Viagra 200mg (Sildenafil Citrate) Tablets

How Viagra 200mg Works

Viagra 200mg falls under the class of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors. It contains sildenafil citrate, which blocks the enzyme that breaks down cGMP, allowing blood vessels in the penis to relax and increase blood flow. This helps maintain a firmer and longer-lasting erection during sexual arousal.

During sexual stimulation, the blood vessel lining in the penis releases nitric oxide (NO), which triggers the production of cGMP in the smooth muscle cells of the penis. cGMP prompts the smooth muscle cells to relax. This action widens the penis’ blood vessels. The relaxation of smooth muscle cells allows for improved blood flow into the spongy tissue of the penis. This tissue is called the corpus cavernosum. The increased blood flow fills the spongy tissue, leading to an erection.

It takes effect only when there’s enough sexual stimulation. This medication cannot work without sexual stimulation (e.g., physical intimacy).

Uses of Viagra 200mg Tablets

Sildenafil is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It helps improve blood flow to the penis, allowing men to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity. It is taken when sexual stimulation is expected, as it works only in response to sexual arousal.

Benefits

• Improves erection quality, chances of successful intercourse 
• Restores erectile function
• Builds sexual confidence
• Increases self-esteem in men with ED
• Improves quality of life and relationships

Viagra Effectiveness

Sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in this medication, is shown to work well in 70% of men.

Dosage

Do not take it more than one tablet in 24 hours. Take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. You can take this pill with a light snack or an empty stomach. Taking the medication after a high-fat meal can delay its effectiveness. Take it 30 minutes to 1 hour before planned sexual activity. The effects of this medicine can last for around 4 to 6 hours.

Missed Dose

People with ED take Viagra 200mg tablets on an “on-demand” or “as-needed” basis. So, you are unlikely to miss a dose. However, if you are using it as a prescribed ED treatment on a regular basis, skip the missed dose. Then, continue with your dosing schedule as usual. 

Overdose

If you believe you’ve taken too much Viagra, call your healthcare provider right away. Overdosing can cause serious side effects, e.g., heart attack, uneven heartbeats, stroke, and fainting. 

Safety Advice

Alcohol : UNSAFE
It is unsafe to drink alcohol with Viagra 200mg (sildenafil) Tablets.

Pregnancy:  POSSIBLY UNSAFE
This medicine is not approved for use in women. It’s for male sexual health problems (impotence or ED).

Breastfeeding : POSSIBLY UNSAFE
This medicine is not approved for use in women. Information regarding the use of Viagra 200mg Tablet during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not available. Consult your doctor for further information.

Driving : UNSAFE
This drug can make you dizzy or affect your vision. Do not drive or use hazardous machinery until you are fully aware of its effects on you.

Kidney : POSSIBLY SAFE
Sildenafil is not known to impair kidney health. Use caution if you have severe kidney disease. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

Liver:  CAUTION
This medication will be processed by your liver, so use caution if you have an existing liver problem. Consult your doctor for further advice. Your doctor will probably adjust the dosage for you.

Other Precautions

Before you take 200 mg of Viagra, tell your doctor if you have or had:

1. History of stomach ulcers.
2. History of liver problems.
3. History of blood cell issues such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
4. Low blood pressure
5. Uncontrolled high blood pressure
6. Penis with an unusual shape or Peyronie’s.
7. A prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours.
8. History of heart surgery in the past 6 months.
9. Pulmonary hypertension.
10. A history of retinitis pigmentosa
11. Bleeding problems.
12. Kidney problems
13. Kidney dialysis.
14. Heart attack
15. Irregular heartbeat
16. Aortic valve narrowing
17. Heart failure
18. Angina (chest pain)
19. Allergy from Sildenafil Citrate or any other medications.
20. A history of stroke, congestive heart failure, etc.
21. Suffer from conditions such as diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.
22. Take nitrates for chest pain.
23. Suffer from epilepsy or seizures.
24. Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
25. Suffer from ischemic heart disease (also known as coronary artery disease).
26. Are an alcoholic or have a history of substance abuse.

