Posts Tagged ‘ED’

Keep Precautions as well as the Contraindications in mind when using ED drugs

Saturday, December 26th, 2009

The FDA approved erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment drugs such as: Viagra, Levitra and Cialis belong to the same class of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors; hence, these drugs essentially have the same mechanism of action. In addition, their contraindications and side effects are also quite similar.

Though all the 3 ED drugs – Viagra, Levitra and Cialis – are proven to be safe as well as effective in numerous clinical trials, you need to adhere to their safety warnings and precautions. These are serious prescription medicines and their use can prove dangerous if you take it against the advice of your doctor.

Precautions you need to keep in mind while using ED drugs

  • ED drugs should not be used by men with normal sexual function
  • Children below 18 years of age and women should not use ED drugs
  • You should not use ED drugs if you have any known allergy to any component of the ED drug you intent to use
  • Always use ED drugs after consulting a doctor and in the dosage recommended by your doctor

Contraindications associated with ED drugs

  • ED drugs should not be used by men who suffer from certain medical conditions or who are using certain medicines. Discussed below are some of the contraindications associated with ED drugs.
  • ED drugs should never be used by men taking any form of nitrate medications often advised for chest pain
  • Men using alpha-blocker medicines should use ED drugs with caution
  • ED drugs should not be used by men in whom sexual activity is inadvisable because of their underlying cardiovascular status
  • ED drugs should not be used by men suffering from severe hepatic impairment (decreased liver function) or severe impairment in renal function
  • Men with low blood pressure or those who have had a stroke or heart attack recently should not use ED drugs