What is Viagra?
Viagra (sildenafil citrate tablets) belong to the cGMP-Specific Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor (PDE-5) family of medications.
Viagra is used to assist patients experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) to get and maintain an erection.
For more resources, including a full list of the risks and benefits of Viagra, please review the product monograph.
How does Viagra work?
The physical reason for getting an erection involves the release of nitric oxide (NO) in response to sexual stimulation. Nitric oxide then activates the guanylate cyclase enzyme, which increases levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in your body.
This results in muscle relaxation and increased blood flow to certain areas, including the penis. Viagra enhances the effect of nitric oxide by inhibiting PDE5, which makes it easier for the body to then achieve an erection and maintain it.
It’s important to note that sexual stimulation is still needed for Viagra to function.
What is Viagra used to treat?
Viagra is used as a treatment for people experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED).
But this doesn’t mean that a person has to be completely unable to get an erection before it can be worthwhile to consider using Viagra.
Whether you’re experiencing issues with getting an erection, or just have trouble maintaining an erection long enough for sexual activities, ordering Viagra online in Canada through Felix could be the right choice for you.
How do you take Viagra?
Viagra is usually taken 30-60 minutes before the start of any sexual activities. However, Viagra can be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before beginning sexual activity.
The maximum recommended dosage for Viagra is 100mg once per day. Talk to your healthcare practitioner at Felix about which dosage strength will work best for your needs.
Never take more than your prescribed dosage.
How long does Viagra last after you take it?
You should be able to start enjoying sexual activities as early as 30 minutes after taking your tablets. However, it may take as long as 60 minutes to become fully effective, depending on the person.
Viagra should last as long as 4 hours; again, depending on how each individual’s body processes the medication.
It’s important to note that if you experience an erection lasting longer than 4 hours (called a priapism), you should seek immediate medical attention.
What are the common side effects of Viagra?
The most common side effects of Viagra include:
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Dry, stuffy, or swollen nose
- Throat tightness, dry mouth, decreased sensitivity of the mouth
- Pain in arms and legs, myalgia (muscle pain)
- Drowsiness (somnolence)
- Erection increased
In rare cases, taking Viagra can cause a condition called priapism, in which an erection lasts longer than 4 hours. If this occurs, you should seek immediate medical attention.
If you notice any side effects not mentioned above, or any of the above-mentioned side effects persist or become bothersome, please contact your healthcare practitioner.
Who shouldn't take Viagra?
Viagra is not meant for use by children under 18 years of age or people assigned female at birth, and may have adverse effects if taken.
Due to the effect that Viagra has on your body’s nitrates, it’s important that people taking nitrate-based medications avoid this medication.
There are also a number of other people that should be mindful about taking Viagra. These people may be more likely to experience negative side effects.
Patients should be sure their healthcare practitioner is aware if they:
- Have been advised against sexual activity for any medical reason
- Are known to have a hypersensitivity or adverse reaction to the medication
- Have experienced an episode of nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
- Have an increased susceptibility to vasodilators
- Have a history of heart attacks, strokes, or life-threatening arrhythmia
- Are known to have issues regulating their blood pressure (high or low)
Any of these conditions could be a reason to avoid taking Viagra. If any of these conditions apply to you, inform your healthcare practitioner before taking Viagra.
Is it safe to order Viagra online?
If you’re ordering your Viagra prescription online, always make sure that it is done through a licensed, regulated pharmacy, like the Felix online pharmacy.
You should never order gray-market Viagra online from unregulated sources, because there’s no telling what other ingredients could be included in those medications. It’s also much more difficult to ensure the dosages for usage are both safe and effective for you.
How old do you have to be to buy Viagra online in Canada?
In Canada, you need to be over the age of 18 to buy Viagra online.
If you’re 18 years of age or older, you may be eligible to buy Viagra online in Canada, once you’ve had an assessment to ensure it’s safe for you to use, based on your health and medical history.
SIDE NOTE: Even if you are over 18, you may not be eligible to buy Viagra online if you have certain other underlying medical conditions that are contraindicated for Viagra use. This is why it’s important to talk to a healthcare practitioner for more information, before requesting to buy Viagra online.