Sildenafil should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. It should not be used by women or children.

Viagra Side Effects

Some common side effects include:

• Headache
• Vomiting
• Rash 
• Temporary problems with vision or seeing colors 
• Motion sickness
• Palpitations
• Nausea
• Facial flushing
• Low blood pressure
• Stuffy nose
• Nosebleed
• Indigestion

In some rare cases, serious symptoms can occur, such as:

• Heart problems
• Irregular heartbeat
• Extremely low blood pressure
• NAION (sudden vision loss in one or both eyes)
• Priapism (a prolonged penile erection of more than 4 hours) 
• Sudden hearing or vision loss
• Serious allergic reaction

Seek medical attention if you see a severe symptom or a side effect that gets worse over time.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor if you take any herbal, OTC, recreational, or any other medicine. Also, inform your healthcare provider of your full medical history, e.g., current condition and all medications you are taking, to make sure Viagra dosage 200 mg is safe for you. These drugs can affect the way it works.

• Alpha-blockers such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, tamsulosin, and terazosin
• Amlodipine
• Antifungal medications such as itraconazole and ketoconazole
• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• Cimetidine
• Antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin
• Blood pressure medications
• Efavirenz
• Nitrates
• Beta-blockers such as atenolol, labetalol, metoprolol, and nadolol
• HIV medications such as indinavir, darunavir, lopinavir, saquinavir, and ritonavir
• Medications for seizures, such as phenytoin
• Other medicines to treat ED
• Medications for blood pressure

This isn’t a complete list of potential drug interactions. Discuss possible drug interactions with your doctor before starting this medicine.

Viagra and Alcohol

Alcohol can increase the blood pressure-lowering effect when taken along with this pill. Avoid drinking alcohol along with this medicine to protect yourself from side effects.

Interaction with Grapefruit Juice

It is not advisable to take grapefruit juice when taking sildenafil 200mg. The combination increases the risk of side effects. Do not take a Viagra pill for at least 24 hours after consuming grapefruit or its juice.

Viagra Storage Instructions

• Store the Viagra 200mg tablets in their original packaging.
• Keep the pills away from direct heat, moisture, and light.
• Do not repack or keep them in a vial with other medicines. 
• Keep the pills away from the reach of children and pets.
• Store in a cool, dry place, as mentioned on the label.

References

1. Irwin, G. M. (2019). Erectile dysfunction. Primary Care Clinics in Office Practice, 46(2), 249–255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pop.2019.02.006
2. Fink, H. A., Mac Donald, R., Rutks, I. R., Nelson, D. B., & Wilt, T. J. (2002d). Sildenafil for male erectile dysfunction. Archives of Internal Medicine, 162(12), 1349. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.162.12.1349
3. Paige, N. M., Hays, R. D., Litwin, M. S., Rajfer, J., & Shapiro, M. F. (2001). IMPROVEMENT IN EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AND RELATIONSHIPS OF USERS OF SILDENAFIL. The Journal of Urology, 166(5), 1774–1778. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-5347(05)65673-x
4. O’Leary, M. P., Althof, S. E., Cappelleri, J. C., Crowley, A., Sherman, N., & Duttagupta, S. (2006b). Self-Esteem, confidence and relationship satisfaction of men with erectile dysfunction Treated with Sildenafil citrate: a multicenter, randomized, parallel group, Double-Blind, placebo controlled study in the United States. The Journal of Urology, 175(3), 1058–1062. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-5347(05)00418-0
5. Moore, R. A., Edwards, J. E., & McQuay, H. J. (2002). Sildenafil (Viagra) for male erectile dysfunction: a meta-analysis of clinical trial reports. BMC Urology, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2490-2-6
6. Sildenafil: MedlinePlus drug information. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699015.html