The erectile dysfunction drug Viagra (also known as sildenafil citrate, pronounced: [ˈsilˌdənəˌfɪl ˈtɪkˌɾərɪt]), is highly effective at treating men with erectile dysfunction (or male sexual dysfunction). The most common cause of erectile dysfunction in older men is atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. This can lead to a lack of blood flow to the penis, which results in insufficient amounts of nitric oxide being delivered to the corpora cavernosa (the two spongy bodies inside the penis that become engorged with blood during an orgasm). The insufficiency of nitric oxide in the corpora cavernosa is the primary cause of erectile dysfunction in older men. Because of its primary use as an ED drug, a common side effect associated with Viagra is flushing (reddening of the skin). This is a normal side effect and does not cause any harm. There is also the potential for serious side effects to occur if users take the drug inappropriately. These include but are not limited to heart attack, stroke, and vision problems.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
The effect of Viagra usually takes 30 to 90 minutes to occur. This is an indication that it is a fast-acting drug.
Is It Safe To Take Viagra If You Are On Blood Purification Therapy?
Because of its association with ED, Viagra should not be taken if a user is on blood-purification therapy such as hemodialysis (also called kidney dialysis) or peritoneal dialysis (also called kidney dialysis). This is because the active components of Viagra are removed through these modalities of therapy. Additionally, the hypotension (low blood pressure) that can result from the use of blood-purification therapy is a cause for serious concern. Therefore, if a patient is going to be taking a drug that can cause hypotension, then they should do so only if absolutely necessary. For example, patients on hemodialysis should take the drug for an hour or two only immediately before a session of hemodialysis. Similarly, patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis should take the drug for only a few hours before and after their treatments.
Even though there are precautions and warnings when using Viagra, it is still one of the most popular and well-prescribed drugs in the world. There are also alternative treatments for ED, such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors) which have been shown to be more effective than Viagra in some studies. However, PDE5 inhibitors are also associated with various side effects, such as headache, flushing, and heart problems. Therefore, since it is not always possible to predict what causes ED, it is essential to be able to treat it effectively and safely with the available options.
Hopefully, this article has answered some of your questions about Viagra and helped you make a more informed decision about whether or not to try this drug for ED treatment.