Viagra(Sildenafil)

Overview:

Viagra, the brand name for sildenafil citrate, is a prescription medication primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) — the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. It is also prescribed under the name Revatio to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

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Mechanism of Action:

Viagra belongs to a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors).

• It works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme, which results in increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)

• This leads to relaxation of smooth muscle and improved blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, enabling and sustaining an erection

Important: It does not cause an erection without sexual arousal.

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Uses:

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED) – Primary indication

• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) – Marketed as Revatio

• Off-label uses include altitude sickness and Raynaud’s phenomenon (circulatory condition)

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Dosage:

• Typical starting dose: 50 mg, taken 30–60 minutes before sexual activity

• Dosage can be adjusted to 25 mg or 100 mg, depending on effectiveness and tolerance

• Maximum recommended dosing: once per day

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Onset and Duration:

• Starts working in 30 to 60 minutes

• Effects may last up to 4 hours, though the strongest effects are typically within 2 hours

• Best taken on an empty stomach for faster absorption

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Side Effects:

Common:

• Headache

• Flushing

• Indigestion

• Nasal congestion

• Dizziness

• Vision changes (blue tint, blurred vision)

Serious (rare):

• Priapism (prolonged, painful erection lasting more than 4 hours)

• Sudden hearing or vision loss

• Heart attack symptoms (especially in those with underlying cardiovascular disease)

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Contraindications & Warnings:

• Never use with nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) – may cause dangerous drops in blood pressure

• Use caution in individuals with heart disease, liver or kidney problems, or retinal disorders

• Avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice, which may increase side effects

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Drug Interactions:

• Nitrates (contraindicated)

• Alpha-blockers (may cause low blood pressure)

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) may increase sildenafil levels

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Advantages:

• Effective in most men with ED

• Well-studied and widely used globally

• Available in generic form (sildenafil) at a lower cost

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Limitations:

• Does not cure ED or increase sexual desire

• Not suitable for men with certain heart conditions

• Temporary solution — does not address underlying psychological or physical causes of ED

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Conclusion:

Viagra (sildenafil) is a trusted and effective medication for treating erectile dysfunction, enhancing blood flow to support natural sexual function. When used responsibly and under medical supervision, it can significantly improve sexual confidence and quality of life for many men.

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Let me know if you’d like a comparison with other ED treatments like Tadalafil (Cialis) or Vardenafil (Levitra).