Viagra (#sildenafil) relaxes muscles found in the walls of blood vessels and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body.
Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men. Another brand of sildenafil is Revatio, which is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and improve exercise capacity in men and women. This page contains specific information for Viagra, not Revatio.
Do not take Viagra while also taking Revatio, unless your doctor tells you to.
Important information
Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with Viagra. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, especially riociguat (Adempas) and nitrates.
Do not take Viagra if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems, including nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, and some recreational drugs such as "poppers". Taking sildenafil with a nitrate medicine can cause a sudden and serious decrease in blood pressure.
Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis.
Stop using Viagra and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Viagra if you are allergic to sildenafil, or:
if you take other medicines to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, such as riociguat (Adempas).
if you take nitrates.
Do not take Viagra if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate. Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking sildenafil with a nitrate medicine can cause a sudden and serious decrease in blood pressure.
To make sure Viagra is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
-- heart disease or heart rhythm problems, coronary artery disease;
-- a heart attack, stroke, or congestive heart failure;
-- high or low blood pressure;
-- liver or kidney disease;
-- a blood cell disorder such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia;
-- a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;
-- a stomach ulcer;
-- retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye);
-- a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie's disease); or
-- if you have been told you should not have sexual intercourse for health reasons.
Viagra can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking sildenafil, most of whom also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoked or were over 50 years old. It is not clear whether sildenafil is the actual cause of vision loss.
Viagra is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether sildenafil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.
How should I take Viagra?
Take Viagra exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Viagra is usually taken only when needed, 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity. You may take it up to 4 hours before sexual activity. Do not take Viagra more than once per day.
Viagra can help you have an erection when sexual stimulation occurs. An erection will not occur just by taking a pill. Follow your doctor's instructions.
During sexual activity, if you become dizzy or nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be having a serious side effect of sildenafil.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is when a man has difficulty getting an erection. Or keeping it long enough for sex. It’s also known as ED or impotence. It happens when not enough blood flows to the penis, preventing an erection.
It affects about 30 million men in the U.S. Some guys with ED find it difficult to either get or keep an erection every time they try to have sex. For others, ED symptoms can happen just once in a while. Either way, you should know that you’re not alone.
ABOUT
ED is not all in your head. It’s not just a part of aging that you have to accept. It’s a real medical condition, so it should be addressed like one. If you think you have ED symptoms, talk to a doctor.
*Data taken from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. Of 1,290 respondents, 52% stated that they had some degree of ED.
What can cause ED?
Although most cases of ED have a physical cause, thoughts that lead to depression, worry, or anxiety can also cause ED.
Even when ED has a physical cause, it can be made worse if it leads to depression and worry.
Medications
In some men, ED is a side effect of some medications. These medications might include drugs used to treat:
-- High blood pressure
-- Hear
-- Depression
Can your lifestyle have something to do with it?
Yes. Some lifestyle and psychological factors can play a role in causing ED, such as smoking, drinking, and stress because they may lead to conditions that affect blood circulation.
There are things you can do each day to improve your circulation and avoid some of the conditions that can lead to ED:
-- Find ways to stay more active (mowing the lawn, walking the dog)
-- Help manage your weight by eating healthy and watching your portion size
-- Drink less alcohol
-- Quit smoking. The results can be significant
-- Look for ways to reduce stress in your daily life
VIAGRA helps guys with ED get and keep an erection.
And it’s been shown to effectively treat ED in guys who have certain other medical conditions. So be sure to tell your doctor about your medical conditions and medications so he can choose the right dose for you.
VIAGRA helps guys with ED get and keep an erection.
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Learn how VIAGRA works.
How does VIAGRA work?
VIAGRA works for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing blood flow to the penis so you can get and keep an erection hard enough for sex. Individual results may vary. It’s been proven to help guys with all degrees of ED. VIAGRA usually starts to work within 30–60 minutes. And you only take it when you need it.
Watch: How VIAGRA works
VIAGRA works only when you are sexually stimulated. You may take it up to 4 hours before sexual activity. So don’t worry. There's no need to rush.
After sex? Your erection should go away. In the rare event of an erection lasting more than 4 hours, seek immediate medical help to avoid long-term injury.
APPROXIMATELY
4/5
†Seventy-two percent, 80%, and 85% of the patients on 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg of VIAGRA, respectively, achieved erections hard enough for sex, compared to 50% on placebo. Also, men taking VIAGRA showed an improvement in their ability to get and keep an erection versus those who took placebo.
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Is VIAGRA right for me?
Want to know if it's right for you?
