What is ViagraŽ?
ViagraŽ is a new drug developed by PfizerŽ for the treatment of male
impotency. Its pharmacological name is sildenafil citrate. It was
approved by the US Food & Drug Administration in March 1998 for the
treatment of male impotency.
What does ViagraŽ do?
ViagraŽ increases the body's ability to achieve and maintain an erection during
sexual stimulation. ViagraŽ does not produce spontaneous erections; sexual
stimulus must be present for erection to occur.
How does ViagraŽ work?
ViagraŽ is dispensed as a pill and ingested orally. After absorption into the
bloodstream, it functions as an inhibitor to an enzyme called phosphodiesterase
5 (PDE5) which is found primarily in the penis. The enzyme, PDE5 breaks down
cyclic GMP. Cyclic GMP is produced during sexual stimulation, leading to penis
erection. The longer the cyclic GMP is allowed to persist, the greater the
chance for increased blood flow to the penis, thereby generating an erection.
How long does ViagraŽ remain effective after ingestion?
The half-life is approximately 4 hours. If is recommended that sexual
stimulation commence from 30 to 60 minutes after ViagraŽ is taken.
What happens if there is no sexual stimulation
after ViagraŽ is taken?
Sildenafil, or ViagraŽ, is excreted as metabolites from the body in feces and
urine.
What is ViagraŽ's success rate?
Viagra's success rate is about 75%.
Are there any side effects?
Yes, a small percentage of the study group experienced headaches, nausea, facial
flushing, diarrhea, urinary tract infection and visual changes to color
sensitivity.
Who should NOT take ViagraŽ?
The main contraindication to prescribing ViagraŽ are people who suffer from a
rare disease, retinitis pigmentosa, or those who are on nitroglycerin or nitrous
oxide.
Recently, it has been reported that 16 ViagraŽ patients have died. While there
is no direct evidence that ViagraŽ caused the deaths, readers should be aware
that sexual activity increases cardiac risk. Male impotence is often a side
effect of more serious cardiovascular problems.
ViagraŽ MUST NOT be taken by men who are on medications containing nitrates,
such as nitroglycerine tablets, as this could lead to dangerous lowering of
blood pressure. There is evidence to suggest that ViagraŽ may interact with
other medications in such a way as to increase health risk. Men who have medical
conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or multiple myeloma, or those
with abnormally-shaped penis should also not take ViagraŽ because of a
possibility of producing a sustained erection.
Can I get ViagraŽ over-the-counter?
No, ViagraŽ should only be taken by prescription from a qualified physician.
You must tell your doctor exactly what other medications you are taking. FDA
regulations do not permit ViagraŽ to be purchased without a physician's
prescription.
How often should ViagraŽ be taken?
For those patients who have been prescribed ViagraŽ by their doctors, ViagraŽ
should only be taken once per day, about 1 hour before sexual activity.
What ViagraŽ dosage is best?
Many physicians are now recommending ViagraŽ therapy begin with 25mg dosage,
the minimum. Standard dose is 50mg. Dosages higher than 100mg per day are NOT
recommended.
Can ViagraŽ be combined with other treatments for erectile
dysfunction?
The use of such combinations is NOT recommended, since no studies have been done
to assess its safety and effectiveness.
Are there concerns about taking ViagraŽ
for long periods of time?
Yes. Some health practitioners are concerned since little is known about ViagraŽ's
long term effects.
