Nowadays, when someone mentions the name “Viagra,” you probably think of the blue pill that treats erectile dysfunction, but did you know that there is more than one kind of drug that is sold under that brand name? The original drug was formulated in the 1950s, and it became one of the most popular medicines of all time, with millions of prescriptions written each year. Years later, another variation of Viagra appeared on the market, and it is currently available as an over-the-counter supplement for men who want to increase the size of their penis. So what is the chemical name for this second type of Viagra, and how is it different from the first? Let’s find out.
Formulated In The 1950s
The original version of Viagra was developed in the 1950s, and it is still considered one of the most important medicines ever created. This drug was made more potent by combining Sildenafil (from the plant flower species *Sildenafil citrata*) with Dutasteride (an anti-androgenic drug). These two substances work together to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing the blood flow to the penis and relaxing the muscles there, so that you can achieve and maintain an erection for a greater length of time. As Sildenafil and Dutasteride are both highly effective and safe for use in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, many doctors and healthcare providers now prescribe this unique combination for their patients, particularly those who are also taking other medications for erectile dysfunction or whose ED is caused by a chronic medical condition. So what is the chemical name for this original version of Viagra? Let’s find out.
Sildenafil Citrata: A Relatively Inactive Compound With A Cleansing Effect
Sildenafil citrata, or simply Sildenafil, is a compound that was first isolated from the flower of the *Sildenafil citrata* plant in 1966. This compound is more commonly known as “Viagra’s active ingredient,” and it works by selectively inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the corpus cavernosum of the penis. Inhibition of PDE5 prevents the degradation of cGMP and allows for increased blood flow to the penis, resulting in an erection that is less likely to be lost.
Sildenafil is relatively inactive on its own and needs to be combined with another substance in order to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This is why Viagra is frequently prescribed in combination with another drug, such as Dutasteride (described below). However, even when administered alone, Sildenafil has been shown in studies to improve blood flow to the penis, increase the size of the penis, and improve erectile function in men with coronary artery disease, diabetes, or prostate cancer.
Sildenafil may also be useful in the treatment of migraines, asthma, and heart disease. However, because it is a relatively new medication, more research is needed to determine its long-term effects and safety in these and other clinical conditions. Additionally, Sildenafil is contraindicated in patients with a history of heart disease, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Therefore, before taking this medication, you should consult with your doctor or a specialist to determine if you are at risk for any of these conditions. Additionally, some men have reported a color change in their vision after taking Sildenafil. Therefore, you should also speak with your doctor if you experience any changes in your vision before taking this medication.
Dutasteride: A Prostate-Specific Anticancer Agent With Potent Androgenic Properties
Similarly, dutasteride (also known as “tamoxifen”), first appeared on the market as a pill that was specifically designed to treat prostate cancer. This medication is a prodrug and, as such, needs to be converted into its active form (dutasteride) in the body by the enzyme, esterase. The active ingredient in dutasteride is a selective inhibitor of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate. This medication has potent androgenic properties and can prevent androgens, such as DHT, from binding to cellular receptors in the prostate and causing damage there. In addition, dutasteride may also be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and help with urine flow. Therefore, as with Sildenafil, before taking this medication, your doctor or specialist should be contacted to determine the best dose for you based on your clinical situation.
Dutasteride is frequently prescribed in combination with Sildenafil, particularly for men who want to increase the size of their penis. However, even when taken alone, Dutasteride has been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells and improve survival rates in preclinical studies. In addition, this drug has also been shown in studies to increase the size of the penis in men, particularly when taken in combination with Sildenafil. These two compounds together have been proven to be more effective than either of them alone in increasing the size of the penis. However, before taking this combination, you should consult with your doctor to make sure that you are not already at an increased risk of heart disease based on your medical history.
Available Forms
After appearing on the market in the 1950s, Sildenafil was first made available as a powder that could be dissolved in liquid and then injected or taken by mouth. However, because this drug is a relatively new addition to the marketplace, many different forms have been developed in order to make it simpler for patients to take. These include:
- Sildenafil citrata tablets (viagra super active)
- Sildenafil gel (viagra gel)
- Sildenafil oral tablets (sildenafil tablets)
- Sildenafil solution (sildenafil injectable solution)
- Sildenafil topical gel (gel form of sildenafil)
- Sildenafil vaginal gel (vaginal form of sildenafil)
- Sildenafil oral solution (oral form of sildenafil)
Many years later, another variation of Sildenafil was developed and approved by the FDA at a much lower dose than the original compound. This new drug is known as “Ulipristal” and is marketed by the company AstraZeneca under the brand name “Esmya”. This is a selective progesterone receptor modulator (SPRM) that, like Sildenafil, inhibits PDE5 and prevents the breakdown of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum of the penis. However, unlike its predecessor, Ulipristal is not approved for use as a medication for erectile dysfunction. But, like Sildenafil, Ulipristal is frequently prescribed in combination with another drug, such as a PDE5 inhibitor or a phosphodiesterase type 3 (PDE3) inhibitor. These medications are known as “dual-5” drugs because they inhibit both PDE5 and PDE3. The combination of these two compounds is more effective at increasing blood flow to the penis than either of them taken alone, and this has been proven in clinical trials.
If you’re interested in trying a new medication for ED or want to find out more about the various treatments that are available, speak with your doctor or specialist. With so much marketing hype surrounding the “Viagra” brand name, it is no wonder that so many men are searching for alternatives to the traditional blue pill. Fortunately, there are alternatives to Viagra that can help with ED, and these medications can be found in both traditional and non-traditional markets. If you’re looking for an FDA-approved medication that is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement, then you can try sildenafil oral tablet, which is sold as “Viagra” under the “Genshin Impact” brand name. This tablet is made of sildenafil and zinc and is available in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg strengths. It’s important to remember that just because a medication is available OTC does not mean that it is safe or effective for everyone. So, make sure that you consult with your doctor before taking this or any other supplement that you may find appealing in the marketplace.