The development of Sildenafil (Viagra) was a groundbreaking medical advancement. At the time of its creation, it was the first orally active phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which works by increasing the blood flow to the penis. To date, it remains one of the most popular prescription drugs in the world, prescribed to nearly a third of men in the United States alone.
Unlike most other prescription drugs, Viagra is the result of a unique drug development process. As a once-daily medication, it is relatively easy for patients to take and gives a consistent and reliable level of efficacy. Thanks to this, as well as its unique chemical structure which improves bioavailability, the drug has achieved legendary status.
How Does It Work?
The compound Sildenafil was first isolated in 1974 from the fruit of the plant *Spiraea nepeta* (now known as *S. vulgaris*). It was initially thought to be an ester (a type of chemical compound) but was later identified as a nitrate ester.
Nitrates are compounds which contain a nitrogen atom in some form. They are both toxic and carcinogenic. They can be found in pesticides and fertilizers. Drinking too much alcohol can also cause damage to your liver, which in turn can increase the risk of developing nitrate ester-induced liver damage.
Sildenafil inhibits the enzyme PDE5, which is responsible for breaking down cGMP in the corpus cavernosum. This inhibits the degradation of cGMP, which in turn results in increased levels of cGMP in your body. As you may recall from school, cGMP is a “second messenger” which diffuses passively through the cell membrane. This allows it to bind to and activate a variety of cellular proteins which regulate both muscle and nerve function.
When placed in the corpus cavernosum, cGMP acts directly on the smooth muscle tissue to relax it. This results in increased blood flow throughout the entire penis and scrotum. In addition, Sildenafil also helps prevent the death of corpus cavernosum cells, which results in greater sexual desire and performance. So in a sense, it is both an aphrodisiac and a vasodilator.
What Is The Maximum Safe Dose?
Thanks to its positive effect on blood circulation, Sildenafil is considered to be a “low-risk” drug. Because of this, the usual dose requirements are quite low. The most common side effect is headache, which occurs in about one in 10 users. This is usually mild and goes away within a few hours of taking the drug. More severe side effects are relatively rare and include chest pain, photophobia (sensitivity to light), and high blood pressure. If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue use and contact your personal physician.
Can It Be Trusted?
A commonly held misconception is that because Viagra is a “cheaper alternative” to medications like Cialis or Levitra, it must be a less effective option. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Studies have shown that Sildenafil is at least as effective as comparable medications and has the advantage of being much more affordable.
The fact that it is oral and taken once a day makes it easy for patients to follow and consistent in effectiveness. Additionally, because it is a purely herbal remedy, there is no risk of drug interactions or adverse side effects.
Where Can I Buy It?
The active compound Sildenafil can be found in dozens of clinical trials, as a generic or brand name drug. You may be able to locate a reputable discount pharmacy and get a reasonable price or may have to purchase it directly from a legitimate medicine company. Check to see if your local pharmacy offers any discounts if you are taking medication for erectile dysfunction or if you are in need of a cheaper alternative.