Sildenafil Citrate 200mg – Maximum Strength of Generic Viagra

How does Viagra 200 mg work?

Viagra 200 mg contains the citrate salt of sildenafil which is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific PDE-5. PDE-5 is responsible for the degradation of cGMP which causes decreased blood flow in the penis. Sildenafil is structurally similar to cGMP and competitively binds with the PDE-5 enzyme, thus preventing cGMP from destruction. Physiologically, it takes effect by releasing nitric oxide (NO) in the corpus cavernosum (muscles lining the inner walls of the penis) as a response to sexual stimulation. Nitric oxide activates the guanylate cyclase enzyme which in turn results in increased levels of cGMP. This makes vasodilation and contraction in the muscles easy. All this leads to increased blood flow in the penis.

Sildenafil doesn’t directly relax the muscles but works by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide. This cannot occur without sexual stimulation because the activation of the NO/cGMP system is dependent on it.

Uses of Viagra 200 mg

It is used as a standard prescription medicine for treating severe male sexual function problems like impotence or erectile dysfunction (ED). It helps the user get and maintain a firm erection during sexual intercourse by increasing the blood flow to the penis.

Recommended Dosage

The recommended dosage is one Viagra 200 mg tablet a day. It has to be administered 30 to 60 minutes before having sexual intercourse. Don’t take the medicine more than 4 hours before the sexual intercourse as it would have lost its potency by then. You may have it with or without food but it works best if taken on an empty stomach. A high-fat diet should be avoided as it is known to reduce its potency. If you’re taking it as a long-term medication, do consult your doctor before finalizing the dose. In any case, don’t take more than one tablet a day.

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

Although it’s rare to miss a dose as it is taken when needed. However, if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it’s time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose, and take your regular dose. Do not take double doses to make up for the missed dose. Talk to your doctor about the same in detail.

What Happens if I Take an Overdose?

Avoid taking an overdose of Viagra 200 mg at all costs. Severe side-effects like priapism (a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours) can occur which can damage the corpus cavernosum by depriving it of oxygen. Seek medical attention right away in case of an overdose.

Before You Take This Medicine

Viagra 200 mg may not be safe for people with certain health conditions. Tell your doctor about these before taking the medicine.

• If you have had allergic reactions to sildenafil citrate or any other drugs in the past.
• If you have had heart-related problems like stroke or congestive heart failure.
• If you suffer from Peyronie’s disease or physical deformity of the penis.
• If you have a high or low blood pressure problem.
• If you have blood-related issues like sickle-cell anemia, leukemia, etc.
• If you suffer from diabetes or high cholesterol levels.
• If you have eye-related problems like retinitis pigmentosa.
• If you suffer from seizures or epilepsy.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you take nitrates for relieving chest pain.
• If you suffer from ischemic heart disease.
• If you have a history of substance abuse.

Side Effects of Viagra 200 mg

There are certain side-effects of Viagra 200 mg but most of them are temporary and should go away after some time.

• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Hot flushes
• Indigestion
• Nosebleed

Other rare but possible side effects include-

• Chest pain
• Palpitations
• Priapism (a prolonged and painful erection that lasts for 4 hours or more)
• Trouble in breathing
• Sudden loss of eye vision (Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy-NAION)
• Trouble telling green and blue colors apart from each other

This is not an exhaustive list of side-effects. So, if you experience any other symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Drug Interactions

If you take any prescription or non-prescription medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements, let your doctor know about them. Certain drugs may interact with Viagra 200 mg and affect its working.

1. Alpha-blockers such as alfuzosin and doxazosin
2. Oral antifungals such as ketoconazole
3. Anticoagulants such as warfarin
4. Medications for seizures such as carbamazepine
5. HIV Protease inhibitors such as ritonavir
6. Beta-blockers such as atenolol
7. Cimetidine
8. Erythromycin
9. Amlodipine
10. Nitroglycerin
11. Efavirenz
12. Other medicines for ED

This isn’t a complete list of potential drug interactions. Discuss potential drug interactions with your doctor.

Interaction with alcohol

Alcohol is known to increase the risk and intensity of side-effects. You may feel dizzy and your blood pressure may drop suddenly. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication.

Interaction with grapefruit juice

Viagra is broken down by an enzyme called CYP3A4 in the liver. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice along with it can raise its levels in the body and delay the time it takes for the medication to work.

Storage Instructions

Viagra 200 mg tablets should be stored safely at room temperature in their original packaging.

1. These pills should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
2. Keep the pills away from direct heat, moisture, and sunlight.
3. If the pack has expired, do not consume the pills.
4. Keep these pills in a cool and dry place.
5. Do not dispose of this medication by flushing it down the toilet or throwing it away in the bin. Dispose of it with the help of a medicine take-back program or talk to your pharmacist regarding the same.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does Viagra work?

Ans-  It works by facilitating the smooth relaxation and contraction of the veins present in the inner wall of the penis. This results in increased blood flow in the penis and helps get a firm erection.

2. How long does Viagra 200 mg last?

Ans- It usually remains effective for 4 to 5 hours but time may vary from individual to individual depending on their age, medical conditions, and body metabolism.

3. Is Viagra 200 mg safe?

Ans- Yes. It is considered largely safe for treating erectile dysfunction or impotence in men. However, there may be certain side-effects like nausea, headache, and dizziness. Tell your doctor about your medical history and other medicines you take before consuming Viagra.

4. How to take Viagra 200 mg?

Ans- It’s an oral medication. Take one tablet with water an hour before having sexual intercourse. You may take it with or without a meal but it’s more effective on an empty stomach.

References

https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/how-long-does-viagra-last#how-it-works

https://www.pfizermedicalinformation.ca/en-ca/viagra/action-and-clinical-pharmacology