After watching people struggle with erectile dysfunction for decades, the manufacturers of Viagra finally brought us this wonderful medication that would allow men with ED to get back in the saddle and perform like princes once again. However, it wasn’t easy by any means. It took them over 20 years and numerous clinical trials to finally release Viagra to the market. Fortunately, they weren’t giving up and kept searching for a better solution. That’s when they stumbled across something called sildenafil. What is sildenafil? Let’s find out.
What is Sildenafil?
Sildenafil (also known as Viagra) is a medication used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). It inhibits an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is responsible for breaking down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the penis. As a result, more blood is pumped into the penis, which helps the penis expand to its full size. In clinical trials, sildenafil was shown to increase the rate of penile expansion by 35%, which is much better than the 13% rate noted with placebo treatment.
When Should You Try Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is generally recommended for men with ED who are at least 18 years old. It is not recommended for men with ED who are under 18 or over 65 years old. Sildenafil should not be used by men who are also taking nitrates (eg, nitroglycerin), as this could lead to potentially harmful reactions. Make sure to consult your doctor before starting any new medication, especially if you are already taking antidepressants or recreational drugs.
Is It Safe to Use Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is generally considered safe when used as prescribed, although there are some possible side effects. The most common side effect is headache, which occurs in about 7% of men. Other possible side effects include upset stomach, flushing, and a decrease in the amount of blood pressure medication the patient is required to take. In rare cases, sildenafil has been known to cause severe liver damage. Patients with severe liver injury while taking this medication should consult a doctor immediately.
Despite the possible side effects, sildenafil is a safe and effective medication for ED. Moreover, it’s a much more convenient option than trying to develop an ED medication from scratch. Inhibiting PDE5 is a much safer and simpler option than trying to find a way to stimulate the nitric oxide pathway (as was done with Viagra). Furthermore, this medication was specifically designed for use in patients with ED, so it’s not like you’re playing with fire by trying it.
How Does Sildenafil Work?
Just as with Viagra, sildenafil works by inhibiting PDE5. However, it does so at a vastly higher concentration. Sildenafil is considerably more potent than Viagra, which allows for safer and more effective use. This medication is also delivered in a different way – it is generally absorbed through the intestinal wall and into the blood stream, where it gets to work directly on the tissues in the penis.
What’s The Difference In Price?
Pharmaceutical companies generally don’t disclose the prices of medications, so it’s difficult to say exactly what sildenafil costs. However, we do know that Viagra was first marketed for use in men with erectile dysfunction in the 1980s and was initially sold for $8 a tablet. Today, a single 20mg tablet of Viagra will cost you about $50. This makes it one of the more expensive medications available online.
Is There Anything Other Than Sildenafil For Treating ED?
There are various other medications that are available to treat ED. They include vardenafil (also known as Levitra) and tadalafil (also known as Cialis). However, none of these medications are approved for use in patients with ED who do not also have hypertension (high blood pressure). As a result, they may not be suitable for all men with ED. Sildenafil is the drug of choice for treating ED because it is so effective and safe, even in men with hypertension. Furthermore, it’s the only medication specifically designed for use in men with ED.
With the right information, it’s easy to choose the right medications for treating your specific condition. In some cases, this may mean avoiding medication that you’re not supposed to take or using medications that may have harmful interactions with other medications you are taking. By taking the time to learn about your condition and the types of medication available to treat it, you can easily choose the right medication for you. This will help ensure that you’re getting the best possible results while minimizing any complications from the treatment.