The most widely used remedy for erectile dysfunction; research has indicated that Viagra has an effect on the condition of the human heart as well as a male's penis. The hormonal stress normally exerted on the human heart has been noted to be decreased in men who take Viagra. When conducted with mice, the testing was more noticeable, Viagra having the tendency to avert harmful and long term effects of chronic hypertension on their heart. The study, lead by the John Hopkins research team, found that there is potential benefits for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, linked in with how Viagra dilates genital blood vessels. Viagra works by dulling the heart beat, which is increased during stress. It works to decrease the force which is needed to pump blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The research conducted by David Kass, cardiologist and senior researcher of the John Hopkins study noticed Viagra can be effective in blocking short- term consequences of hormonal stresses in the heart. Further evidence on the testing of mice (although further research is needed until this is applicable to humans), indicated that negative effects of heart failure and cardiac hypertrophy on weakened heart muscles can be reversed. Further research is need in this area on humans however. Thirty five men and women were tested and injected with Dobutamine (a synthetic derivative of dopamine that increases heart rate and contractions), which resulted in increased rate of 150%. The men and women were then separated into two groups, one of which were given sildenafil (Viagra) and the other given a placebo (fake) pill. Results showed that the first group's heart rate decreased by 50%, whilst the latter group's further increased. This has led to widespread scientific interest in the effects of sildenafil (Viagra) on the human heart condition.
| Revatio, Viagra What is Viagra? Viagra relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body. Sildenafil under the name Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men. Another brand of sildenafil is Revatio, which is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and improve exercise capacity in men and women. Viagra may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. Do not take Viagra if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, and others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket). Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking Viagra with a nitrate medicine can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack. During sexual activity, if you become dizzy or nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be having a serious side effect of Viagra. Do not take Viagra more than once a day. Allow 24 hours to pass between doses. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis. Viagra can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking Viagra, most of whom also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years old. It is not clear whether Viagra is the actual cause of vision loss. Stop using Viagra and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss. Do not take Viagra if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, and others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket). Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking Viagra with a nitrate medicine can cause a serious decrease in blood pressure, leading to fainting, stroke, or heart attack. Before taking Viagra, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have: a recent history (in the past 6 months) of a heart attack, stroke, or heart rhythm disorder; a blood cell disorder such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia; if you have been told you should not have sexual intercourse for health reasons. If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Viagra. Viagra can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking Viagra, most of whom also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years old. It is not clear whether Viagra is the actual cause of vision loss. Stop using Viagra and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss. FDA pregnancy category B: This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Viagra without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known if Viagra passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. How should I take Viagra? Take Viagra exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take it in larger doses or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Revatio is usually taken three times each day, about 4 to 6 hours apart. Viagra is usually taken only when needed, 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity. You may take it up to 4 hours before sexual activity. Do not take Viagra more than once per day. Viagra can help you have an erection when sexual stimulation occurs. An erection will not occur just by taking a pill. Follow your doctor's instructions. During sexual activity, if you become dizzy or nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be having a serious side effect of Viagra. Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. What happens if I miss a dose? Viagra is used as needed, so you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule. If you miss a dose of Revatio, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. What happens if I overdose? Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include chest pain, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and feeling light-headed or fainting. What should I avoid while taking Viagra? Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Viagra. Avoid using other medicines to treat impotence, such as alprostadil (Caverject, Muse, Edex) or yohimbine (Yocon, Yodoxin, others), without first talking to your doctor. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. During sexual activity, if you become dizzy or nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be having a serious side effect of Viagra. ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss; chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling; swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; feeling light-headed, fainting; or penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer. warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest; back pain. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. What other drugs will affect Viagra? Do not take Viagra if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems, including nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, Minitran, Deponit, Transderm-Nitro), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket), or recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Before taking Viagra, tell your doctor about all other medications you use for erectile dysfunction, or if you are using any of the following medications: cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB); an antibiotic such as erythromycin (E-Mycin, Eryc, Ery-Tab) or clarithromycin (Biaxin); doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), Terazosin (Hytrin); HIV medicines such as amprenavir (Agenerase), tipranavir (Aptivus), darunavir (Prezista), efavirenz (Sustiva), nevirapine (Viramune), indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), ritonavir (Norvir), atazanavir (Reyataz), or nelfinavir (Viracept); carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal), or phenytoin (Dilantin); or rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane) or rifabutin (Mycobutin). This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with Viagra. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Where can I get more information? Your pharmacist can provide more information about Viagra. What does my medication look like? Sildenafil is available with a prescription under the brand names Viagra and Revatio. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you. Revatio 20 mg - white, film-coated round tablets Viagra 25 mg - blue, film-coated tablets with a rounded-diamond shape Viagra 50 mg - blue, film-coated tablets with a rounded-diamond shape Viagra 100 mg - blue, film-coated tablets with a rounded-diamond shape Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. 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