This medicine is often used to treat sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. In any case, physicians may also prescribe this drug to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). ED is when a male cannot achieve and maintain an erection. Viagra contains Sildenafil Citrate as an active ingredient. Many people do not pay attention to side effects that may occur while using Sildenafil. It also may interact with other drugs, foods, and diseases and provoke unpleasant results. In this article, we will discuss Viagra contraindications and who should not use this medicine.
People who should avoid using Viagra
This product is not suitable for everyone. That’s why it is advised to consult a doctor before using Sildenafil. Those who are allergic to the ingredients of Viagra or administering Alpha-Blockers or Nitrates should not use Viagra. People with cardiovascular, liver, or kidney problems, eye conditions, or priapism should be cautious before beginning to use Sildenafil.
Allergy to Sildenafil Citrate
Sildenafil is not suitable for everyone as it may cause allergic reactions. If you experience any of the following symptoms including dizziness, trouble breathing, hives, itching, rash, or nausea, do not use Viagra. However, you can use other erectile dysfunction drugs such as Tadalafil, Avanafil, Vardenafil, and others.
Using Nitrates as Medications
If you experience angina (heart-related chest pain), nitrates can help you. Not treating this condition may lead to certain complications such as stroke or myocardial infarction. These two medicines work by dilating blood vessels. This effect helps to decrease blood pressure. Therefore, if you are using Sildenafil and Nitrates at the same time, you may experience extremely low blood pressure.
Liver Disease
There are many causes that may affect your liver. If you experience liver damage, it may lead to Hepatic failure, liver failure, and others. Everything we consume (such as food, medicines, beverages, and others) is processed by the liver. Sildenafil can be used in people with mild and moderate hepatic failure. However, if you suffer from severe hepatic failure, avoid using any PDE-5 inhibitors (such as Vardenafil, Tadalafil, and others). Otherwise, this medicine will stay longer in your body, which may elevate your risk of adverse reactions.
Heart Disease
If you experience heart disease, do not use this product because it may cause extremely decreased blood pressure. Usually, to treat coronary artery disease, physicians prescribe nitrates. In addition, it is not allowed to use ED medications if you experience myocardial infarctions, strokes, and other heart disorders.
Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)
Do not use Sildenafil Citrate if you experience low blood pressure. Viagra provokes the blood vessels to relax. This effect may lead to decreased blood pressure and you may notice dizziness or lightheadedness.
Eye Disease
If you are suffering from eye disease, avoid using ED medicines. In case, Central Serous Chorioretinopathy occurs, it is advised to interrupt using Viagra. However, people with a family history of Retinal Dystrophy should cautiously use Sildenafil. This medication works by inhibiting Phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) enzymes, which help to increase blood flow to penis tissues. Therefore, this can affect your sight and cause fast or gradual vision loss.
Sildenafil may also interact with an eye disease (Retinitis Pigmentosa).
Sickle Cell Anemia, Leukemia, or Multiple Myeloma
These medical conditions may affect Viagra’s effectiveness leading to negative effects. Cancer of blood cells is called Leukemia and cancer of bone marrow is called Multiple Myeloma.
A group of inherited red blood cell disorders is called Sickle Cell Anemia. Use carefully Sildenafil if you experience sickle cell anemia. Otherwise, it may lead to painful erections or priapism.
Peyronie’s Disease or Penis Deformity
Usually, men with curved penis and Peyronie’s disease may use Viagra safely. If you experience fibrous scar tissue inside the penis is called Peyronie’s disease. Talk with a healthcare professional before using any ED medicines. Rarely, using Viagra may lead to priapism. A condition when an erection lasts longer than 5 hours.
Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
