title: Viagra: what every physician should know.
abstract: Viagra, an oral drug taken one hour prior to sexual activity, improves erectile function in the majority of men with erectile dysfunction who receive it. It is not an aphrodisiac and therefore will not work without sexual stimulation. The drug is absolutely contraindicated in patients on organic nitrates, as this combination can lead to severe drops in blood pressure. Patients with heart disease, suspected heart disease and risk factors for heart disease should discuss with their physicians the safety of resuming sexual activity. A cardiac work-up, including exercise treadmill testing, should be considered in appropriate patients.
authors.affiliation: Heart Institute, Good Samaritan Hospital, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Kloner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000075202:Contraindications; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011687:Purines; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones
chemical_list: D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate