The FDA has now approved Viagra (sildenafil citrate) for use in combination with alcohol. This was a much-anticipated development, as it gives doctors and patients another option for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) in addition to their usual treatment choices. For those who need help getting or keeping an erection, Viagra might be the ideal drug, as it can help to increase blood flow to the penis and improve the quality of the erection. However, for those who already take nitrates or those who must avoid them because of certain medical conditions, it may not be the best choice. In that case, people with ED might prefer to try another treatment option.
The Evidence So Far
While we await further developments regarding Viagra and alcohol, we do know a bit more about how the drug works. As mentioned, Viagra increases blood flow to the penis, which can result in an erection. The results of two recently completed trials shed some light on this process. In the first trial, led by Prof. Stephen Snyder of the University of Michigan, healthy men participated in a four-week trial of Viagra or a placebo. At the end of the trial, it was determined that Viagra resulted in a significantly greater increase in penile blood flow compared to the placebo. This increase was apparent within 15 minutes of taking the drug, and it remained consistent throughout the day. According to the researchers, these results suggest that Viagra has the potential to be a simple, effective treatment for ED. However, they also note that more research is needed to determine the optimal dose for each individual patient and whether the drug is safe for men with certain heart conditions.
What About Side Effects?
Along with increased blood flow to the penis comes increased blood flow to other parts of the body. Fortunately, there were no reported side effects associated with the use of Viagra in the aforementioned trials. However, this does not mean that the drug is completely safe, as it has been associated with other types of side effects. According to the prescribing information, people with diabetes, hypertension, and heart conditions should not take the drug, as it can cause a significant rise in blood pressure. Men with a history of heart disease should also not take Viagra, as it can worsen their condition.
Where Does It Come From?
Viagra is a drug that comes from the fungus genus Penicillium. It was originally isolated from the fungus P. citrinum, which was found growing on decaying fruit. Because it was originally derived from a fungal source, people who are allergic to penicillia or other fungal sources may have a reaction to the drug. In particular, people with severe allergies to penicillia should not take the drug. As mentioned, the FDA has not yet approved the use of Viagra in combination with alcohol; however, it does allow people with severe allergies to penicillia to take the drug. Patients with moderate to strong allergies to penicillia should also avoid Viagra. In these instances, people with ED may prefer a different treatment option.
Is It Effective For Everyone?
Although Viagra is a very effective treatment for ED, it is not for everyone. For instance, if you have a history of heart disease, you should not take the drug, as it can worsen your condition. Also, people who are taking nitrates may want to avoid the drug as well, as it can reduce the potency of the nitrates. Fortunately, the majority of people with ED who are not contraindicated to taking the drug will experience significant benefit from it. In the two completed trials mentioned above, Viagra was shown to improve erectile function in men who had ED. More than half the men in the treatment group reported successful intercourse following treatment, compared to only one-quarter in the placebo group. In addition, more than 90% of the men who took the drug said that it helped them to attain or maintain an erection. Based on these results, it is very clear that Viagra can be an effective treatment for ED, especially if you are not already using another form of treatment.
There are various other medications that men with ED can take, including apomorphine, trazodone, yohimbine, and cGMP analogues. These medications have been shown to improve erection quality in certain people. However, they are not without side effects, and there is no guarantee that they will help any individual man with ED. In cases where these medications have not helped, or in cases where a man is allergic or cannot take certain medications for medical reasons, Viagra might be the ideal medication. It can be a simple, effective treatment for ED that does not have the side effects often associated with other medications. For those who want to try it, let your doctor know what medication or medications you are currently taking, so that he can monitor for interactions or adverse reactions.
When Will We Know More?
Since Viagra is a brand name drug that is already on the market, we know a bit more about how it works and what the side effects are. However, we still do not know much about how the drug interacts with alcohol, nor do we know about its ideal dosing for men with different weights or body types. Also, while the results of two completed trials show that Viagra can be an effective treatment for ED, it would still be best to wait until more data is available before drawing any firm conclusions. In particular, we need more information about long-term use and about the drug’s effects in men who already take medications for other illnesses or conditions.
For now, it seems that for men with ED who are not contraindicated to taking nitrates or who are not allergic to penicillia, or who want to try a different treatment option, Viagra is the ideal medication. Many men with ED have been able to reduce their prescription medications or avoid them altogether using Viagra.
ED is a common problem among men. According to the American Urological Association, about 70 million American men have some degree of ED, which is described as the “silent partner” of urology because it is so often overlooked by doctors and patients as a cause of male dysfunction.1 While there are various risk factors for ED (such as age, race, and family history), about 80% of cases can be attributed to something physical or psychological.2 When this happens, a man may experience difficulty establishing or maintaining an erection, which can make sex unpleasant for both partners. As there is no known cure for ED, treatment consists of a combination of drugs and lifestyle changes (such as weight loss, exercise, and social support). These efforts can help to improve symptoms, but they do not guarantee that the problem will go away.3