Erectile Dysfunction Health Center
Medication Guidelines for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Your doctor may prescribe a medication for erectile dysfunction (ED). Medication needs vary for each person. Whatever the treatment protocol prescribed to you, it is a good idea to keep the following guidelines in mind when you're taking medication for ED:
- Know the name of your erectile dysfunction drug and how it works. Know the generic and brand name, dosage, and side effects of the medication. Always keep a list of your medications with you.
- Take medication as directed. Do not exceed the dosage recommended by your doctor. Follow doctor guidelines in terms of taking the drug in relation to meals or other medications you may already be using.
- Oral ED drugs should never be taken if you are on nitroglycerin or a drug containing nitrates. Serious and even lethal interactions may occur if they are combined. Make sure your doctor has a complete list of your current medications when he or she is prescribing medication for ED.
- Keep a medicine calendar and note every time you take a dose of your ED drug. The prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose, but your doctor may change the dosage periodically, depending on your response to the drug. On your medication calendar, you can list any changes in the dosage as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not take any over-the-counter drugs or herbal therapies unless you ask your doctor first.
- Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling prescriptions. Do not wait until you are completely out of medication before refilling prescriptions.
- When traveling, keep medications with you so you can take them if needed.
- Before having surgery with a general anesthetic, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist in charge what medications you are taking. This applies to emergency care, as well. Always tell the attending doctor what medications you are taking before they administer care.
Discussing Erectile Dysfunction With Your Doctor
Nearly every man at some point has a problem getting or keeping an erection. There could be any number of reasons for it, ranging from fatigue or stress to side effects of a new medicine. But as long as it's temporary and only happens occasionally, an erection problem is not generally a cause for concern. Some men, however, especially as they get older, experience a more frequent and longer lasting problem with erection known as erectile dysfunction or ED. ED refers to a man's inability to...
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