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This article was medically reviewed by Janice Litza, MD. Dr. Litza is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician based in Racine, Wisconsin. With over 25 years of educational and professional experience, she has extensive experience providing full-spectrum Family Medicine, including obstetrics, newborn care, and hospital medicine. She is currently the Residency Program Director for Family Medicine at Ascension. Dr. Litza received her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and has completed additional fellowship training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona.
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Viagra is used to treat problems relating to male sexual function, particularly problems concerning the ability to achieve and maintain an erection. Learn how to take Viagra safely to treat erectile dysfunction.
Steps
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![Step 1 Talk to your doctor.]()
Talk to your doctor. You may be a good candidate for Viagra (sildenafil) if you are suffering from erectile dysfunction, or the inability to hold an erection long enough to engage in sexual activity. It's important to discuss the medication with your doctor to make sure the drug is a healthy choice for you.- Inform your doctor if you're allergic to any drugs so that he or she can determine whether you may be allergic to Viagra.[1]
- Let your doctor know what other medications you're taking, including herbal supplements.
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![Step 2 Don't take Viagra if you take nitrates.]()
Don't take Viagra if you take nitrates. Nitroglycerin and other long-acting nitrates used to treat chest pain are contraindicated with Viagra, which can cause the blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels and lead to a heart attack or stroke.[2] -
![Step 3 Don't take Viagra if you take alpha-blockers.]()
Don't take Viagra if you take alpha-blockers. These drugs, which are prescribed for blood pressure and prostate problems, can also cause the blood pressure to drop too low when they are mixed with Viagra.
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![Step 1 Ingest Viagra pills orally as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.]()
Ingest Viagra pills orally as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. The usual recommended dose is 50 mg, but in some cases, your doctor may recommend taking either more or less than the average dose. [3]- Viagra pills are available in either 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg tablets.
- The maximum recommended dose is 100 mg. Do not take more than this at once.
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![Step 2 Take Viagra 30 to 60 minutes before sex.]()
Take Viagra 30 to 60 minutes before sex. Viagra is most effective when taken in this time frame since it takes a little while for the medication to circulate and stimulate an erection. However, Viagra may be taken up to 4 hours before sexual activity and still be effective.[4] -
![Step 3 Don't take Viagra more than once a day.]()
Don't take Viagra more than once a day. Taking Viagra multiple times per day is not advised, especially if it means exceeding the recommended 100 mg dosage. -
![Step 4 Eat low-fat meals before you take Viagra.]()
Eat low-fat meals before you take Viagra. Eating a high-fat meal may cause the Viagra to go into effect more slowly. Eat light meals throughout the day before taking Viagra, and avoid heavy meals with red meat, fried food, and other high-fat components.
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![Step 1 Be aware of moderate side effects.]()
Be aware of moderate side effects. Some people experience moderate side effects after taking a dose of Viagra. These don't indicate that it's necessary to go to the doctor, but if you experience them you may want to lower your dosage or stop using Viagra. Moderate side effects of Viagra include:[5]- Redness and heat in the neck and face
- Headaches
- Stuffy nose
- Memory problems
- Upset stomach or back pain
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![Step 2 See a doctor immediately if you experience severe side effects.]()
See a doctor immediately if you experience severe side effects. In some rare cases, Viagra causes side effects dangerous enough to merit a trip to the doctor. If you experience one of these symptoms, stop taking Viagra immediately and call your physician:[6]- An erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer
- Vision loss
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Feeling lightheaded
- Swelling in the hands, ankles or feet
- Nausea or a general ill feeling
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ http://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/guide/cialis-levitra-staxyn-viagra-treat-ed
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/in-depth/erectile-dysfunction/art-20047821
- ↑ http://www.medbroadcast.com/drug_info_details.asp?brand_name_id=1108#.UZLuNrV9ByI
- ↑ http://www.medbroadcast.com/drug_info_details.asp?brand_name_id=1108#.UZLuNrV9ByI
- ↑ https://www.drugs.com/sfx/viagra-side-effects.html
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/in-depth/erectile-dysfunction/art-20047821
About This Article
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
You should take Viagra 30 to 60 minutes before sex, since it takes a while for the medication to circulate. Try to eat low-fat meals before taking Viagra, since fatty foods, like red meat and fried foods, slows down its absorption. Avoid taking Viagra more than once a day, since you should not exceed 100mg. If you experience any side effects, such as a painful erection or one that lasts more than 4 hours, vision less, chest pain, nausea, or irregular heartbeat, stop taking Viagra immediately and contact your doctor. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to recognize mild side effects of Viagra, read on!
Reader Success Stories
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"Have taken Viagra now for about 6 years now. I am 65 my 49 year old wife is very happy, we have sex often."
