Many people have asked me this question over the years, and I think it’s fair to say the answer is yes, it is safe to take two viagra.
The side effect profile of Viagra is nothing to be concerned about, and in fact, the drug is quite safe.
In fact, Viagra is so safe that the US Food and Drug Administration recently approved a trial to study the effects of combining the drug with other medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Viagra is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor.
This means it inhibits the enzyme that breaks down cAMP – cyclic adenosine monophosphate – in the corpus cavernosum of the penis.
When cAMP is present in large amounts, it directly stimulates the production of nitric oxide in the corpus cavernosum, resulting in increased blood flow into the penis and eventually, an erection.
When taken in combination with other medications including tadalafil, the active ingredient in Cialis, or avanafil, the active ingredient in Stendra, the combination is known as co-administration.
The Safe Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor Combination
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a phase III trial known as the COMBO Study, which tested the combination of a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (purchased from a brand name or a generic equivalent) and an inhibitor of the enzyme cyclic-dependent kinase (purchased from a brand name or a generic equivalent).
The primary focus of the study was acute renal (within 72 hours) and serious hepatic (within 30 days) adverse reactions, but some secondary outcomes, including sexual function, were also assessed.
The goal of the COMBO Study was to determine whether combining medications that target different aspects of the ED process would result in a greater degree of effectiveness and a reduction in adverse effects compared to taking either drug alone.
The results of the COMBO Study were quite promising.
Compared to taking a single drug, the combination of a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor and a cyclic-dependent kinase inhibitor resulted in significantly greater improvement in the erectile function domains of sexual desire and intercourse satisfaction.
In contrast, there were no significant differences in terms of overall effectiveness or adverse reactions between the two groups.
This is certainly good news for people with erectile dysfunction who must decide between taking a daily pill or an every-other-day pill to achieve and maintain an erection.
How Does Viagra Work With Other Medications?
The results of the COMBO Study indicate that Viagra improves the erectile function of men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction when combined with other medications.
There is some evidence suggesting that Viagra may also be synergistic with other medications, particularly those that target the nitric oxide pathway.
Nitric oxide is a gas that is naturally produced in the body.
In the presence of oxygen, nitric oxide is formed by the chemical reaction between nitrogen and oxygen.
In humans, nitric oxide is formed in the body mainly in the endothelial lining of blood vessels.
Nitric oxide is then distributed to nearby blood vessels, resulting in dilation of those blood vessels and increased blood flow.
Nitric oxide is also known to directly stimulate the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate in the corpus cavernosum, the chambers of the penis where erections occur.
The Role Of Viagra In Treating Erectile Dysfunction
Based on the evidence available, it is clear that Viagra is a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate erectile dysfunction (ED).
However, due to the nature of ED – where it can range from mild to severe, and where it can even be intermittent (i.e., where an erection might happen from time to time) – it might be difficult to determine the correct dosage of the medication needed to treat the condition.
The safest and most effective way to address ED is with a combination of medications.
Taking a single drug to treat ED is risky.
It is always best to consult your doctor or another healthcare professional who is familiar with your medical history before starting a new medication regimen.
Some doctors might also suggest trying different dosages or combinations of medications before you are satisfied with the results of a single treatment.
Based on the results of the COMBO Study, which was a randomized, double-blind trial involving 977 men with mild to moderate ED, it appears that Viagra is a promising drug when combined with other medications.
However, this is not meant to be taken as medical advice.
It is always best to consult your doctor or another healthcare professional who is familiar with your medical history before starting a new medication regimen.
Is Viagra The Only Safe Treatment For Erectile Dysfunction?
No, Viagra is not the only treatment for erectile dysfunction. In fact, some men with severe ED might not be able to benefit from taking the drug at all.
There are various other treatments that might be safer and more effective for men with severe ED.
These men might benefit from either a vacuum erection device or prosthetic erection devices.
In these instances, other treatments might be preferable to Viagra.
Risk Vs. Benefit Analysis Of Viagra
From a purely risk-benefit standpoint, there is probably little doubt that Viagra is a relatively safe medication.
The side effect profile of the drug is quite mild and is consistent with what is known about sildenafil and other phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.
There is also evidence indicating that the drug might be able to prevent type 2 diabetes and liver disorders.
For these reasons, Viagra might be a good choice for people with existing cardiovascular disease or who are at risk of developing diabetes and liver problems.
To put it simply, Viagra is a positive medication with regards to overall safety.
In light of its positive safety profile, it is not difficult to understand why the FDA recently approved a phase III trial to research the effects of combining the drug with other medications.