Sildenafil is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, marketed as the brand name Viagra, among others.
Viagra for women? Whether it is effective in treating women’s sexual dysfunction is unknown
It is taken into a vein by mouth or injection. It usually takes about 20 minutes to start and lasts about 2 hours. Headaches, heartburn, and flushed skin are common side effects. In those with cardiovascular disease, caution is advised. Common, but serious side effects include prolonged erection that can harm the penis, problems with vision, and loss of hearing.
Side effects associated with Sildenafil in a 2004 study, it was reported that:
Men taking Sildenafil had 1.0 greater incidence of developing prostate cancer, which was associated with higher blood levels. Men who used Sildenafil more than once per week had an almost threefold higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
However, the study did not distinguish between Sildenafil users who had prostate cancer and those who were not.
While sildenafil is available in Australia only by a doctor’s prescription, it was marketed directly on TV to customers (famously endorsed by former U.S. Senator Bob Dole and football star Pele).
How does Viagra work? An overview of the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics
Viagra is commonly used in Australia for men that suffer with erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction happens whenever a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual activity
This usually causes the man to become self conscious and depressed. It can cause a man to withdraw, and even feel ashamed to seek help. Feeling this way causes men to seek out a medication, also known as the little blue pill, online so they can get treatment secretive.
There are dangers to this route of treatment though
In Australia Viagra is the number one counterfeit medication known, and it can be found online without a prescription. Viagra online has been found to be counterfeit, and even as far as ink being used on the pills to imitate the writing on the original Viagra pill.
Unknown ingredients and dosages has been reported from the Viagra online
This has posed a great danger, and reports of reactions and even death has occurred. Australians take this very seriously, and have put an important law in place that states in order to take Viagra or any of the cousin medications need to have a health assessment and prescription in order to obtain the medication. This is put into place to protect those men that are naively trying to seek treatment themselves. Obtaining a prescription is easy and confidential.
A health care professional can assess one’s health.
This is an important step, because Viagra can be dangerous if you have pre-existing health conditions such as high blood pressure, or heart diseases or issues. Also, certain medications can counteract with Viagra, and a doctor needs a complete list of the medications you take in order to make sure you can mix the medications. Once you have a clear bill of health and your medications are okay, your doctor will then discuss if Viagra is right for you and what dosage to start you on.
25, 50, or 100mg are the dosage that Viagra comes in
These are tablets that are to be taken orally, and with a light meal. It is recommended to avoid alcohol, heavy greasy meals, and citrus. Usually Viagra doesn’t need to be taken daily, and is prescribed as a as needed basis. Even though it can be taken daily, it should not be taken more than once a day. Viagra works only when sexually stimulated and works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which in return causes an erection to happen.
Side effects
There are minor side effects that can occur when taking Viagra, these include: headache, dizzy, Diarrhea, upset stomach, redness in face, heartburn, stuffy or runny nose, and sensitivity to light. If these do occur they are typically short lived.
There are some major side effects that are rare, but can occur
If you are feeling uncomfortable or unsure, seek medical advice right away. It is recommended to take Viagra 30 minutes to one hour before sexual engagement. Some men had concerns about having an erection during a time that was unwanted, but can be rest assured that an erection occurs when taking Viagra only when sexually stimulated. This helps avoid unwanted/uncomfortable situations.
Is it effective?
For most men Viagra is highly effective, and has helped many men reconnect with their spouse or significant other. Viagra is also sold under another name, Revatio, which helps those who suffer with high blood pressure in the lungs.
Oddly, Viagra was not originally designed to treat erectile dysfunction in men.
Viagra was designed to treat high blood pressure, but was found that you had to take large amounts often in order to get the desired effect.
During the studies and trials it was reported that men were experiencing erections and able to maintain them. This is when the medication done a turnaround, and it was studied more in depth to see if it could have another use treating men that suffered from issues with erections, and was deemed successful. In 1998 the FDA approved Viagra. Over 100 million men in the world suffer from erectile dysfunction, and the little bill pill has changed the lives of many men.
At the time of it’s approval, it had the fastest sales rate following it’s launch
The embarrassment and stigma has shown to decrease once Viagra surfaced and it became less taboo.
There are several things that can cause erectile dysfunction issues such as, blood pressure issues, drug abuse, high cholesterol, diabetes, and even certain medications. Depression, stress, and anxiety are some things that can also cause erectile dysfunction. The safest way to take Viagra would be under a doctor’s orders.
I am self employed. General Practitioner in Melbourne, VIC. My special interest: male reproductive system.
