Sildenafil citrate, commonly known by the commercial names Viagra, Vasafil 25, Vedafil, and Sildenafil Actavis is a prescription drug used primarily to treat erectile dysfunction, or the inability to achieve an erection, in men. The medication has been available in Australia since 1998 and has been prescribed to millions of men nationwide, and billions throughout the world.
The drug, first marketed by Pfizer, works to create an erection by causing smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation, leading to an influx of blood in the spongy tissues of the penis. This mechanism of action is similar to other erectile dysfunction drugs such as Tadalafil (Cialis), and Vardenafil (Levitra). The medication, when taken for erectile dysfunction, is typically consumed 30 minutes to one hour before sexual activity, and lasts for an average of four hours, although the average erection time is around 15 minutes. Penile stimulation and arousal are still needed for the medication to work, meaning that simply taking the drug without any kind of arousing thoughts or actions will not cause an erection on its own. Sildenafil comes in tablet, capsule, and spray form, although tablets are the most common. Your doctor will determine the dose of Sildenafil, but the dose typically starts low and is then increased until the desired effects are achieved.
Common side effects include; flushing, headache, difficulty sleeping, heartburn, and diarrhoea. In rare instances more serious side-effects may occur, such as; blurred or loss of vision, sudden decrease in hearing, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, or an erection that is painful or lasts more than four hours. In the event of these serious side effects you should call a doctor, or call 000 for an ambulance right away, as they may be signs of a life threatening reaction to the medication. It is important to tell any medical professionals if you have taken Sildenafil in the last 36 hours, as common emergency medications like Nitro-Glycerine could cause a condition that could lead to death.
It is important to talk to your doctor before taking Sildenafil to make sure the medication is right for you, and that your heart is healthy enough for sex. Although this conversation can be embarrassing, it is one that your doctor has likely had hundreds of times, and attending to your sexual health is just as important as keeping up with other aspects of your physical health. Unfortunately, due to the popularity of Sildenafil, as well as the difficulty some men have discussing erectile dysfunction with their doctor, an unapproved market has sprung up to sell Sildenafil, often at highly inflated prices, without a prescription. Many of these drugs are counterfeit, may not contain any of the advertised medication, and may instead contain harmful substitutes. Please only obtain Sildenafil from a reputable source, after talking with your doctor.
Sildenafil is also used for a small group of other medical problems, most notably in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, where fluid collections in the lungs are caused by increased blood pressure. Studies have shown that Sildenafil may also be useful in treating altitude sickness and in treating erectile dysfunction that results from the use of certain anti-depressants, although studies are still ongoing in regards to those conditions.
When prescribed and used correctly, Sildenafil is a safe and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction and has allowed many men to regain their love life, increase happiness and confidence, and allow them to lead a full and pleasurable life with their partner.
I am self employed. General Practitioner in Melbourne, VIC. My special interest: male reproductive system.