For many men, having erection problems or simply wanting to increase their sexual activity, the prescription drug Generic Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) is something of a panacea. Injecting the drug into the penis can increase blood flow to the organ, which in turn leads to an erection sufficient for sexual activity. So what is this wonder drug and what are the basics of knowing about it?
The History Of Viagra
Generic Viagra is a drug which was initially approved for use in the United Kingdom in 1998 and then later formulated for sale in the United States. It is a type of medicine known as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (PDEi), which prevents the body from breaking down the drug messenger molecule cGMP. When a man takes this medication his penis will relax, controlling the amount of blood which pushes up into the organ and therefore the erection (or “hardness”) of the penis.
The history of viagra is actually quite complicated. The drug was initially derived from the natural chemical sildenafil, which was first isolated in the late 1970s and was previously known as viacrid. In 1986, U.S. biochemist Stanley Lloyd and his team at the University of Texas Heidelberg Dental School discovered that sildenafil was a more effective erectile agent than its predecessor, vinacrid. They then tried to license the trade name Viagra for sildenafil, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) refused to approve it as a drug for erectile dysfunction, considering it to be too similar to vacuum cleaners (vacuums) used for cleaning cat litter. (Incidentally, the name Viagra comes from the FDA’s refusal to approve it as a drug for erectile dysfunction.) So the team changed the name of the chemical to sildenafil, and then sildenafil was marketed as a separate drug, Generic Viagra.
How Does It Work?
Sildenafil is a medicine which affects the body’s enzyme systems, particularly the nitric oxide and PDE5 enzyme systems. When a man takes this drug, a series of chemical changes will take place which result in an increase in the amount of blood which pushes up into the penis. The most obvious sign that the drug has taken effect is that the man’s erection is now sufficient for sexual activity.
Nitric oxide is a molecule which is produced by the body in response to varying stimuli. Usually, this molecule is involved in a number of important physiological processes such as breathing and blood flow, but it also plays a key role in the erection of the penis. In fact, if a man is unable to produce enough nitric oxide in the body in response to varying stimuli, then it will be very difficult, if not impossible, for him to have an erection which is sufficient for sexual activity. This is the reason that Viagra, sildenafil, and other PDEi drugs are often utilized by men who suffer from erectile dysfunction.
What Are The Risks?
The risk of taking Generic Viagra is that of getting a drug which can interfere with the body’s natural cycle of sexual stimuli. Men who are taking this medicine should not undertake any physical activity which is likely to incapacitate them for more than 3 hours, or risk getting a wrist bruise from throwing down on the floor. They should also consult with their physician before starting any new course of treatment, as this drug is known to interact harmfully with other medications, particularly blood thinner (anticoagulants) and diabetes medications.
Do I Need A Prescription?
Taking Generic Viagra without a prescription is against the law in the U.S., and the FDA has warned against this practice. You should always read the label on any drug you are taking, as this will provide you with important information about the safety and side effects of the drug, as well as the dosage which is suitable for you. If you are not sure about any of the information on the label, then you should probably not take the drug at all and should seek medical advice.
What Forms Do They Come In?
Generic Viagra is available in pill form for administering once daily in the evening, or as a preparation for injection into the penis. The tablets may be taken with or without food, and most patients will find that it is better to take the drug in the evening, when the body’s clock is significantly lower than during the day. Due to the nature of this drug, it is recommended that a man in need of an erection takes it on an empty stomach.