Viagra was created in 1998 by the pharmaceutical corporation Pfizer. Since then, it has become one of the most regularly prescribed medications, with millions of men worldwide using it for ED (erectile dysfunction).

Is this, however, the best thing that has happened to males suffering with ED? So, we’ll go over the most frequently asked questions regarding Sildenafil (the key ingredient in Viagra) that we could discover online, so keep reading if you want to know if it’s good for you.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction is the inability to obtain and maintain a hard enough erection to finish sexual intercourse. It is a medical disorder characterized by the inability of blood vessels to relax and enable blood to flow to the penis. The release of nitric oxide from nerve terminals in the corpus cavernosum causes erection and ejaculation. During arousal, the muscles of the arteries, veins, and lymphatic system also release chemical mediators.

Organic and non-organic ED are the two types. An organic form is the result of a bodily sickness. Non-organic erectile dysfunction is more widespread than most people realize and is usually caused by psychological factors.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a prevalent issue among males. Most males develop this illness in their forties. According to the American Urological Association, approximately 30% of men suffer from ED.

Organic and non-organic causes of erectile dysfunction can be broadly classified.

1. Natural Causes

The following are some of the most common reasons of erectile dysfunction:

• Lifestyle-related causes: The most common cause of erectile dysfunction is lifestyle-related reasons. Some of the lifestyle-related causes of ED include smoking, drinking, and other substances. If a man consumes more than three drinks per day, he may be at risk for ED.
• Antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, anti-seizure medications, and heart meds are the most frequent medicines that might cause erectile dysfunction.

2. Causes Other Than Organic

The most common cause of erectile dysfunction is non-organic reasons.

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress

What is Sildenafil (Viagra)?

Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor that is used to treat ED and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Sildenafil citrate was approved by the Food and Drug Administration on August 7, 1994, and is sold under the brand name Viagra in the United States.

Sildenafil cures male sexual issues caused by low or variable blood levels of the chemical messenger nitric oxide (NO). It works by relaxing and widening the blood arteries in the penis.

How Does Sildenafil Work?

The active element of the generic medicine is sildenafil citrate, which is also found in Viagra. It improves sexual performance by relaxing blood vessels, boosting blood flow to the penis, and relaxing blood vessels. Generic Viagra has fewer negative effects than the brand name and is about one-third as effective.

Sildenafil citrate is available in tablet form under the brand names Viagra, Spedra, and Penegra, among others.

Sildenafil Side Effects

Headache, flushing of the skin, vision problems, back pain, stuffy nose, diarrhea, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and changes in blood pressure are all common side effects. Inform your doctor if these side effects worry you or do not go away. Do not discontinue your medicine without first consulting your doctor.

Sildenafil Drug Interactions

It is critical to understand medication interactions when taking Sildenafil. Sildenafil, as a PDE5 inhibitor, can reduce the efficacy of medicines that are metabolized by the same enzyme, PDE5. Sildenafil can also interact with nitrate drugs such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate, and isosorbide dinitrate, increasing the risk of adverse effects such as headache, flushing, visual issues, back pain, stuffy nose, diarrhea, dizziness, chest pain, and blood pressure fluctuations.

Sildenafil may potentially interact with alprostadil, vardenafil, and tadalafil.

Sildenafil Dosage

The starting dose of sildenafil citrate is 50 mg, administered at least one hour before sexual activity. It is possible to increase the dose to 100 mg or decrease it to 25 mg. The maximum effective dose is 100 mg. Some sildenafil tablets contain 20 mg and are effective for 24 hours after being taken.

Sildenafil can be consumed either with or without food.

Who Should Not Take Sildenafil?

This drug’s only approved application is to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men. During sexual stimulation, it increases blood flow to the penis. It should not be used on women or children. If you are allergic to sildenafil, tadalafil, or other PDE5 inhibitors, do not take this drug.

That is, do not use this drug if you have previously experienced an adverse reaction to similar medications. If you have had a heart attack, stroke, blood clot, high blood pressure, or a disease that causes heart difficulties, do not use this drug. If you are taking nitrates, nitric oxide donors, or nitrate-containing drugs such as nitroglycerin, do not use this medication. If you are using nitrate drugs for chest discomfort or cardiac problems, do not take this medication.

Because sildenafil lowers blood pressure, you should consult your doctor before taking it, especially if you are using blood pressure medicine.

Cialis vs Viagra – What’s The Difference?

They both function by influencing blood flow to the penis. Cialis is a less expensive alternative of Viagra, and the two medications are essentially equivalent in terms of efficacy. However, because Viagra has been the market leader since its introduction, it has had a substantial impact on popular image of the pill.

Cialis and Viagra function in a similar way; however, they act on distinct substances in the body. Sildenafil (used to treat erectile dysfunction) works by relaxing muscles in the penis, whereas Viagra works by increasing nitric oxide levels in the body.

Cialis may be a better choice for folks who just need to take their medication once a day. This is because the action of Viagra lasts only 4 to 6 hours, whereas Cialis can last up to 36 hours.

Cialis and Viagra are not the ideal choices if you require a quick-acting medicine. Alprostadil is the greatest alternative since it works by placing a substance in the blood that enhances blood flow to the penis. It is not as effective as Viagra or Cialis, but it is a quicker acting option.

Are There any Alternatives to Sildenafil?

For ED, there are over 50 non-drug treatments available. Your doctor can assist you in identifying and selecting the best treatment alternatives. Sildenafil citrate is the most common alternative to Viagra (or Revatio).

This is the most often used Viagra substitute, and it works by increasing blood flow to the penis.

Vardenafil is another alternative that works by boosting blood flow to the penis. This medication is licensed to treat erectile dysfunction in males who have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours. It is also useful for men who have taken Viagra and are having difficulty getting an erection.

Tadalafil is another possibility. This medication increases blood flow to the penis. It is licensed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in males who have an erection that lasts longer than four hours.

It is vital to highlight that various ED medicines for women are available. Phentolamine, vardenafil, and vixen are examples.

How To Buy Sildenafil

Most pharmacies sell Sildenafil (Viagra or Revatio) over-the-counter. Patients must also consult their doctor before purchasing the drug to ensure that they are qualified for it, do not have any medical conditions that would exclude its usage, and are not currently taking any prescriptions with similar effects.

Conclusion

Sildenafil is the most regularly used erectile dysfunction medication. For guys who are interested in alternate therapies, there are numerous more options accessible.

When deciding on an ED drug, keep in mind that not all medications are appropriate for everyone. Your doctor will need to assess whether your ED is the result of a physical or psychological problem. They will also need to assess whether your ED is producing issues in your life, such as a decrease in sexual desire or capacity to have a relationship.