Table of Contents

I. What are Common Viagra Side Effects?

II. When to Call Your Doctor

III. Informing Your Doctor of Conditions & Medications

IV. Avoiding Food and Drug Interactions

V. Take Viagra as Directed

What are Common Viagra Side Effects?

Viagra (sildenafil) is an erectile dysfunction medication that works by dilating the blood vessels in the penis to allow for improved blood flow and stronger erections. Long-term studies on the safety of Viagra show a low incidence rate of adverse side effects, and most men who take this ED drug are satisfied with its benefits. [1] However, Viagra can cause side effects in some men due to pre-existing conditions, drug interactions, and failure to follow dosage directions. Common side effects of Viagra include:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Nosebleed
• Stuffy nose
• Flushing
• Skin redness or rash
• Nausea  

When to Call Your Doctor

In addition to common side effects, Viagra may cause more serious side effects that require your doctor’s attention. Serious side effects of Viagra include:

• Vision or hearing loss
• Seizure
• Low blood pressure
• Painful, prolonged erection (priapism)
• Chest pain, heart attack, or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Severe bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Allergic reaction

If you experience any severe side effects, you may need to get medical assistance right away. In most cases, side effects of Viagra can be prevented with the right steps. Read on to learn how to take Viagra safely and reduce your risk of side effects. [2]

Informing Your Doctor of Conditions & Medications

The first step to avoiding the side effects of Viagra is to always inform your doctor about any conditions you have and the medications you are taking. Health conditions that may increase the risk of side effects include:

• Heart problems
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Recent heart surgery
• Stomach ulcers
• Liver or kidney problems
• History of alcohol abuse
• Sickle cell anemia
• Leukemia
• Stroke
• Bleeding problems

You should tell your doctor if you are taking drugs like amlodipine, lisinopril, losartan, and tamsulosin. This list is not complete, and many other drugs may cause adverse reactions when combined with Viagra, so it is important to disclose all of the medications you are taking to your doctor. [3]

Avoiding Food and Drug Interactions

To reduce your risk of side effects while taking Viagra, it is best to avoid these categories of drugs: nitrates, alpha-blockers, and anti-hypertensives. Drugs in these categories have dilating properties, so they can lead to blood pressure drops when combined with Viagra. Symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness, fainting, and worsened ED symptoms.

As mentioned above, drug interactions can increase the risk of side effects, but food interactions can also cause adverse reactions. For example, grapefruit combined with Viagra can increase the amount of sildenafil in your system and significantly lower your blood pressure. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a similar effect, causing light-headedness and erectile dysfunction. [3]

Take Viagra as Directed

Your risk of experiencing side effects goes up if you overdose, so it is important to follow your doctor’s directions and take Viagra as prescribed. Overdosing on Viagra is dangerous because it can lead to prolonged and painful erections (priapism), chest pain, and an irregular heartbeat. If priapism is not treated within 24 hours, the penis could become permanently damaged.

To take Viagra safely, take the tablet as needed and at least 30 minutes before sexual activity. Do not take Viagra more than once a day. Generic Viagra comes in 25, 50, and 100 mg dosages. Your doctor will determine the right dosage for you. [3]

Even if you have a health condition such as high blood pressure, Viagra may still be safe for you as long as your doctor takes it into account when planning your treatment. Generally, caution is necessary, and you may not be prescribed Viagra if your other condition is not stable. Still, informing your doctor about your medical history, current conditions, and the drugs you take will give you the best chance at preventing side effects.

To fill your prescription for Viagra (sildenafil), visit Canada Med Pharmacy today. With the right guidance, Viagra is a safe and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about specific side effects. 

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.