What is Viagra?
Viagra is a popular brand name of the generic medication sildenafil, used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) or sexual impotence - a condition where men may experience trouble keeping an erection for a satisfying sexual activity. This medication works by increasing the levels of nitrous oxide in the body which causes the blood vessels in the penis to open and relax thus leading to increased blood flow to this area.
Since its first release in 1998, sildenafil has been the preferred treatment for erectile dysfunction. With an estimated 140 million men suffering from impotence, Viagra has gained much popularity; its competitors include tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra). About 50 percent of men suffering from ED are believed to be caused by medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and others. The rest are thought to arise from psychogenic causes. For most men with ED, this medication works well and causes few side effects.
Over the years, Viagra has gained popularity not just for men suffering from ED but also among young adults. The trade name “Viagra” has been widely recognized in pop culture because of its association with treating ED. With the belief that this medication can boost libido, enhance sexual performance, or help permanently increase size of the penis, recreational use of this drug has become apparent. This is also the reason why Viagra is available only with prescription.
Currently, Viagra is exclusively manufactured by Pfizer. There is no generic form of sildenafil on the market although it is supplied in a different brand name – Revatio. Viagra is dispensed as tablets containing 25, 50, and 100 mg sildenafil. It is diamond-shaped and colored blue, hence the moniker “blue pill”. Meanwhile, Revatio is available as 20 mg tablet and is often used for PAH.
Viagra Uses
Viagra is generally taken 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to engaging in sexual activity and should only be taken once every 24 hours. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis as well as relaxing the muscles in that region. There are many medications that may cause adverse interactions if taken in conjunction with Viagra as well as several medical conditions that may preclude an individual from taking it.
Some studies have shown improved sexual satisfaction in women who take Viagra as well; the drug works similarly with women as with men, by increasing blood flow to the genital region.
It may also be prescribed for pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the blood vessel supplying blood to the lungs) and to improve exercise capacity in men and women.
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe Viagra for other medical purposes not discussed in this medication guide.
How Viagra Works
Basically, Viagra, as well as other erectile dysfunction drugs, works by increasing nitric oxide which regulates the opening and relaxation of blood vessels in the penis. Specifically, Viagra inhibits the action of the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) which destroys cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). It is the cGMP which regulates the amount of blood supplied and removed from the penis. The longer this compound stays, the more prolonged penile erection is.
Viagra does not increase your libido and it does not instantly cause an erection. Sexual stimulation is necessary to trigger the release of nitric oxide and these enzymes. This medication only helps
How to Take Viagra
Read your prescription label or the patient information leaflet carefully. If you do not understand the prescription, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Viagra is taken orally at least 30 minutes to 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity; it may not be as effective when taken more than 4 hours before sexual activity. Do not take more than one pill in any 24-hour period. Allow at least 24 hours before taking each dose.
Avoid eating high-fat meal as it can delay the onset of this medication. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should also be avoided.
Usually, your healthcare provider will start you with the lowest dose of Viagra. Depending on your response to treatment, your healthcare provider may increase the dose. Each patient is given a unique dosage based on their response to treatment.
Important Things To Remember When Using Viagra
- Tell your healthcare provider if you use nitrate drug for chest pain (angina) or heart problems. Viagra should not be used with any nitrate-containing medication. Combining sildenafil with nitrate drugs can lead to sudden and potentially life-threatening drop in blood pressure.
- If you experience dizziness, or pain, tingling, or numbness in your chest, neck, jaw or arms while engaging in sexual activity, stop and contact your healthcare provider right away. These symptoms may indicate serious side effects of Viagra.
- If you experience painful erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency medical help. This condition is known as priapism and cause damage to your penis.
- Viagra has been associated with vision loss due to NAION. Inform your healthcare provider if you experience any change in vision after taking Viagra. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you have certain risk factors such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or preexisting eye problems, over 50 years of age, and smoking.
- If you experience sudden vision loss, stop using Viagra and seek emergency medical help.
- Do not take Viagra if you are using other medication for erectile dysfunction, even if you are using them for other purposes.
- Viagra does not increase your sexual desire nor does it protect you against sexually transmitted disease, including HIV.
- Viagra can cause side effects that include facial flushing, headache, and upset stomach. It may also cause changes in vision, although rarely reported.