Only your doctor can decide if VIAGRA is right for you. VIAGRA isn't right for everyone.
If you have trouble getting or keeping an erection hard enough for sex, VIAGRA may help.
HOW TO GET A PRESCRIPTION FOR VIAGRA
More than 23 million men have been prescribed VIAGRA.
Who should not take VIAGRA?
Do not take VIAGRA if you:
-- Take medicines called “nitrates” (such as nitroglycerin)
-- Use street drugs called “poppers” such as amyl nitrate or amyl nitrite, and butyl nitrate
-- Take medicines called guanylate cyclase stimulators such as Adempas (riociguat)
-- Are allergic to sildenafil, as contained in VIAGRA and REVATIO, or any of the ingredients in VIAGRA. See the Patient Information for a complete list of ingredients in VIAGRA
VIAGRA and drug interactions.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
VIAGRA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect the way VIAGRA works, causing side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following:
-- medicines called nitrates
-- medicines called guanylate cyclase stimulators such as Adempas (riociguat)
-- medicines called alpha-blockers such as Hytrin (terazosin HCl), Flomax (tamsulosin HCl), Cardura (doxazosin mesylate), Minipress (prazosin HCl), Uroxatral (alfuzosin HCl), Jalyn (dutasteride and tamsulosin HCl), or Rapaflo (silodosin). Alpha-blockers are sometimes prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure. In some patients, the use of VIAGRA with alpha-blockers can lead to a drop in blood pressure or to fainting
-- medicines called HIV protease inhibitors, such as ritonavir (Norvir), indinavir sulfate (Crixivan), saquinavir (Fortovase or Invirase), or atazanavir sulfate (Reyataz)
-- some types of oral antifungal medicines, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Sporanox)
-- some types of antibiotics, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), telithromycin (Ketek), or erythromycin
-- other medicines that treat high blood pressure
-- other medicines or treatments for ED
VIAGRA contains sildenafil, which is the same medicine found in another drug called REVATIO. REVATIO is used to treat a rare disease called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). VIAGRA should not be used with REVATIO or with other PAH treatments containing sildenafil or any other PDE5 inhibitors (such as Adcirca [tadalafil])
Click here to learn more about the potential side effects of VIAGRA.
Patients should always ask their doctors for medical advice about adverse events.
You may report an adverse event related to Pfizer products by calling 1-800-438-1985 (U.S. only). If you prefer, you may contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directly. The FDA has established a reporting service known as MedWatch where healthcare professionals and consumers can report serious problems they suspect may be associated with the drugs and medical devices they prescribe, dispense, or use. Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
When it comes to hardness, VIAGRA can help.
Try using The Erection Hardness Score, a self-assessment tool used in VIAGRA clinical studies, to rate your own erection. If you’re concerned about your hardness score, ask your doctor if VIAGRA can help.
GRADE
grade 1grade 2grade 3grade 4
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Possible side effects of VIAGRA.
Wondering about possible side effects?
Safety is important. And it helps to know about possible side effects.
VIAGRA can cause serious side effects. Rarely reported side effects include:
-- an erection that will not go away (priapism). If you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, get medical help right away. If it is not treated right away, priapism can permanently damage your penis
-- sudden vision loss in one or both eyes Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes can be a sign of a serious eye problem called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Stop taking VIAGRA and call your healthcare provider right away if you have sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
-- sudden hearing decrease or hearing loss. Some people may also have ringing in their ears (tinnitus) or dizziness. If you have these symptoms, stop taking VIAGRA and contact a doctor right away
Other important information:
VIAGRA can help a man get and keep an erection when he becomes sexually stimulated. It’s not right for everyone. Here are some other things you should know:
Do not take VIAGRA if you:
take any medicines called nitrates, often prescribed for chest pain, or guanylate cyclase stimulators like Adempas (riociguat) for pulmonary hypertension. Your blood pressure could drop to an unsafe level.
are allergic to sildenafil, as contained in VIAGRA and REVATIO, or any of the ingredients in VIAGRA.
Discuss your health with your doctor to ensure that you are healthy enough for sex. If you experience chest pain, dizziness, or nausea during sex, seek immediate medical help.
The most common side effects of VIAGRA are:
-- headache
-- flushing
-- upset stomach
-- abnormal vision, such as changes in color vision (such as having a blue color tinge) and blurred vision
-- stuffy or runny nose
-- back pain
-- muscle pain
-- nausea
-- dizziness
-- rash
In addition, heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeat and death have happened rarely in men taking VIAGRA. Most, but not all, of these men had heart problems before taking VIAGRA. It is not known if VIAGRA caused these problems.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of VIAGRA. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Talk to your doctor.
