What exactly is the little blue pill? Is there a right way of taking a dose of Viagra? “How to use the first time?” is indeed something many ends up typing into their browser’s search bar.
Well, the erectile dysfunction (ED) medication has been around for quite some time now and has enjoyed the limelight as one of the most effective treatments for impotence.
It’s been linked to various other benefits as well (e.g., hormonal balance, weight loss, etc.), making it even more appealing to those having problems with ED.
Given how important it is that you end up getting the full benefits of Viagra, for your sake and that of your partner’s, we’ve made a quick guide for first-timers like you.
What’s Viagra? Why Do You Need It?
Although it’s widely being used today as a treatment for ED, Viagra was initially developed to treat chronic high blood pressure. The discovery of it as a treatment for ED was accidental.
At the little blue pill’s core is sildenafil—a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor (1). PDE5 is an enzyme that controls the relaxation of the smooth muscles, mainly in the male organ area.
When you take a PDE5 inhibitor, you prevent the enzyme from doing its job. The smooth muscles relax, allowing for the dilation of blood vessels. And that, in turn, leads to optimal blood flow.
Since the main focus of PDE5 inhibitors is in the penile area, the result is a strong and powerful erection.
Viagra is so effective, it became known worldwide in a short time and is still currently being used by people suffering from ED. New findings are also proving that this drug may have other medical benefits.
It’s now being used to treat muscle ischemia and normalize testosterone levels. Some bodybuilders are even using it as a supplement because it’s been shown to help increase lean muscle.
Viagra: How to Use the First Time
So, are you ready to fight ED with the little blue pill? It’s as easy as following these four steps:
Step 1: Visit Your Doctor, Get a Proper Prescription
Before actually taking Viagra, you need to consult your doctor. The dosage you will be given will depend on many factors.
Regardless of those things, however, the maximum sildenafil dosage that’s typically given is 100 milligrams. Some won’t be able to tolerate such a high dose, such as persons with renal or liver issues.
Also, the higher the dose, the more stress is put on the body—and this could complicate existing conditions. Dosages for these patients can be as low as 25 milligrams per day (2).
Some people who are at risk for impotence are given Viagra daily to prevent the condition. Twenty-five milligrams taken every night should be enough to help stimulate an erection and prolong it.
This was based on a study done on 30 men who were given the drug for three nights. All subjects reported stronger and better-sustained erections (3).
Step 2: Be Mindful of the Food You Eat
Viagra is prescribed by doctors to be taken an hour before the sexual activity. Depending on the situation, you may or may not have just eaten.
But does food affect Viagra’s efficacy? To find out, a study was made on 48 men aged between 29 to 79 years. Some were given sildenafil an hour before a meal and some during a meal.
Interestingly, the study revealed that there is no significant efficacy loss whether the drug is taken with a meal or shortly before the meal (4).
As much as possible, though, avoid taking Viagra with a meal with high-fat content. Excessive oils, which take a long time to digest, may delay the effects of the drug.
Step 3: Steer Clear of One Particular Fruit Juice
Some doctors also advise that Viagra should not be taken with grapefruit juice. Like food that is high in fat, this fruit juice can delay Viagra’s action.
Grapefruit juice may also increase sildenafil levels in your blood (5). This may lead to toxic side effects—a possible scenario, no matter how unlikely.
This effect of grapefruit was identified in a study involving 24 healthy male volunteers. Each one received a single 50-milligram dose of Viagra and 250 ml of grapefruit juice.
The results show that the bioavailability of sildenafil was significantly increased. Grapefruit juice also delayed the absorption of sildenafil, making the drug’s pharmacokinetics less predictable.
Step 4: Stay Away from Too Much Alcohol
Another commonly asked question by first-time users of Viagra is if the drug can be taken with an alcoholic drink.
Most, if not all, medicines should not be taken with alcohol because it may reduce efficacy. But what about Viagra?
A study was carried out on eight healthy men who were given single doses of 100 milligrams sildenafil (or a placebo) and 750 ml of red wine with 13.5% alcohol by volume.
The study showed that alcohol doesn’t significantly affect the efficacy and absorption of Viagra (6). But then again, drinking too much alcohol may cause erectile dysfunction so drink moderately.
Step 5: Take Note of How Long It Will Last
Timing is important. Although ideally, you’ll take the little blue pill an hour before engaging in sex, things don’t always unfold the way you plan them.
So, you must be aware of how long the drug lasts in your system—or other words, how long it will be capable of helping you achieve and maintain an erection.
Although there are studies that point towards sildenafil remaining active for more than 10 hours, the generally accepted timeframe when it comes to peak effectiveness is just 2 to 3 hours.
Although Viagra may still work after that, it’s unlikely that it will be able to offer the same extent of effects. For one, having an erection after you’ve already reached orgasm might prove difficult.
Step 6: Be Aware of All the Risks Involved
Sildenafil is very effective, and many have benefited from its use. But it is not without side effects. Patients who are prescribed Viagra are given instructions regarding its use as well as the accompanying risks.
The most common side effects include headaches, flushing, transient visual changes (blue vision), and dyspepsia (7).
Those who are are currently taking nitrates should not take Viagra because the combination may cause severe hypotension, which can be fatal.
Likewise, the ED drug should not be taken by people with low cardiac output and acute coronary ischemia.
Taking Viagra the First Time
Viagra is generally safe if taken as prescribed by your doctor. Besides, getting a prescription is the best way of knowing the correct dose, which depends on factors like age and health status.
Still, as you’ve learned, taking the drug on an empty stomach isn’t necessary. However, avoid eating fatty food wh and also drink alcoholic beverages moderately.
Probably the most critical thing for first-timers is to be aware of the drug’s duration of effect as well as the risks involved.
There’s a sense of urgency upon taking the pill, but don’t be too eager that you dismiss any side effects that you may already be experiencing.
Well, you now know a lot more about Viagra. “How to use the first time?” is a question you can finally answer. If you have other queries though, let us know through the comments section below.