Introduction About Viagra

Viagra (sildenafil) is a medication originally developed by Pfizer scientists Andrew Bell, David Brown, and Nicholas Terrett in 1989 as a treatment for high blood pressure and chest pain. During clinical trials, researchers discovered that the drug was more effective at inducing erections than treating cardiovascular conditions. This led to Pfizer pursuing and gaining FDA approval for Viagra as an erectile dysfunction medication in 1998.

What is Viagra?

Viagra is the brand name for sildenafil, a medication originally developed to treat high blood pressure and chest pain associated with heart disease.

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Sildenafil is classified as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor medication. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis to help get and sustain an erection when sexually aroused. 

When sexual stimulation causes the local release of nitric oxide in the penis, an enzyme called PDE5 breaks down cGMP, the substance that causes smooth muscle relaxation that allows increased blood flow during arousal. By inhibiting the action of PDE5, sildenafil allows increased levels of cGMP to build up, enhancing nitric oxide’s effects and improving erectile function.

How Viagra Works?

Viagra contains the active drug sildenafil, which belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Sildenafil functions by enhancing blood circulation to the penis, aiding a man in achieving and maintaining an erection when sexually aroused.

Specifically, sildenafil blocks an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5. This helps relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow in. Viagra does not cause an erection without sexual stimulation.

Men who have erectile dysfunction often have restricted blood flow to the penis. This restricts the engorgement of the erectile tissue in the penis with blood and prevents erections. By inhibiting the phosphodiesterase enzyme and improving blood flow to the penis, Viagra helps improve erectile function.

Dosage and Administration

The recommended starting dose for Viagra (sildenafil) is 50 mg taken as needed approximately one hour before sexual activity.

Viagra typically begins working within 30-60 minutes with the effects lasting 4-5 hours. Food may decrease the rate of absorption and strength of the effect. Therefore, Viagra is recommended to be taken on an empty stomach for the fastest results.

Side Effects of Viagra

Most people taking Viagra experience minimal side effects. Nevertheless, it is important to be mindful of potential side effects.

Headaches – One of the most common side effects of Viagra is headaches. Roughly 16% of men in clinical trials reported headaches after taking Viagra. The headaches tend to be mild and go away after a few hours. Taking Viagra with food can help minimize headaches. 

Flushing – Facial flushing is another common side effect, reported in 10% of men in trials. It involves reddening of the face, neck, and chest. Like headaches, it is generally mild and temporary. 

Dyspepsia – About 7% of men in studies noted stomach discomfort or indigestion after taking Viagra. This may present as nausea, diarrhea, or acid reflux symptoms. Starting with a lower dose may reduce dyspepsia.

Vision changes – Around 3% of users report temporary vision changes, such as blurred vision, increased light sensitivity, or trouble distinguishing between blue and green colors. The vision effects should go away within 5 hours.

Hearing loss – In very rare cases, people have reported sudden hearing loss after taking PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra. It seems to most commonly affect people with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, or pre-existing hearing loss.

Precautions and Warnings

Viagra, which is also referred to as sildenafil, is a widely used medication for treating erectile dysfunction. However, it’s important to take precautions before using Viagra.

Who Should Not Take Viagra

• Men who take medicines containing nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, should not take Viagra because it can cause a severe drop in blood pressure. 
• Men who have had a stroke, heart attack or life-threatening irregular heartbeats within the last 6 months should not take Viagra.
• Men with certain rare inherited eye diseases should avoid Viagra because it may lead to vision loss.
• Men with liver or kidney disease should avoid Viagra because the dosage may need to be adjusted.

Interactions with Other Medications

• Viagra can interact with many other medicines. It should not be taken with certain alpha-blocker medications used to treat high blood pressure or prostate conditions.
• Combining Viagra with amlodipine, a medication for high blood pressure and chest pain, can cause dangerously low blood pressure.
• Viagra should not be taken with ritonavir, an HIV treatment medication. Ritonavir increases levels of sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra.
• Certain antifungal medications and antibiotics can interact with Viagra, altering their effectiveness. 

Alternatives

Erectile dysfunction can often be treated through alternatives to Viagra as well. This includes other prescription ED medications as well as lifestyle changes and natural remedies.

Other ED Medications

Other common prescription medications for treating erectile dysfunction besides Viagra include Cialis and Levitra. 

Cialis (tadalafil) is another PDE5 inhibitor that works similarly to Viagra. It may cause fewer side effects like headaches and muscle aches compared to Viagra for some men. Cialis can be taken as a lower regular daily dose or a higher dose as needed before sex. 

Levitra (vardenafil) is also a PDE5-inhibiting medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. Some studies have found it is slightly more effective than Viagra, with potentially fewer side effects. However, it is more expensive. Levitra should be taken about an hour before sex.