Sildenafil is an erectile dysfunction medication and a type of vasoconstrictor, which makes it a very popular medication with individuals who suffer from erectile dysfunction. It was first manufactured and sold under the trade name Viagra in the year 1998. Since then, it has become one of the most popular medications for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, specifically in the United States where it is available under the brand name Generic Viagra.
Even though it was initially developed to help individuals who suffer from erectile dysfunction, it has since been shown to be quite effective for other conditions as well. Currently, it is sold under a variety of brands and trademarks, including:
- Eriactil
- Edarbi
- Kamagra
- Levitra
- Luvox
- Muse
And the list continues…
It is important to note that although sildenafil is extremely safe and has an excellent safety profile when used at recommended doses, it can be dangerous if used in ways or for extended periods of time that were not planned by the doctor. Therefore, you must always consult with your physician before using this medication or any other medication for the treatment of a medical condition.
What is Sildenafil (Generic Viagra)?
Sildenafil is a drug that improves the erectile function of men by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis and allowing more blood to flow into the penis during sexual activity. This increased blood flow leads to an erection, which is when the penis becomes firm and erect. It was first introduced to the public in the United States under the brand name Viagra in year 1998 and subsequently went on to become one of the most popular medications for erectile dysfunction. Since then, it has been approved for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, open-angle glaucoma, prostate cancer, and a variety of other medical conditions.
Sildenafil is a type of medication called a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5 inhibitor), which is an enzyme that breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Increases in cGMP lead to higher levels of nitric oxide, which causes relaxation of penile blood vessels and increased blood flow throughout the body. Sildenafil is a type of medication called a vasoconstrictor, a class of ED medication that works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow, and causing an erection. Sildenafil is manufactured by Pfizer and is available in various forms, including tablets, liquids, and an injection. Sildenafil is typically indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. However, it has been medically shown to be effective for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, open-angle glaucoma, and prostate cancer.
How does Sildenafil (Generic Viagra) work?
The exact mechanism of how sildenafil works is not completely known, but it is believed that it increases the levels of cGMP in the body, which results in increased blood flow in the penis and subsequently in an erection. When blood vessels are relaxed, it is easier for blood to flow in larger amounts throughout the body, including the penis. When this happens, an erection will usually occur within 30 minutes to an hour of oral administration. In most individuals, sildenafil will eventually lead to an erection that is sufficient for sexual activity. In some cases, it may take several hours or longer for an erection to be achieved.
Is Sildenafil (Generic Viagra) safe?
Although sildenafil is extremely safe and has an excellent safety profile when used at recommended doses, it can be dangerous if used in ways or for extended periods of time that were not planned by the doctor. Therefore, you must always consult with your physician before using this medication or any other medication for the treatment of a medical condition.
When used at recommended doses, sildenafil has an excellent safety profile and is relatively non-toxic. However, it can cause significant side effects and toxicity if its use is not carefully controlled or if it is used in ways or for extended periods of time that were not intended by the doctor. The most common side effect is headache, which occurs in about 20% of individuals taking sildenafil. Other common side effects include stuffy nose, vision problems, skin reactions, flushing, and diarrhea. Some severe side effects include liver toxicity, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. As you may imagine, these are very dangerous and potentially life-threatening side effects.
Because of its excellent safety profile and non-toxicity up to recommended doses, sildenafil is considered to be a “clean” medication and may be beneficial for individuals who suffer from cardiovascular disease, liver disease, or diabetes.
When should you not use Sildenafil (Generic Viagra)?
Just as with any medication or therapy, there are times when it is not suitable for use and there are times when it is very safe and effective. The following are some guidelines that may be helpful in deciding whether or not to use sildenafil (Generic Viagra):
- Do not use Sildenafil if you are using an injection to treat erectile dysfunction, as the two may interfere with one another and you may get an unpleasant effect. Always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using injections with medications.
- Do not use Sildenafil if you have had a recent allergic reaction to it or any member of the Pfizer family of medications (i.e. paroxetine (Paxil), ferrous sulfate (FeSO4), folic acid (folisol), gemfibrozil (Lopid), or rifampicin (Rifadin)).
- Do not use Sildenafil if you are taking any form of nitrate medication (e.g. nitroglycerin, isosorbide, or amyl nitrate) due to the potential for the drugs to mask signs of a heart attack, causing one to occur. Some examples of nitrate medications are found in tablets, oral liquids, and patches.
- Do not use Sildenafil if you are taking any other medication or if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. Always consult with your physician or pharmacist before using any medications or therapies.
- Do not use Sildenafil when pregnant or breastfeeding due to the potential for adverse effects on the fetus.
How Long Does It Take For Sildenafil (Generic Viagra) To Work?
Although sildenafil has been shown to have beneficial effects on erectile dysfunction and to eventually lead to an erection that is sufficient for sexual activity, it can take several hours or longer for these effects to be achieved. In most individuals, sildenafil will eventually lead to an erection that is sufficient for sexual activity. However, this may vary from as little as 30 minutes to several hours, depending on a variety of factors, including the age and physical health of the individual using the medication. Some individuals using sildenafil have reported experiencing its effects as soon as 15 to 30 minutes after administration and have stated that it took up to three hours for the full effect to be felt. Therefore, you must be patient and let the medication work its magic.
In terms of onset of effect, most individuals will feel its effects in a fairly short amount of time, with some individuals reporting feeling an effect as soon as 15 minutes after oral administration and others stating it took up to three hours for the medication to have its full effect. It is also worth noting that the speed at which sildenafil works varies from individual to individual and this is something that must be factored in when assessing any ED treatment plan. The key takeaway from this information is that you must be patient.
Who is it Safe For?
Although sildenafil is extremely safe and has an excellent safety profile when used at recommended doses, it can be dangerous if used in ways or for extended periods of time that were not planned by the doctor. Therefore, you must always consult with your physician before using this medication or any other medication for the treatment of a medical condition.