This week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new formulation of the drug Viagra, which contains the active ingredient sildenafil. This is the first major change to the drug in 16 years, and many patients are eager to try it.
What exactly is Viagra?
Viagra is a drug that was initially developed to treat erectile dysfunction. The pill is typically taken orally and works by relaxing the muscle in the penis, which then allows the blood to flow into the penis and cause an erection.
However, over the years, the uses for Viagra have extended well beyond just sexual dysfunction. This is because the drug is also effective for pulmonary hypertension, a condition that can cause serious complications if not treated properly. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that Viagra could potentially prevent heart attacks and strokes in adults. This makes the drug a prime candidate for preventing heart disease.
Why Is Viagra Being Prescribed Now?
Nowadays, Viagra is frequently prescribed for men with erectile dysfunction, which is quite understandable, as the prescription drug is very effective and has been shown to work in nearly all situations. Furthermore, since the drug is so effective and easily available, many physicians are turning to it first, before prescribing other treatments. This is especially true for older patients, who may not respond well to other treatment options.
However, Viagra isn’t the only drug that can treat erectile dysfunction. There are other, equally effective pills, like vardenafil, which is a medication that targets the same mechanism of action as Viagra but is derived from a different plant. Additionally, there are injection therapies, such as papaverine. It’s important to note here that not all drugs that treat erectile dysfunction work the same way—some have additional advantages that make them preferable for certain situations.
Does This Change the Way You Should Be Taking Viagra?
If you’re currently taking Viagra and want to continue with the same treatment, there are no major changes recommended by your doctor. However, if you’re prescribed the drug for the first time or if your doctor wants to switch you to a different medication, here are some of the things you should know.
First off, as mentioned above, not all drugs that treat erectile dysfunction work the same way. It’s quite possible that your doctor will recommend you try one or more of the medications listed below before considering Viagra.
Tadalafil
This is another very effective medication that was recently approved by the FDA. It’s actually a combination of sildenafil and vardenafil, which are both used to treat erectile dysfunction. However, tadalafil is absorbed more slowly into the body than its counterparts, which makes it a more lasting medication. This is important for those who want to maintain an erection for a longer period of time.
Sildenafil
This is a medication that is related to Viagra, but it has a much shorter history of being prescribed. It’s typically used to treat lung disorders and is also a popular male sexual aid. However, like Viagra, it works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which results in an erection. It can be taken orally or as a vaginal cream and has a similar effect to Viagra. It’s quickly absorbed and has a lasting effect that can last up to 36 hours. However, it’s not for everyone, as some people have experienced severe side effects if they’ve taken it in high doses. It’s also only effective for certain situations, so it’s not a complete replacement for Viagra.
Vardenafil
This is another medication that targets the same exact area of the body as sildenafil and Viagra. It’s also a popular medication among men who want to increase their stamina during sex. However, vardenafil is slightly more effective than sildenafil at increasing blood flow to the penis, which makes it a better choice for those who want to achieve stronger erections. It’s also been shown to have some additional advantages, such as boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Papaverine
This is yet another medication that’s been around for a while but has recently gained popularity among patients with erectile dysfunction. It’s been around since the 1950s and was originally developed to treat blood vessel disease. However, recent studies have shown that papaverine can help improve sexual function in men and women. It’s a pharmacological compound that causes vasodilation—that is, it opens up the blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow throughout the body. This can result in an erection, but it can also be caused by sexual excitement alone.
There are also other, less commonly prescribed medications that can help with erectile dysfunction. These include yohimbine and methyclothiazide, but they are generally considered to be less effective than the above-mentioned medications. It’s quite possible that your doctor will recommend you try one or more of these medications before considering Viagra.
In any case, the above information should help you understand a little bit more about Viagra and its uses. As mentioned, not all drugs that treat erectile dysfunction are created equal—some are more effective than others, and in some situations, they may even be the only option available. What exactly is your doctor’s advice?