Consult your doctor before taking Viagra, especially if you have heart problems, high or low blood pressure, or liver or kidney disease. Viagra can interact negatively with certain medications, including nitrates used to treat chest pain (angina). Taking them together can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Medication Interactions
Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Specific interactions exist with alpha-blockers (used for high blood pressure or prostate problems), certain antibiotics, antifungals, and HIV medications. Your doctor can assess potential risks and suggest alternatives if necessary.
Health Conditions
Men with sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia should exercise caution. Viagra can worsen these conditions. Similarly, those with a history of stroke or heart attack need to discuss this with their physician before use. Viagra may increase the risk of vision problems, specifically non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), although this is rare. Finally, sudden hearing loss has also been reported in some users, though the link isn’t fully understood.
Alcohol and Viagra
Avoid excessive alcohol consumption while taking Viagra. Combining the two can intensify side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, and flushing.
