The drug Viagra was approved for sale in 1998 and has since become a billion-dollar industry.
Although the side effects may include headache, diarrhea, and upset stomach, the drug is more commonly known for its ability to boost male sexual function and performance.
So what exactly does Viagra do? Let’s find out the meaning of the word Viagra and how it came to be.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is short for “Sildenafil Citrate,” which is the chemical name of the drug. It’s a vasodilator (a drug that widens and relaxes blood vessels) that aids in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men. In 2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the drug as a Schedule III medicine because it is a compound of a chemical substance that has a high potential for abuse.
Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) is similarly listed under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) as a Schedule III drug. Because of this legal status, only clinicians and researchers are allowed to administer, dispense, or research this drug. However, it is available OTC without a prescription.
Medical Use Of Viagra
According to the FDA-approved product information sheet, the recommended adult dose of Viagra is approximately 10 mg. This is the same dose that is recommended for treating pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs).
The medication is highly effective for treating erectile dysfunction in men and has been proven to improve sexual function and satisfaction in men with sexual disorders. A few studies have even suggested that Viagra may be useful for women with hypogonadism (underfunctioning of the adrenal glands), men with Parkinson’s disease, and children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). However, the drug has not been approved for use in treating any other medical condition.
Side Effects Of Viagra
The most common side effect of Viagra is headaches. Other less frequent side effects include diarrhea, upset stomach, and eye irritation. These side effects usually go away after the medication is discontinued.
In some cases, patients who have taken Viagra have developed a tolerance for the drug. In these cases, it may be necessary to increase the dose or switch to a different medication. In the event of extreme cases of intolerance or abuse, the patient may require hospitalization to reduce the risk of death due to a lack of oxygen.
How Is Viagra Different From Sildenafil?
Vigorous research over the past few years has resulted in the production of a number of medications that are structurally similar to Viagra and Sildenafil. These new drugs, which are commonly referred to as “sildenafil analogs,” are often much weaker than the original Viagra and Sildenafil. They also have a much shorter half-life (the time that it takes for the substance to be completely broken down and removed from the body). Sildenafil analogs can sometimes be detected in blood samples for up to 18 hours after administration.
Since these new medications are much weaker than Viagra and Sildenafil, they require higher doses to achieve the same effect. Some sildenafil analogs are even considered by the FDA to be unsafe and have been pulled from the market. Due to safety concerns and the fact that most patients experience some side effects with these medications, the use of sildenafil analogs is often restricted to patients who are already taking another medication for erectile dysfunction or who have an underlying heart condition.
Billion Dollar Industry
Since its approval, Viagra has become one of the most popular drugs among men and has generated billions of dollars in sales.
In the year 2011 alone, the worldwide market value of Viagra and its derivatives was roughly 9.8 billion U.S. dollars. As a result of its popularity, numerous countries have banned the drug, citing problems with abuse and overuse.
The United Kingdom, for example, has banned the drug altogether. In fact, since 1999, Viagra has not been available for purchase in the U.K. due to safety concerns. Other countries that have restricted the drug include Australia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, and India.
Why Is Viagra Popular?
Men are much more likely to experience erectile dysfunction (impotence) than women. According to the American Urological Association, about 28% of men between the ages of 40 and 70 experience some type of erectile dysfunction. Another 25% of men experience some form of mild impotence. Between the ages of 18 and 29, about 12% of men experience some type of erectile dysfunction. The disorder can also be found in younger men who have been prescribed certain medications or who have suffered recent head trauma (inability to concentrate due to a concussion).
The most common cause of erectile dysfunction in men is nerve damage. This can result from prostate surgery, radiation therapy for cancer, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injuries. Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by various medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and pain relievers. In some cases, the disorder is an indication that something is wrong with the patient’s heart or blood vessels. In many cases, it is a combination of several factors causing the dysfunction.
Overcoming Impotence And Erectile Dysfunction
With the right approach, most men can overcome their sexual problems and live a normal life. This is often more easily said than done. In some cases, treatment for erectile dysfunction involves exercise, a healthy diet, and a good night’s sleep. In other cases, patients may need to visit their physician or urologist for counseling and medication. If these efforts fail, a patient may consider the use of a medical device (Penile Prosthesis) or surgical implant (Fulham Tumor Therapy System). However, for some patients, oral medications like Viagra provide a reliable and effective means to treat erectile dysfunction and increase sexual performance. For these individuals, treatment typically involves simply taking the medication as recommended by their physician.
Origins Of Viagra
Although modern-day doctors may not know much about the original form of Viagra, it has been identified as far back as ancient times. The drug was first isolated in 1931 from the Mexican Penae mushroom. Scientists and clinicians eventually figured out how to synthesize it and turn it into a more effective and less toxic medication.
In the early 1900s, German pharmaceutical company Bayer discovered that the pill they were developing to treat syphilis also had the effect of enhancing male sexual function. It was first sold as a treatment for angina in 1914 and was given its first trademark name, “Copper T-200.” The name “Viagra” was later given to the drug in 1968 as a result of pharmacologist Arrigo Benedetti’s discovery that the medication had the same effect as the German pharma company’s famous blue remedy (Bayer’s archrival and the source of its “Copper T” drug).
The name Viagra itself is derived from the combination of the letters “B-A-Y” which represent the initials of the drug’s co-discoverer, Bayer. According to the company, “the name symbolizes the successful combination of two forces which counteract each other. On the one hand, it is a medicinal product that helps establish blood circulation in the human body. On the other hand, it is a dynamic, driving force that encourages the heart to beat and the lungs to breathe.”
The Evolution of Viagra
Due to its success and popularity, the drug quickly evolved from a treatment for angina to a medication used to enhance general well-being and improve sexual function in men and women alike. Since then, new generations of antibiotics have been developed that are capable of killing viruses and fungi that cause infections. However, even today, Viagra is still prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men and for preventing pulmonary hypertension in women. It is also used to increase the chances of conception in women who are not able to become pregnant or in men who are infertile.