Did you know that approximately 40% of men in their 40s experience
erectile dysfunction (ED)? In Canada, the Canadian Study of Erectile
Dysfunction teamed up with the Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS) and
found that ED's prevalence increases by 10% every decade.
This underscores the importance of effective ED treatment in Canada. Are you wondering how to take Viagra, the familiar blue pill widely used across the country for ED
treatment? Like any other prescription medication, it's crucial to
follow prescription guidelines on how and when to take it.
If you're seeking clarity on what to take with Viagra, you're in the right place. Keep reading for a complete guide packed
with essential information!
In this article, we talk about the following:
How To Take Viagra
Viagra is a once-daily medication
that should be taken 30 minutes to four hours before sex. Viagra should
not be taken more than once per day, and it should only be used as
needed.
The only form Viagra comes in at this time is an oral tablet that must
be swallowed. A physician may prescribe three main prescription
strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Here are a few ways you can take
Viagra, which will be addressed in more depth below:
-
With or without food
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Water
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Milk
The effectiveness and potential side effects can change based on how
you take it. For best results, you should aim for one hour before sex
and on an empty stomach. Keep in mind - Viagra should not be combined
with other ED medications such as Cialis.
If you combine medication that targets the same receptors, you risk
serious side effects. You should also never increase your dosage
independently without consulting your physician first. While Viagra is
not meant for long-term use, your physician can discuss changes if you
don't see results.
What Happens If I Take Viagra With Water?
Water is the easiest and most commonly used form to take Viagra. Taking
the medication with water allows it to quickly pass from your mouth into
your digestive system. Water is also helpful for medications that don't
react well with calories and other nutrients in your system.
As a rule of thumb - Viagra (and most medications) should be taken with
a full glass of water unless your physician has stated otherwise. Some medications require
more water since it may dehydrate you, but for Viagra, stick with an
eight-ounce glass, and you should be good to go!
What Happens If I Take Viagra With Milk?
Taking the medication with milk becomes a bit trickier. If you are
lactose intolerant or have allergies to ingredients in milk, you should
avoid taking Viagra with it. Otherwise, milk is a viable option for
taking Viagra, but it can slow its effectiveness.
Milk has fat that can help your stomach feel fuller, but it can also
potentially slow down the effectiveness of Viagra. While it isn't
necessarily a bad reaction, just remember that you may notice a
difference in the time it takes for an erection between water and
milk.
What Happens If I Take Viagra With Juice?
Unfortunately, most experts and physicians do not recommend taking
medication with juice. Grapefruit juice
or other products are contraindicated with Viagra. Why?
The components in grapefruit can exacerbate the active ingredients in
Viagra and make you more prone to uncomfortable side
effects.
What Foods Should I Take With Viagra?
Like milk, high-fat foods can sometimes hinder Viagra's effectiveness
or the time it takes to work. If you notice that you are sensitive to
medication taken on an empty stomach, then aim for non-fatty foods that
are easy on your stomach.
High-fat foods aren't contraindicated, but they might make sexual
intercourse uncomfortable with a full stomach. While it is still safe,
taking Viagra on a full stomach may lessen its effects. On average,
Viagra takes approximately 30 minutes to kick in.
Although, it is important to remember that it doesn't automatically
result in an erection, and you still need sexual stimulation. After Viagra kicks in, it
should last around four hours, but that does not mean your erection
should last that long. If you have a fatty meal before, like a steak
dinner or hamburger, you may notice that the four-hour window is
smaller, so use that to your advantage and plan ahead!
What Foods Shouldn't I Take With Viagra?
In general, you shouldn't take any foods with Viagra for the best
results. However, there are some foods and drinks you should completely
avoid, such as:
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Alcohol
-
Grapefruit
-
Caffeine
You should also be mindful of other prescribed medication and notify
your physician if you notice a reaction. Some common disease interactions with Viagra
are:
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Cardiovascular disease
-
Renal dysfunction
-
Pulmonary disease
For example, patients taking phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors for
cardiovascular disease should not also take Viagra. PDE5 inhibitors are
also commonly seen in patients with renal dysfunction, and you should
consult your physician before starting Viagra. Your physician may
recommend other treatments and lifestyle changes instead of
Viagra.
Key Takeaways
Erectile dysfunction
is a common medical disorder that affects men in any age range. You have
nothing to feel ashamed of! If you've been wondering how to take Viagra,
you should always consult your physician or pharmacist for further
clarification.
Viagra can work more effectively on an empty stomach, but you may be
sensitive to taking medications and will need to adopt a new game plan
with your healthcare clinician. Are you ready to start talking to a
doctor about your ED?
At UPGUYS, we can get you started with medical consultation. Check out our website for more information!
