Archive for the ‘precautions’ tag
Viagra: what every physician and patient shouid know
Viagra, an oral drug taken one hour prior to sexual activity, improves erectile function in the majority of men with erectile dysfunction who receive it. It is not an aphrodisiac and therefore will not work without sexual stimulation. The drug is absolutely contraindicated in patients on organic nitrates, as this combination can lead to severe drops in blood pressure. Patients with heart disease, suspected heart disease and riskfactors for heart disease should discuss with their physicians the safety of resuming sexual activity. A cardiac work-up, including exercise treadmill testing, should be considered in appropriate patients.
Introduction
On March 27,1998, the FDA approved sildenafil (Viagra) as the first oral agent for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction. This new drug has received wide coverage in the media and on talk shows and has spurred an entire generation of new jokes; most importantly, however, it has awakened the public consciousness to the problem of erectile dysfunction (ED). This issue is now being discussed openly by patients, spouses and healthcare providers. The purpose of this article is to describe ED, and to discuss the various treatment options and the efficacy and warnings regarding this remarkable new drug.