Viagra medicines are used for restoring the erection function on a temporary basis. It is composed of Sildenafil, which is classified under Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor drugs. PDE-5 inhibitors are the drugs that have vasodilating properties.
Their effects can expand the passages of the blood vessels and ease the blood pressure. After taking Viagra, your blood pressure might decrease slightly. So, the answer to, “Does Viagra raise your blood pressure?” is No.
Viagra does not increase your blood pressure, instead, it lowers it. It does so with its vasodilating effects. When the arteries expand, the blood flows more easily and efficiently.
About Viagra
Viagra is an ED medicine that improves erection function. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is made using Sildenafil. Sildenafil is a Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor compound. It is also the active ingredient of Viagra.
Viagra medicines come in the form of oral pills. They are available in three different doses – 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Your doctor will prescribe a dose according to your need and severity of your erection difficulties.
Mechanism of action of Viagra
Viagra contains Sildenafil, which stops the action of an enzyme known as PDE5. This enzyme causes the formation of plaque in the penile arteries. The plaque accumulation prevents the blood flow through them.
This increases the blood pressure in the arteries. It can gradually damage the health of the arteries, thereby impairing their function. As a result, the blood flow to the penile gets affected, which gives rise to erectile dysfunction.
The effects of Viagra overcome this problem through vasodilation. It triggers the release of nitric oxide in the walls of the Penile arteries. Nitric oxide is a powerful chemical that expands the arteries and increases blood circulation to the penile.
An increase in the blood supply to the penile helps get stronger and firmer erections. Thus, Viagra expands the narrowed arteries, increases blood flow to the penile, and restores a healthy erection function.
Viagra and blood pressure
Viagra works by dilating your blood vessels. The blood vessels may constrict because of some plaque accumulation. But Viagra increases the levels of nitric oxide in the walls and relieves muscle tensions in the blood vessels.
The effect of this medicine relaxes the blood vessels. This eases the blood flow through them, and in turn the blood pressure gets reduced. Although there is not a significant drop in the blood pressure, a slight decrease may occur.
This reduction in blood pressure remains until the medicine is active in the bloodstream. As the effects of the medicine decrease, the blood pressure returns to its original reading. In this way, Viagra causes a slight decrease in blood pressure.
Viagra interactions
- Blood pressure medicines: If you use Viagra with medicines that treat high blood pressure (hypertension), then this may lead to a severe drop in your blood pressure. Their combination potentiates health risk.
- Other medicines: It is necessary to avoid the use of Viagra with certain medicines. They include, nitrates, alpha blockers, HIV protease inhibitor drugs, antibiotics, antifungals, and others.
- Grapefruit juice: Its interaction with the medicine can cause a decrease in the blood pressure levels. So, avoid having grapefruit or its juice on the day you are planning to use Viagra.
Before using Viagra, you must discuss its safety and effectiveness with your doctor. You need to inform them about your health conditions, the medications you are already using, and in case you have allergies. This is necessary to avoid health risk.
Side effects of Viagra
Common side effects
Headache, nausea, insomnia, vomiting, sore throat, stuffy nose, back pain, stomachache, flushing, diarrhea, blurred vision, and dizziness. These can be of mild to moderate intensity. They tend to disappear on their own after some time.
Uncommon side effects
Vision changes, chest pain, palpitations, seizure, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing problems, and priapism (prolonged painful erections). These are all rare. In case you develop any of these after taking the pill, see your doctor immediately.
Allergic reactions
Some people may develop allergic reactions to this medicine. It might give rise to rashes, breathing difficulties, hives, swelling in the face, lips, tongue, throat, and hands.
The lowdown
Viagra does not cause an increase in blood pressure. It dilates the penile blood vessels and facilitates blood circulation in the penile. Since the effect of Viagra is not limited to the penile only, it influences the blood flow in the entire body.
You may experience a slight reduction in your blood pressure after using the pill. But the blood pressure goes back to normal levels once the effects of the medicine fade.