Viagra, since its introduction
into the market has gone from strength to strength.
It has rapidly become one of the most popular
and prescribed medications in the entire world.
Manufactured and marketed by Pfizer Inc., Viagra
was first introduced to the general public in
1998. A prescription drug, Viagra is used to treat
erectile dysfunction and impotence in men.
According to research, 9 Viagra tablets are prescribed
every second worldwide, while over 600,000 doctors
have recommended Viagra as their choice of prescription
medication to treat erectile dysfunction.
Ingredients
Viagra is available in doses of 25mg, 50mg and
100mg film coated tablets. The active ingredient
in Viagra is Sildenafil citrate. Each tablet contains
25 mg, 50mg, and 100 mg of Sildenafil citrate
respectively.
Other ingredients of Viagra include, microcrystalline
cellulose, calcium hydrogen phosphate (anhydrous),
croscarmellose and magnesium stearate. The film
coat of the tablet contains hypermellose, titanium
dioxide (E171), Lactose, triacetin and indigo
carmine aluminum lake (E132).
Chemical Description
Viagra, is the citrate salt of sildenafil, a selective
inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific
phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). Sildenafil citrate
is designated chemically as 1-[[3-(6,7-dihydro-1-methyl-7-oxo-3-propyl-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)-4-ethoxyphenyl]sulfonyl]-4-methylpiperazine
citrate.
Sildenafil citrate has a solubility of 3.5 mg/ml
in water and a molecular weight of 666.7.
Physical Description
Each Viagra tablet is film coated and blue in
colour. It is shaped like a rounded diamond. On
one side is marked “Pfizer,” while
on the other side is marked “VGR 25”,
“VGR 50” and “VGR 100”.
Description
Viagra belongs to a class of medications called
phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. It works
by helping relax the blood vessels in the male
sexual organ, allowing the blood to flow more
freely. Viagra does not cause an erection; it
only aids a person who is already sexually stimulated
to have an erection. Viagra is a prescription
medication and should not be taken by men who
do not suffer from erectile dysfunction. Viagra
is meant for treating impotence in men only. It
is not an aphrodisiac.
Viagra needs to be taken 30 minutes before commencing
any sexual activity, and goes on to work for around
four hours in the body. Viagra should only be
taken once a day, unless prescribed by your doctor.
Before you take Viagra
It is important to consult your doctor before
you take Viagra, as it is a prescription medication.
Do not take this drug if you;
- Are taking any medication containing nitrates
or nitric oxides such as amyl nitrate, as Viagra
can cause a serious increase in the effects of
these medications.
- Are allergic to Viagra or any of its other active
ingredients.
- Have a severe heart or liver problem.
- Have recently had a heart attack or stroke or
if you have low blood pressure.
- Have a rare eye disease known as retinitis pigmentosa.
- Have sickle cell anaemia or Leukaemia.
- Have multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer).
- Currently have a stomach ulcer or a bleeding
disorder.
Safety Information
Although Viagra has successfully treated erectile
dysfunction in many men, it is not meant for everyone.
Do not use Viagra with nitrate drugs, as your
blood pressure can drop to unsafe and/or life-threatening
levels.
Also, speak to your doctor and make sure your
heart is healthy for any sexual activity. If you
experience chest pain, nausea or any discomfort
during sex or have an erection longer than 4 hours
contact your doctor immediately.
Do not take Viagra with any other medication
for erectile dysfunction. Special precautions
need to be taken for men over the age of 65. Viagra
is not meant for women or children under the age
of 18.
Side effects of Viagra
Viagra is usually well tolerated in most men,
however mild side effects do occur. They include:
- Headaches
- Facial flushing
- Dizziness
- Indigestion
Less common side effects include; muscle aches
and changes in vision, with blurriness or a bluish
tinge. If you have an erection that lasts longer
than 4 hours contact your doctor immediately.
The only way to determine if Viagra is the right
medication for you is to speak to your doctor.
It is important that you visit your doctor and
let him decide if you can take Viagra. Also, make
sure that you give your doctor your entire medical
history and all the prescription and non-prescription
medications you are taking.
Taking Viagra
Take Viagra only as prescribed by the doctor.
Never take more Viagra then prescribed. Viagra
should be taken only once a day, and half an hour
before commencing any sexual activity. Viagra
can be taken with or without food, and should
be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
Do not take Viagra with alcohol, as alcohol can
impair the ability to have an erection.
Note
Remember Viagra
does not cause an erection; it only increases
the blood flow to the male sexual organ. It only
treats erectile dysfunction – it does not
cure it.
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