Viagra Side Effects: Minor and Major Effects on Men

Viagra like any other prescription drugs may have side effects on the consumer. Therefore, as consumers we should know the side effects of this drug before we decide to take one. Here are a list of some common and rare side effects of the drug Viagra.

Common

• flushing
• headache
• nasal congestion
• stomach discomfort following meals

Less Common

• abnormal vision including blurred vision, seeing shades of colors differently than before, or sensitivity to light
• bladder pain
• cloudy or bloody urine
• dizziness
• increased frequency of urination
• pain on urination
• diarrhea

Rare

• bleeding of the eye
• convulsions (seizures)
• decreased or double vision or in extreme cases blindness
• a blue tint to your vision
• prolonged, painful, or inappropriate erection of penis
• redness, burning, or swelling of the eye
• anxiety

Viagra or Sildenafil Citrate has made quite a revolution on the treatment of male sexual dysfunction these past few years. Viagra is in a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase inhibitors, it is a type of pill that is taken by mouth to help men achieve and maintain an erection. However, the use of Viagra has been reported to have adverse side effects on men with certain types of heart diseases.

Viagra Side Effects on Men with Heart Diseases

Viagra or Sildenafil has two actions that might cause dire consequences on consumers with heart diseases. First, it can lower the consumer's blood pressure and also, it interacts with nitrates. i.e. Viagra, if taken together with Nitrates can cause a massive decrease in blood pressure and will make you dizzy, lightheaded or even faint. In some cases, patients have died from combining Nitrates with Viagra or other erectile dysfunction medicines. Nitrates are used to treat the chest pain associated with angina and to ease the symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF).

SIldenafil is a vasodilator (a drug that dilates blood vessels), and it lowers the systolic blood pressure. The vasodilating effects of Sildenafil can become hazardous especially when combined with the vasodilating effects of Nitrates (drugs that are commonly taken by patients with coronary heart disease). Patients and consumers who are taking both Sildenafil and Nitrates are more prone to develop hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure) and fainting. If you are taking Nitrates you must NEVER take Sildenafil. Furthermore, do not take Viagra or other erectile dysfunction medicines within 24 hours of taking nitrates.

Viagra was approved by the FDA in 1998, when Viagra was first introduced into the market in the year 1998 reports of heart attacks and sudden deaths after taking the drug has been all over the news. However, Sildenafil appears to have minor effects to men who are even suffering from severe coronary heart diseases, as long as they do not take nitrates. When used properly and appropriately, Viagra is helpful for men with erectile dysfunction. By taking the medicine as prescribed and by knowing what adverse effects to look for, Viagra can be safe and effective. Before taking Viagra, you must consult your physician to see if it is right for you.