These medicines are used to help men to recover the ability to get and sustain an erection. Most people administer these drugs to treat erection problems without paying attention to the side effects ED drugs can provoke. For example, Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) may interact with other medicines, food, and diseases. This interaction may lead to unpleasant results such as severe adverse reactions. In addition, if you experience low blood pressure or heart disease, you should consult a doctor before using Viagra or other ED medicine. In this document, we will talk about Viagra precautions and interactions.
People who should not use ED medicines
Sildenafil Citrate is not suitable for everyone. Some people may have an allergy to the ingredients of Viagra, administering Alpha-Blockers or Nitrates. If you are on treatment with belonging to the previous classes of drugs, it is advised to avoid using any ED drug such as Viagra. Those who experience severe cardiovascular, liver, or kidney diseases, some eye conditions, and Priapism, should get medical approval before using any ED medication. Otherwise, it may lead to undesired results such as severe negative effects.
Allergy to Sildenafil Citrate
Sildenafil Citrate is the active ingredient of Viagra and it may not be suitable for some people, causing allergic reactions. Check below some symptoms of allergic reactions:
- Rash
- Itching
- Hives
- Dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea
In case, you are allergic to Sildenafil, avoid using Viagra and choose another ED medicine such as Avanafil, Vardenafil, or Tadalafil in such cases.
Nitrates
This category of medicines is commonly used to treat angina (heart-related chest pain). This condition may occur due to decreased blood flow to the heart. If you ignore this condition it may lead to stroke or myocardial infarction. These medicines (Nitrates and Viagra) work by widening blood vessels, which may decrease blood pressure. Using them together may lead to extremely low blood pressure, which can be life-threatening.
Liver Disease
To process everything you consume (such as drugs and foods) is responsible liver. There are several causes that may cause liver damage. Therefore, liver damage may develop into liver failure also known as Hepatic Failure.
Erectile Dysfunction medications usually can be used by patients with mild to moderate hepatic failure, according to Drugs.com. However, if you are suffering from severe hepatic failure, avoid using any ED drug because the body may not be able to metabolize these medicines. Thus, this drug will accumulate in your body and will stay there for a long time, elevating your risk of side effects.
Heart Disease
It is not recommended to use Viagra if you suffer from severe heart disease. Using this drug may cause extremely low blood pressure. Moreover, Nitrates are usually used to treat Coronary artery disease. As we know, these medicines have similar work by widening the blood vessels to increase blood flow. It is not allowed to use Viagra if you are recovering from myocardial infarction, stroke, or any heart problem.
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
It is not recommended to use any ED medicine if you suffer from hypotension. The active ingredients of ED medicines work by relaxing and widening blood vessels, allowing more blood into the penis. In case, you decide to use erectile dysfunction drugs while experiencing low blood pressure, it may lead to extremely low blood pressure and you may experience dizziness or lightheadedness.
Eye Diseases
If you experience vision problems or eye disease, avoid using Viagra or any other ED medicines. According to a study, people with Central Serous Chorioretinopathy, should not use Sildenafil Citrate. This medicine works by increasing blood flow into the penis. Therefore, this process may negatively affect retinal enzymes and cause fast or gradual vision loss. Additionally, Viagra may interact with an inherited eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa.
Multiple Myeloma, Leukemia, or Sickle Cell Anemia
Health conditions such as Multiple Myeloma and Leukemia may negatively affect Viagra’s effectiveness. The cancer of blood cells is called Leukemia, while Multiple Myeloma is the cancer of bone marrow. A group of inherited red blood cell disorders is called Sickle Cell Anemia. This medical condition affects the shape of blood cells. If you intend to use Viagra while experiencing Sickle Cell Anemia, you should be careful as it may lead to priapism (painful and prolonged erection).
Peptic Ulcer
This condition occurs when there are open sores on the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, and small intestine. Usually, the causes of this disorder are bacterial. You may be at higher risk of bleeding if are using Sildenafil Citrate. Talk with a doctor for better treatment if you experience Peptic Ulcer.
Bleeding Disorder
In case, you have bleeding problems such as Hemophilia, do not use Viagra because it may increase the risk of bleeding. When blood does not clot normally is a condition called Hemophilia. Commonly, it is an inherited disorder.
Peyronie’s Disease or Penis Deformity
Commonly, males may not experience sexual dysfunction due to a curved penis, which is not a cause for concern. Fibrous scar tissue that develops inside the penis is a health condition called Peyronie’s Disease. This disease usually causes curved or painful erections. In such cases, taking Viagra is safe but anyway, it is recommended to consult a doctor before any ED drugs. In rare cases, using Viagra while suffering from this condition may result in a priapism. A rare side effect of Sildenafil Citrate that causes painful and prolonged erections is called Priapism.
In any case, it is important to inform your doctor about your medical history before using any ED medicines as they may interact with other diseases, medicines, supplements, and others. Your healthcare professional will assess your situation such as the severity of the condition and will prescribe a suitable treatment for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a regular man uses Viagra?
This is an ED medicine that is usually used if an individual has erectile problems. This drug may also provoke mild to moderate side effects (such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and others). Commonly, it is not advised to use this product if you do not have any ED symptoms.
Can Sildenafil Citrate cause adverse effects on your partner?
There is no information on whether Viagra causes side effects on your partner or not. The only way that Sildenafil can affect your partner is if this medication passes into the semen. However, this medicine does not pass into the semen in large amounts. In case, your partner administers this medicine themselves it is probable to notice some adverse reactions. Furthermore, you should not share your prescription medicine with others.
How does Viagra affect male fertility?
There is not enough evidence on how Sildenafil Citrate affects male fertility. However, Viagra can positively affect semen parameters, according to a study. The semen parameters may include the volume of seminal fluid and sperm motility.
