Viagra 25 mg

Viagra 25 mg is used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It helps when a man has difficulty:

• Achieving an erection

• Maintaining an erection during sex

• Producing an erection firm enough for penetration

• Responding physically despite sexual stimulation

• Tolerating a higher sildenafil strength

The 25 mg strength is particularly useful when treatment needs to begin cautiously. A healthcare professional can select it for older adults or men with medical conditions and medicine interactions that increase sildenafil exposure.

Erectile dysfunction can be linked with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, smoking, obesity, stress, anxiety or certain medicines. Persistent symptoms should be assessed so that the underlying cause can also be addressed.

When correctly selected, Viagra 25 mg can provide several treatment benefits:

• Supports a natural erectile response

• Improves blood flow into the penis

• Helps achieve a firmer erection

• Supports erection maintenance during sex

• Provides a lower sildenafil strength

• Allows cautious treatment initiation

• Offers a flexible administration window

• Works only with sexual stimulation

The lower strength can provide sufficient support for men who respond well to smaller amounts of sildenafil. It can also reduce medicine exposure when a stronger dose is unnecessary or unsuitable.

Treatment response differs between individuals. Timing, food, alcohol, sexual stimulation and the underlying cause of ED can all influence the result.

During sexual stimulation, nitric oxide is released in the penis. This increases the level of a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate, or cGMP. The chemical relaxes smooth muscle and widens the blood vessels supplying the erectile tissues.

An enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5, or PDE5, breaks down cGMP. When this happens too quickly, it can become difficult to achieve or maintain enough blood flow for an erection.

Sildenafil temporarily blocks PDE5. This allows cGMP to remain active longer and supports increased penile blood flow during sexual stimulation.

Viagra does not produce continuous arousal or a permanent erection. Once sexual stimulation ends, blood flow gradually returns to its usual level.

Viagra 25 mg is taken as needed, approximately one hour before sexual activity. It can be taken between 30 minutes and four hours before sex, depending on individual response.

Swallow the prescribed tablet with water. It can be taken with or without food, but a large or high-fat meal can slow absorption and delay its effect.

Do not take more than one dose within 24 hours. Do not take an extra tablet because the first dose has not worked immediately.

The 25 mg strength is often selected for men over 65, people with severe kidney impairment or liver impairment and those taking alpha-blockers or medicines that slow sildenafil breakdown. People taking ritonavir are generally limited to a maximum sildenafil dose of 25 mg within 48 hours.

Sexual stimulation is required for Viagra to work. A heavy meal, excessive alcohol, anxiety or taking the tablet too close to sexual activity can reduce the response.

Do not increase the dose without medical guidance. A higher strength is not automatically needed after one unsuccessful attempt.

Common Side Effects: Viagra 25 mg can cause headache, facial flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, dizziness, nausea, back pain, muscle discomfort or a mild skin rash. Temporary blurred vision, light sensitivity or a blue-green colour tinge can also occur. These effects usually settle as sildenafil leaves the body. Speak to a healthcare professional if they continue or become troublesome.

Serious Side Effects: Obtain urgent medical help for chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness, sudden vision loss, sudden hearing loss, facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty or an erection lasting longer than four hours. A prolonged erection requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent tissue damage. Do not use nitrate medicine for chest pain after taking Viagra. Tell the emergency-care team when sildenafil was taken.

Viagra 25 mg should not be taken when sildenafil or sexual activity is medically unsuitable.

Important exclusions include:

• People taking nitrate medicines

• People using recreational nitrites or “poppers”

• People taking riociguat

• Anyone allergic to sildenafil

• People advised to avoid sexual activity

• People with unstable heart disease

• People with very low blood pressure

• People with a recent heart attack or stroke

• People with previous sildenafil-related vision loss

• Children and adolescents

• Women, as Viagra is intended for adult men with ED

Additional assessment is required for men with Peyronie’s disease, inherited retinal conditions, active stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, sickle cell disease, leukaemia or multiple myeloma.

Tell the healthcare professional about all medicines, supplements and recreational substances being used.

Important interactions include:

• Nitrate medicines

• Riociguat

• Alpha-blockers

• Blood-pressure medicines

• Other PDE5 inhibitors

• Ritonavir

• Saquinavir

• Ketoconazole

• Itraconazole

• Erythromycin

• Clarithromycin

• Grapefruit products

Nitrates such as nitroglycerin and isosorbide must not be taken with Viagra. Combining them can produce a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Recreational nitrites create the same risk.

Alpha-blockers and blood-pressure medicines can add to sildenafil’s blood-pressure-lowering effect. Certain antifungal, antibiotic and antiviral medicines increase sildenafil exposure by slowing its removal from the body.

Do not combine Viagra with another sildenafil product or treatments containing tadalafil, vardenafil or avanafil unless specifically instructed.

• Store between 20°C and 25°C.

• Keep the tablets in their original packaging.

• Protect them from heat and moisture.

• Keep away from direct sunlight.

• Store out of reach of children and pets.

• Do not use damaged or discoloured tablets.

• Check the expiry date before use.

• Do not use tablets from unsealed packaging.

• Dispose of expired medicine according to local guidance.