What is Viagra
A drug that’s well-known for its ability to work against the effects of erectile dysfunction, Viagra, also known as Sildenafil, has improved the sex lives of many in Australia. The main focus of the drug is to help men maintain erections during sexual stimulation. Erectile dysfunction is rather common among the male population, especially when you start to reach certain age groups. Of course, the onset of erectile dysfunction can be mitigated through a number of life choices that are related to health and fitness. However, some aspects of erectile dysfunction can’t be avoided, as it’s part of the natural aging process. Viagra is the name brand that everyone has come to know, but its Sildenafil is what belongs to the drug class called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. Simply put, the drug helps to increase blood flow to the penis, with the effects lasting up to four hours.
How does Sildenafil work?
It’s known what Sildenafil works against, but its process is a bit more intricate than merely increasing blood flow. The drug is able to increase blood flow to the target area by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) in the corpus cavernosum. Due to this, levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) increase and causes smooth muscle relaxation. This action within the body promotes blood flow to the penis, delivering the sought-after effects that can temporarily improve certain aspects of health and fitness in the bedroom. It’s important to note that Sildenafil doesn’t have a direct effect on erections without sexual stimulation being present.
Are there any adverse reactions?
As with any drug on the market, there are a handful of side effects you could possibly encounter. Viagra is associated with quite a few adverse reactions, but this isn’t to say that they’re all a guarantee.
Some common side effects related to the medicine include:
- Heartburn
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Nausea
- More serious adverse reactions include:
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Erections that last longer than four hours
These are just a brief example of what’s possible, but a majority of adverse reactions tend to be quite rare. If you happen to encounter any side effects from taking Sildenafil, make sure to inform your doctor immediately for the best course of action.
Alcohol and Viagra
It may be relatively obvious, but Viagra is not a medication that should be mixed with alcohol. Whether it’s before, during, or after, drinking alcohol with or around your Viagra medication could lead to less-than-desirable effects. You should know that alcohol can diminish the effects of the drug. More importantly, alcohol can exacerbate the presence and feeling of adverse conditions. Drinking alcohol should be avoided until you’re finished taking the medication for the time being.
Drug Interactions
There are a few known interactions that should be discussed for the sake of your overall health and fitness. Sildenafil comes with a few drug interactions that are best to be avoided when taking the medication. Patients who are using organic nitrates, blood pressure medications, or a variety of HIV medications should avoid taking Viagra altogether. Finding the best quality Viagra in Australia is important for the sake of your health and the results of the medication. Taking drug interactions into account is simply a part of the process.
Warnings and Precautions
A lot of other important notes to follow primarily focus on having a conversation or two with your doctor. Before you decide to take Sildenafil, you’ll want to make sure you and your doctor cover the following topics:
- Discuss potential drug and food allergies
- Talk about any of your current medications and intake schedules
- Highlight any relevant recreational drug use
- You’ll also talk about the current state of your health across the board
- Inform all healthcare providers that you’re taking Sildenafil. This will be important if you ever need medical treatment for a heart problem.
Although these are important points to know, rest assured that your healthcare provider will go through all of the warnings and precautions with you. It’s also vital to understand that Viagra may not be the right solution for everyone.
Sildenafil Contraindications
This is a topic that should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, but there are some things that aren’t a wise mix with Sildenafil. At the top is nitrates, as taking them on top of Sildenafil could lead to more harm than good. Other factors that can be considered contraindicated include people who have liver disease, irregular heartbeat, or high or low blood pressure, to name a few. There are actually quite a few contraindications when it comes to Viagra, and you’ll only be able to discover them by talking with a medical professional in Australia.