these extreme side effects are actually caused from the mixture of Viagra, the use of nitrates, or from vigorous sexual activity.

In extreme cases some patients have experienced a sudden loss of hearing when taking such drugs as Viagra. This is also sometimes associated with dizziness and ringing in the ears. Manufacturers of Viagra warn that if any changes in your hearing occur that you should NOT take the drug and seek medical help right away. Side effects as well as certain drug interactions are the main reason that none of the erectile dysfunction medications have been approved by the FDA for use without a prescription. The doctor must know if you have any allergies or if you have had any other conditions such as a history of prolonged erections, fibrosis or scarring, sickle cell anemia, leukemia, eye disorders, kidney or liver disease, heart problems, bleeding disorders, ulcers, very low or high blood pressure.

When you take Viagra be careful if operating machinery or driving because some men experience dizziness or a change in vision. Any alcohol consumption should be extremely limited. If a person has been evaluated and it is determined that he is a good candidate for taking Viagra then normally there are no complications what so ever.