What’s Up with Viagra?

2007-11-13T19:50:00.000+08:00

Since its release into the market back in 1998 Viagra has enjoyed immense popularity. In the third quarter of 2006 alone, sales were reported to have reached $476 million worldwide. It has practically become the byword in the treatment of male impotency; so much so that some aphrodisiacs use the label “herbal Viagra” or are manufactured as pills that look like Viagra. But what is the real low down on Viagra? What exactly is this drug? Who uses it? How is it used and how safe is it?

What is Viagra?

Viagra is the brand name of the drug. The generic or common name is Sildenafil citrate. It is a blue, diamond shaped pill that comes in doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg. It is manufactured and marketed by a small company known as Pfizer ( well it’s actually like only THE WORLD’S LARGEST pharmaceutical company!).

Origins

This drug was really supposed to be developed for entirely different purposes and not as a treatment for impotency. At the time when Pfizer’s chemists were researching this drug, they were exploring its use in the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressures) and angina pectoris (a heart condition marked by severe chest pain).

During clinical trials, researchers found out that the drug had little effect on these two diseases but that it could induce considerable penile erections. Pfizer then decided to market the drug to treat erectile dysfunction and not as treatment for Angina. It was patented in 1996. In 1998 Viagra was approved for use in erectile dysfunction by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and offered for sale in United States later that same year. Viagra became the first pill approved by the FDA to treat erectile dysfunction.

How it works

Sexual arousal results in the release of a compound known as Nitric Oxide (NO). This compound in turn triggers the synthesis of a substance known as cyclic guanosin monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP relaxes the smooth muscles of the penis and allows blood to flow into it making the penis erect; just like when an empty hose is filled with water.

To return the penis to its flaccid state a substance known as cGMP specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) degrades cGMP in the penis and contracting the smooth muscles again. Viagra inhibits the substance PDE5. Without PDE5 to degrade cGMP there is a more sustained erection. So you would still need sexual stimulation (either mechanical or psychological) in order to have an erection. Viagra just keeps it erect longer.
Viagra is supposed to be taken orally 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual intercourse. An initial dose of 50 mg. is taken and it can be adjusted to either 25 or 100 mg. as appropriate. It should only be taken once per day.

Who can take Viagra and how safe is it?

Viagra is to be taken by men who have problems with erection either because of another medical condition (such as diabetes or hypertension) or because of anxiety/stress. It should not be taken by men who are under any kind of medication which contains nitric oxide, organic nitrites or nitrates (examples are glyceryl trinitrate/nitroglycerin, sodium nitroprusside, and amyl nitrite). Viagra increases the action of these drugs. Viagra is not allowed in men for whom sexual intercourse is inadvisable due to risk of a heart disease. Other no-nos are people with decreased liver function, decreased renal function, people with Hypotension (low blood pressure), patients who recently had a stroke or heart attack and lastly, people with Hereditary degenerative retinal (a part of the eye) disorders.

For most, but not all men, these drugs are quite safe. Common side effects include headache (16 percent of users), flushing (10 percent), dyspepsia/upset stomach (7 percent), sneezing (4 percent), a small number have reported prolonged erections, palpitations and visual changes including blurring and a curious bluish tinge in their vision.

Some of the more serious side effects of Viagra are: priapism (a prolonged very painful erection), severe hypotension, myocardial infarction (heart attack), ventricular arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythm), stroke and increased intraocular pressure.

As with all medications it is always wise to consult your doctor before using Viagra especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Use it only as it is indicated and within the prescribed dosages. As they always say: safety first.

Well, this is it! My very first post.

2007-11-10T02:11:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone this is health and medicine. It may be obvious that it is the first time I have blogged.

This blog will be dealing with medical issues, different treatments, diagnosis and managements of diseases, topics on health promotion and some product reviews.

Since I am practicing in the Philippines, a tropical asian country, my posts and the information I offer may just be limited to that aspect of medicine and treatment. I do not claim to know everything and don't want to present myself as a foremost authority on anything. I just share the best knowledge that I have on certain topics that I have come across during my practice.

I am a medical doctor by profession and it is a common perception that we are always busy. The perception is right, sometimes, especially for those of us just starting our practice. It especially holds true for me; what with 2 jobs, a family of five and businesses to take care of.

So, why do you ask, am I adding another thing to do with my already crowded life?

Well, if I do something it's usually for many reasons. The main reason may be because I also want to put in my 2 cents worth in this world, to be heard and share my knowledge with not just my patients, relative and friends. This is my way of sharing what I have with the world (and that's because I don't have a lot of cash to give away).

The other reasons? Hmmm... although I am mainly interested in fiction, writing, any kind of writing is one of my first passions so this is also a way for me to improve and practice on one of my first loves. Meeting other people and broadening my horizons are also other reasons, not just limiting myself to looking at tonsils and xrays.

Basically that's it. Welcome to my blog. I hope those of you who read my succeeding posts will find them useful and maybe entertaining. Thanks. :)

Healthwise

What’s Up with Viagra?

Well, this is it! My very first post.