Discuss your general health and ED symptoms with your doctor to see if VIAGRA is right for you.
Patients should always ask their doctors for medical advice about adverse events.
You may report an adverse event related to Pfizer products by calling 1-800-438-1985 (U.S. only). If you prefer, you may contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directly. The FDA has established a reporting service known as MedWatch where healthcare professionals and consumers can report serious problems they suspect may be associated with the drugs and medical devices they prescribe, dispense, or use. Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Scroll or Click for Important Safety Information and Indication
Click to Expand
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not take VIAGRA (sildenafil citrate) if you:
take any medicines called nitrates, often prescribed for chest pain, or guanylate cyclase stimulators like Adempas (riociguat) for pulmonary hypertension. Your blood pressure could drop to an unsafe level
are allergic to sildenafil, as contained in VIAGRA and REVATIO, or any of the ingredients in VIAGRA
Discuss your health with your doctor to ensure that you are healthy enough for sex. If you experience chest pain, dizziness, or
nausea during sex, seek immediate medical help.
VIAGRA can cause serious side effects. Rarely reported side effects include:
an erection that will not go away (priapism). If you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, get medical help right away.
If it is not treated right away, priapism can permanently damage your penis
sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes can be a sign of a serious eye problem called
non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Stop taking VIAGRA and call your healthcare provider right away if you
have any sudden vision loss
sudden hearing decrease or hearing loss. Some people may also have ringing in their ears (tinnitus) or dizziness. If you have
these symptoms, stop taking VIAGRA and contact a doctor right away
Before you take VIAGRA, tell your healthcare provider if you:
-- have or have had heart problems such as a heart attack,
-- irregular heartbeat, angina, chest pain, narrowing of the aortic valve, or heart failure
-- have had heart surgery within the last 6 months
-- have pulmonary hypertension
-- have had a stroke
-- have low blood pressure, or high blood pressure that
-- is not controlled
-- have a deformed penis shape
-- have had an erection that lasted for more than 4 hours
-- have problems with your blood cells such as sickle cell
-- anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
-- have retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic (runs in families)
-- eye disease
-- have ever had severe vision loss, including an eye problem
-- called NAION
-- have bleeding problems
-- have or have had stomach ulcers
-- have liver problems
-- have kidney problems or are having kidney dialysis
-- have any other medical conditions
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins,
and herbal supplements.
VIAGRA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect the way VIAGRA works, causing side effects.
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following:
-- medicines called nitrates
-- medicines called guanylate cyclase stimulators such as Adempas (riociguat)
-- medicines called alpha-blockers such as Hytrin (terazosin
HCl), Flomax (tamsulosin HCl), Cardura (doxazosin
mesylate), Minipress (prazosin HCl), Uroxatral (alfuzosin HCl),
Jalyn (dutasteride and tamsulosin HCl), or Rapaflo (silodosin).
Alpha-blockers are sometimes prescribed for prostate
problems or high blood pressure. In some patients, the use
of VIAGRA with alpha-blockers can lead to a drop in blood pressure or to fainting
-- medicines called HIV protease inhibitors, such as ritonavir (Norvir), indinavir sulfate (Crixivan), saquinavir (Fortovase or Invirase), or atazanavir sulfate (Reyataz)
-- some types of oral antifungal medicines, such as
-- ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Sporanox)
-- some types of antibiotics, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin),
-- telithromycin (Ketek), or erythromycin
-- other medicines that treat high blood pressure
-- other medicines or treatments for ED
VIAGRA contains sildenafil, which is the same medicine found
in another drug called REVATIO. REVATIO is used to treat a
rare disease called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
VIAGRA should not be used with REVATIO or with other PAH
treatments containing sildenafil or any other PDE5 inhibitors
(such as Adcirca [tadalafil])
VIAGRA does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
The most common side effects of VIAGRA: headache; flushing; upset stomach; abnormal vision, such as changes in color vision
(such as having a blue color tinge) and blurred vision; stuffy or runny nose; back pain; muscle pain; nausea; dizziness; rash.
INDICATION
VIAGRA (sildenafil citrate) is prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
VIAGRA is not for women or children.
Please see full prescribing information for VIAGRA (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg) tablets.
Patients should always ask their doctors for medical advice about adverse events.
You may report an adverse event related to Pfizer products by calling 1-800-438-1985 (U.S. only). If you prefer, you may contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directly. The FDA has established a reporting service known as MedWatch where healthcare professionals and consumers can report serious problems they suspect may be associated with the drugs and medical devices they prescribe, dispense, or use. Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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