Viagra is a prescription drug, which means that it cannot be availed unless you show yourself to a doctor and get a prescription for the same. Getting prescription is important because Viagra can prove to be harmful if it is taken in an ad hoc way. It might react with the medicines you are already taking or may prove fatal if you have a disease which does not approve Viagra consumption. There is certain information which a patient must provide to his healthcare provider before he starts using Viagra hence it is important to follow certain guidelines before Viagra administration. Besides, like any other drug, Viagra too has side effects, and before you consume Viagra it is important to know all about its side-effects so that incase of a mishap you are prepared to handle the situation.

We will discuss here about Viagra precautions and Viagra side-effects for the benefit of our visitors.

Precautions before Taking Viagra

Viagra is a prescription drug; it is no meant for everyone. It is advisable for a patient to discuss the following conditions with a registered healthcare provider before he takes Viagra:

If a person is using nitrates for chest pain or any heart problems, it is obligatory to consult a doctor as Viagra can interact with the nitrate drugs (Nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate) and lead you to complex health conditions like fainting, stroke, low blood pressure or cardiac arrest. Recreational drugs too contain nitrates, so it would be good to talk to a doctor if you are using them, before you take Viagra.

Sometimes people who take Viagra experience a sudden loss of vision, caused by the decreased flow of blood to the optic nerve, generally known as NAION (NON-ARTERITIC ANTERIOR ISCHEMIC OPTIC NEUROPATHY) when they take Viagra. It generally occurs among people who suffer from medical conditions like cardiac problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smokers above 50 years or people with pre-existing eye problems.

Before taking Viagra, one must let his doctor know if he has any of the following medical problems:

• Recent history of stroke or heart attack
• Any type of heart related problems
• Kidney problems
• Liver diseases
• Both high as well as low blood pressure
• Diseases of the coronary artery
• Blood cell disorders like leukemia, sickle cell anemia
• Ulcer of the stomach
• Hemophilia
• Color vision
• Peyronie's disease, or penis deformation
• Inability to have sexual intercourse for health reasons

It is important to talk to a doctor if you have any of the above medical conditions, as you may need to alter the Viagra dosage, if at all you are eligible to take it.

Remember,

• Viagra is not meant for women, and special care should be taken by pregnant women and breast feeding mothers to avoid it.
• Viagra should not be taken by older adults and children.

Side effects of Viagra

Like, any other prescription drugs Viagra too has certain side effects, though it may differ from person to person. Some of these side effects may be less harmful and would gradually disappear with time; however some side effects can be serious and may require the immediate consultations of a doctor.

Talk to your doctor if the following side effects don't go away with time:

• Flushing
• Upset stomach
• Headache
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Giddiness, flightiness

However, you need to call a doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

• NAION, or sudden loss of vision
• Fainting
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Pain in the chest
• Color vision
• Priapism, or prolonged erection
• Blurred vision
• Itching or rash

Ref: www.nlm.nih.gov