Viagra (sildenafil) is generally not intended to be taken every day for erectile dysfunction (ED), but rather as needed before sexual activity, with a maximum frequency of once per 24 hours. Taking more than one dose within a 24-hour period can increase the risk of serious side effects.
Nerve, muscle and prostate gland issues could possibly develop with long-term daily use. Cardiovascular (heart health) impacts are another consideration, especially for patients with certain health conditions like heart disease. Your doctor will assess your risk factors before starting daily Viagra.
In theory, sildenafil (Viagra) can cause hemorrhoids to bleed because it causes dilation of blood vessels, but this is rare. If you're using nitroglycerin for hemorrhoids, Viagra could also cause a drop in blood pressure.
Importantly, you shouldn't take Sildenafil or Viagra more than once a day. Taking too much of the drug can increase your chances of side effects – including dizziness and fainting, as well as painful erections that won't disappear.
Sildenafil does not directly cause prostate related complications. However, some studies suggest that it may lead to mild side effects such as headaches and facial redness. Most men tolerate its use without significant problems.
Bottom line
Yes, but it's recommended to start with a lower dose. The typical starting dosage of Viagra is one 50 mg tablet about an hour before sexual activity. But for adults over age 65, it's recommended to start with a lower 25 mg dose. Compared to younger people, Viagra leaves the body more slowly in older adults.
Take 50 mg of Viagra one hour before you are ready to engage in sexual activity. Viagra works best 30 minutes to four hours after taking the pill. Viagra also works best on an empty stomach.
There is little evidence to suggest that using Viagra can cause cardiovascular problems. However, Viagra could cause very low blood pressure in people who take nitrates, a medication that treats cardiovascular conditions.
Causes of erectile dysfunction
This is usually caused by stress, tiredness or drinking too much alcohol, and it's nothing to worry about. It can also be a side effect of some medicines. If erectile dysfunction happens often, it may be caused by a condition such as: high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
Key takeaways: Viagra (sildenafil) is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. The most common Viagra side effects are headache, flushing, and upset stomach. These effects are usually mild and often resolve on their own.
Viagra should not be taken more than once every 24 hours. Using it more than once a day can increase the risk of side effects. What happens if it doesn't work? If a dose doesn't work, you should wait at least 24 hours before taking another.
Taking non-prescription Viagra, or using it recreationally, can be dangerous. You could unknowingly be taking a dose that's higher than what's considered safe. Illegal pills may also contain contaminants. There isn't an equivalent pill to Viagra for women.
have low blood pressure (hypotension) have a rare inherited eye disease, such as retinitis pigmentosa. have sickle cell anaemia (an abnormality of red blood cells), leukaemia (cancer of blood cells) or multiple myeloma (cancer of bone marrow) have a deformity of your penis or Peyronie's disease (curved penis)
Viagra's Vision Connection
Side effects most often emerge in men with other underlying health conditions. Erectile dysfunction drugs are tied to ischemic optic neuropathy, a sudden and permanent vision loss caused by interrupted blood flow to the optic nerve.
The disorder is highly age-dependent, as the combined prevalence of moderate to complete erectile dysfunction rises from approximately 22% at age 40 to 49% by age 70. Although less common in younger men, erectile dysfunction still affects 5%-10% of men below the age of 40.
How to get a harder erection
Water and other low-calorie drinks make good alternatives to alcoholic or sugar-laden concoctions. Some research suggests that some juices (like grape and pomegranate juice) may help support erectile health, thanks to compounds called polyphenols.
Dark Chocolate: Contains flavonoids that can improve blood flow and nitric oxide production, potentially enhancing erectile function.
7 Drugs Not to Take With Viagra. There are some major drug interactions with Viagra. Sildenafil should never be combined with nitrates, blood pressure or hypertensive medications, alpha blockers, prostate medications, or other PDE5 inhibitors without the knowledge and guidance of a healthcare professional.
Sildenafil does not make you sleepy and so it's usually safe to drive or ride a bike while taking this medicine. However, do not drive, cycle or operate machinery if it makes you feel dizzy or affects your eyesight.
Sildenafil causes small decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, but clinically significant hypotension is rare. Studies of sildenafil and nitrates taken together show much greater drops in blood pressure.