Viagra
Viagra (sildenafil) is used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor. PDE5 inhibitors work by relaxing the smooth muscles in the penis for more blood flow. All PDE5 inhibitors, including Viagra, can have dangerous side effects including heart attacks, vision loss, and sudden hearing loss.
Viagra and Vision Loss
Viagra use has been linked to a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). NAION causes sudden partial or total vision loss in one or both eyes. It is damage to the optic nerve due to poor blood supply to the nerve. It is sometimes called a "stroke of the eye."
NAION can cause loss of peripheral vision, loss of vision quality, or even blindness. In Viagra users who have reported experiencing NAION, symptoms appeared within hours of taking the drug.
Viagra can also cause a bluish tint to vision and difficulty distinguishing blue from green, but this side effect is temporary.
Viagra and Hearing Loss
In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required changes to Viagra’s label to more prominently display the risk of sudden hearing loss. At that time the FDA had received 29 reports of sudden hearing loss in Viagra users, sometimes accompanied by ringing ears, vertigo and/or dizziness.
Viagra and Cardiovascular Problems
Viagra has been linked to hundreds of fatal cardiovascular events. Viagra can cause cardiovascular problems including:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Dangerously low blood pressure
- Irregular heart beat
When Viagra is taken with nitrate drugs, such as nitroglycerine taken for heart problems or amyl nitrate (poppers) taken for recreational purposes, it can cause a sudden and life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
Viagra and Priapism
Priapism is a painful erection that lasts for four hours or more. In priapism blood flow into the penis, but cannot flow back out, resulting in a lack of oxygen. It is a medical emergency and if left untreated can cause tissue damage and impotence.
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