The active ingredient in viagra is sildenafil citrate (commonly known as Viagra). This is a chemical compound that is structurally similar to substances found in nature, such as ones found in peppers or grapes. The chemical name of sildenafil citrate is 1-[2-[4-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethyl]-3-methyl-4-oxo-2-nitropropane-key-laudanos-i-tetra-hydrochloride. Sildenafil citrate is a prescription drug that is used to treat erectile dysfunction (commonly known as impotence) in men. It is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.
How Does Viagra Work?
Sildenafil citrate works by increasing the blood flow to the penis. This causes the penis to become engorged with blood and, thus, enables it to become rigid (or stiff). When a man is aroused (or excited) sexually, the blood vessels in his pectoral muscles dilate, causing the formation of small blood vessels (capillaries). The dilation of these blood vessels encourages the flow of blood to the penis. This is how sildenafil citrate, as an impotence drug, makes it possible for men to achieve an erection. However, while sildenafil citrate treats the symptoms of erectile dysfunction, it does not provide any lasting relief. The treatment requires the individual to take the drug on a repeated basis or as needed. In the case of some people, this might mean taking the medication every two hours or more frequently, throughout the day.
What Are the Side Effects of Viagra?
Although sildenafil citrate is generally safe when used as directed, it can cause some side effects in some people. These include:
- headache
- dizziness
- nasal congestion
- insomnia
- anxiety
- visual disturbances
- bruising
- painful urination
- flushing
- heartburn
- trouble breathing
- chest pain
- faintness
- redness
In general, these are mild side effects. However, if you experience any severe side effects, you should stop taking the medication and consult your physician. Your physician may also prescribe you an alternative medication or recommend additional treatments, such as dietary changes or exercise regimens.
Is It Safe to Take Other Medications While You Are On Viagra?
Taking other medications while on Viagra is not recommended. Doing so can cause interactions that may be harmful or have negative effects on the individual’s health. Some examples of potentially dangerous interactions include:
- diabetes medications
- NSAIDs (such as aspirin or ibuprofen)
- blood thinners (such as warfarin)
- St. John’s Wort (a common herb that is used to treat depression and anxiety)
- liver enzymes (such as acetylsalicylic acid)
- cimetidine (an anti-ulcer medication)
- amitriptyline (an anti-depressant medication)
There are precautions you should take before you start taking sildenafil citrate (typically used to treat erectile dysfunction):
- do not take this drug if you are also taking medications for other medical conditions
- you should tell your physician about all of the medications you are taking, including vitamins and supplements
- take the drug at least 30 minutes before having sexual intercourse or other activities that could raise your heart rate
- do not take the drug if you have a history of heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary hypertension
- do not take the drug if you have any kind of heart condition
- consult your physician before taking this drug if you have diabetes
- discontinue use of the drug and consult your physician if adverse reactions occur
- you should not eat foods that are high in fat while taking the drug
- consult your physician if adverse reactions occur
If you experience any problems, talk to your physician or pharmacist. They should be able to help you find an alternative treatment that does not have these kinds of side effects.
What Forms Does Viagra Come In?
Viagra is available in the form of a tablet, a gel, a liquid, and an injectable. The tablet and gel forms of this medication are considered to be the most convenient for ingestion. However, the injectable form has proved to be the most effective when administered directly into the penis (as with a syringe).
Is It Possible to Take Too Much Viagra?
It is not recommended to take more than one dose of Viagra every 24 hours, or to take the medication every two hours or more frequently. Taking more than the recommended dose of this drug can cause serious side effects, including heart attacks and strokes. If you suspect that you have taken too much of the drug, consult your physician as soon as possible.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Work?
The effects of sildenafil citrate (the active ingredient in Viagra) usually begin to be seen within ten to twenty minutes of taking the medication. However, it can take up to an hour or more before the full benefits of the drug are felt. During this time, the user might experience some side effects, but these are usually mild and disappear once the drug is in effect.
It is also important to remember that the effects of the drug wear off after about thirty minutes of sexual activity. However, if sexual activity is continued past the point when the drug’s effects are felt, the user’s sexual performance might be severely impaired due to the exhaustion of the drug. It is essential, therefore, to maintain some level of sexual stimulation during this period so that the benefits of the drug are not entirely lost.
Conclusion
In summary, Viagra is a medication that is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It is a generic medication that is available over the counter in most parts of the world. While it is considered to be a safe and effective treatment, it does have some side effects. These include headache, dizziness, nasal congestion, insomnia, anxiety, visual disturbances, bruising, pain in the urination, flushing, heartburn, trouble breathing, chest pain, faintness, redness, and digestive problems.
If you experience any side effects from this medication, contact your physician. They should be able to help you find an alternative treatment that does not cause these kinds of side effects.