In medicine, a drug is said to be effective when it is able to produce a clinically significant effect in the overall population. In other words, a drug is considered effective if it can improve the condition for which it was designed without causing any significant side effects.
Many medicines work in this way. However, not all pharmaceuticals are created equal. Some medicines are more effective than others, and it is important to understand the reasons behind this disparity.
How Does Viagra Work?
The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil citrate. This chemical compound is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor. Inhibition of this enzyme helps to prolong the effects of the nitric oxide produced by nerves in the penis. As a result, the muscles in the penis become more relaxed, which in turn leads to increased blood flow into the organ and an erection. The FDA-approved dosing for sildenafil citrate is 100 mg or less up to four times per day. This article will review the basics of how Viagra and similar compounds work.
What Is Phosphodiesterase Type 5?
PDE-5 is an enzyme that breaks down the potent neurotransmitter cyclic GMP. Remember, cyclic GMP is important for smooth muscle relaxation and thus plays a key role in maintaining circulatory integrity. In other words, PDE-5 plays a key role in keeping our bodies functional.
Inhibition of PDE-5 leads to increased levels of cyclic GMP. As a result, smooth muscle relaxation is improved which increases blood flow and allows for better treatment of conditions like pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. PDE-5 inhibitors are also used to treat erectile dysfunction and other conditions that might be worsened by smooth muscle relaxation. When given with nitrates, PDE-5 inhibitors can help to dilate the blood vessels and thus increase blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. Inhibition of PDE-5 might also improve insulin sensitivity and thus increase the effectiveness of oral hypoglycemic agents.
How Does Viagra Work In Erectile Dysfunction?
In erectile dysfunction, PDE-5 inhibitors are the first-line therapy for relieving the symptoms of the disorder. As previously mentioned, sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in Viagra and similar compounds. Thus, inhibiting PDE-5 with sildenafil citrate might help to improve blood flow into the penis during sexual stimulation. When given with an injection of yohimbine, sildenafil citrate can help to boost nitric oxide production and thus increase blood flow even more. Because erectile dysfunction is such a common problem, doctors often prescribe PDE-5 inhibitors for various sexual conditions including premature ejaculation and low libido. As a result, many men have found relief using these compounds, and the benefits of PDE-5 inhibition are clear.
What About Side Effects?
The most common side effects associated with the use of sildenafil citrate include gastrointestinal disturbances, such as flatulence and diarrhea. Other side effects include headache, dizziness, and visual disturbances. These symptoms are typically mild and occur in a small percentage of patients using sildenafil citrate. The most common adverse reaction to sildenafil citrate is headache, which occurs in about 10% of patients. However, this side effect is generally tolerable and rarely causes severe discomfort. In some cases, headache might be severe and lead to a need for hospitalization. When taking sildenafil citrate, patients are advised to consume more water than usual and avoid dehydration. The use of alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs while taking sildenafil citrate might further increase the risk of adverse reactions. Because sildenafil citrate works by inhibiting PDE-5, patients who are allergic to sulfites might also have an increased risk of experiencing adverse reactions. Lastly, since sildenafil citrate is a blood-pressure medication, individuals who use nitrates or any other medication that affects blood pressure (e.g., beta blockers) should not take this medication together with sildenafil citrate.
How Is Viagra Different From Other PDE-5 Inhibitors?
Other PDE-5 inhibitors that are currently available for use in the United States include avanafil and vardenafil. While these two compounds are more potent than sildenafil citrate, they are much more expensive to buy.
In addition to its cost, avanafil and vardenafil are both orally active medications which make them more prone to cause undesirable effects. As a result, they are less convenient to use than sildenafil citrate, which is an injection medication. Because of this and its other advantages, sildenafil citrate is often referred to as the gold standard among PDE-5 inhibitors.
Sildenafil citrate is also different from other available medications used to treat erectile dysfunction because it is a combination medication which includes an anti-depressant. As a result, there is the potential for increased efficacy when compared to single-entity treatments. However, more research is needed to determine the ideal dosage and combination of medications for treating erectile dysfunction.
Who Is Recommended To Try Viagra?
The most common patients that are recommended to try Viagra are those with erectile dysfunction. However, because of its side effects which are listed above, it is important to carefully consider the benefits and risks of this medication. Patients who are taking nitrates to treat their heart disease might not be good candidates for using sildenafil citrate since taking these compounds together might increase their risk of experiencing adverse reactions. In these cases, alternate treatment options with fewer side effects should be considered. As a result, a doctor might not recommend Viagra for use in patients with severe headaches, hypertension, or psychological problems. While most patients can benefit from using this medication, it is important to carefully weigh the risks against the benefits.
When Should You Try Viagra?
The ideal time to try Viagra is when sexual stimulation is desired and there is insufficient time to wait for symptoms to subside naturally. When given with an injection of yohimbine, sildenafil citrate can help to boost nitric oxide production and thus increase blood flow into the penis during sexual stimulation. Because blood flow is increased, patients might experience an improvement in erectile function sooner than they would if they were not given this combination. When given orally, Viagra might take up to 30 minutes to take effect. However, since it is an oral medication, it is easy to titrate the dosage to fit the patient’s needs. Because of its effectiveness and tolerable side effects profile, Viagra is commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction and similar conditions. This popular drug might also be helpful for women who are suffering from sexual disorders due to anxiety or stress.
When considering the benefits of Viagra as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, it is important to keep in mind that there are various types of treatments and medications available. In some cases, additional medication might be necessary, and it is important to find the one that is best suited for the individual patient.