Men have been advised to understand how […]

Men have been advised to understand how Viagra works and use the medicine correctly, as taking higher or repeated doses could expose them to serious health complications.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Zambian Business Times-ZBT Dr Teddy Mulenga noted that some men misuse Viagra by taking additional tablets when they do not get a ‘reaction’ immediately, without understanding that the medicine does not work without sexual stimulation.

He said the major concern was not necessarily long-term use, but taking the wrong dosage or repeating the dose.

 “The problem is wrong dosage,” Dr Mulenga said.

 He explained that some men take different strengths of Viagra, ranging from 20 milligrams to 100 milligrams, and may take several tablets when they feel the first one has not worked.

 Dr Mulenga warned that taking excessive amounts can affect the heart, particularly among people with existing heart problems.

He also cautioned against taking another tablet during the same day simply because a person wants to have a second or third sexual encounter. “It is only supposed to be taken once and that’s it. You don’t repeat,” he said.

Viagra, whose active ingredient is sildenafil, is used to treat erectile dysfunction. The medicine works by increasing blood flow to the male reproductive organ when a man is sexually stimulated. It does not automatically cause a ‘reaction’ simply because it has been taken.

 Dr. Mulenga noted that misunderstanding is one of reason some men ended up taking more tablets than recommended.

“Some people drink and then lie there and expect that there will be an erection. It cannot work like that,” he said.

He explained that when there is no sexual stimulation, the user may mistakenly think the medicine has failed and take another tablet. According to prescribing information, Viagra is generally taken when needed, with a maximum recommended frequency of once a day.

 The usual starting dose is 50 milligrams, although the dose may be adjusted by a healthcare professional depending on how an individual responds. Dr Mulenga also cautioned men with heart problems or high blood pressure to seek medical advice before using Viagra.

A check by the Zambian Business Times-ZBT indicates that the medicine can lower blood pressure and must not be taken with nitrate medicines because the combination can cause a potentially dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Further, possible side effects include headache, flushing, dizziness and changes in vision. An erection lasting more than four hours requires immediate medical attention. Dr Mulenga has since urged men experiencing erectile difficulties to seek professional medical advice instead of increasing the dosage themselves.

He said understanding how Viagra works and following the correct dosage could help men avoid unnecessary health complications.

Article by Karen Ngulube.