Sildenafil

What Is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil is a drug that is under the family of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Doctors mostly prescribe it for managing erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Sildenafil inhibits the PDE5 enzyme, thus improving blood flow, especially to the penis. This makes men to have and sustain an erection during the act of sexual intercourse.

The effects of Sildenafil are usually felt within 30 to 60 minutes and the effects can last up to four hours. However, it only works when there is sexual arousal and this means that one cannot use it at will.

Formulations of sildenafil

Sildenafil is available in two formulations –

Oral Tablets:

These are the ordinary tablets which are usually taken with water and not with any other liquid. Further, they have additives that include binders, which help in disintegration of the tablet, and sometimes pigments and flavors.

Sublingual Tablet:

These are oral tablets which are to be dissolved under the tongue. They are easily in liquid form and evaporate quickly without leaving any trace. Also, they are suitable especially for those patients with difficulty in swallowing food.

History Of sildenafil

Sildenafil citrate a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor and the active compound of Viagra and its similar drugs was first developed by a team in Pfizer under the leadership of Simon Campbell. On 27th March 1998, the FDA approved it, and the company introduced it to the market in the USA under the trade name Viagra.

When the patent for Viagra expired in 2013, Teva Pharmaceuticals was the first company to manufacture Generic Viagra in 2017. After that, many other pharmaceutical companies have entered the market and are manufacturing the Generic Viagra tablets.

A few notable manufacturers of sildenafil ( Generic Viagra ) include-

• Centurion Laboratories
• Aurobindo Pharma
• Amneal Pharmaceuticals
• Aurochem Laboratories
• Sunrise Remedies

Who can take sildenafil?

Doctors should not prescribe Sildenafil for men under 18 or over 70 years old who suffer from erectile dysfunction. Additionally, healthcare providers should prepare properly for its use. It is also recommended that patients take the required dosage as prescribed.

Uses of sildenafil

1. Erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension.
2. Physicians may prescribe sildenafil off-label for the treatment of altitude-induced hypoxemia. They can also use it for female sexual arousal disorder. Additionally, it may help treat secondary Raynaud phenomenon.

Benefits of sildenafil

1. Effective for Erectile Dysfunction:- Doctors use sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction, and studies have proven it to be very effective. Hence it boosts sexual drive and hence improves on the performance.
2. Quick Onset of Action:- It starts to work in half an hour to one hour. Therefore, it offers quick remedy.
3. Improves Blood Flow:- Sildenafil relaxes the smooth muscle of the arteries and other blood vessels in the penis. Therefore it enhances the ability of having stronger and longer erections.
4. Widely Studied and Trusted:- Many people across the world have extensively researched and trust Sildenafil as a well-studied drug. That is why they consider it to be quite safe.
5. Flexible Dosing Options:- Sildenafil comes in different concentrations to suit individual needs thus allowing for a customised treatment regimen. Besides, it meets different requirements.
6. Long Duration of Action:- Sildenafil does not last more than 4 to 6 hours. Because of this, it creates a much larger opportunity for sexual experiences.
7. Proven Track Record:- Millions of patients have prescribed it, and all have benefited from it since its approval. Therefore, it is one of the most frequently used drugs on the market.
8. Safe with Most Conditions:- Most health conditions usually tolerate Sildenafil well. However, it is always recommended to consult a doctor.
9. Compatible with Many Conditions:- Sildenafil is usually not dangerous for different diseases. Though you can try some remedies at home, experts recommend seeking the help of a health care provider.

Dosage of Sildenafil

Sildenafil comes in different strengths the 25mg, 50mg, 100mg, 120mg, 130mg, 150mg and the 200mg strengths. Nevertheless, the correct dosage depends on the age, the state of the patient’s health, and other prescribed medicines.

Dosage Guidelines

One should take one tablet an hour before the intended sexual activity. Also it should be taken with water and should not be chewed. Also, it is advisable that one does not break, cut or crush the tablet in any way. In addition, do not consume fatty meals prior to taking it since it slows down its uptake.

Also, it is recommended that one should consume only one tablet in a day only. But if the question is about changing the dosage then one should consult the doctor.

Side Effects Of Sildenafil

There are many factors that can cause side effects to happen. But this does not mean that all side effects are a cause of concern. For instance, a drug which is beneficial for one patient may not be the same for another patient.

Also, each substance is dangerous to some extent. Hence it is advisable to watch out for how you respond and share the information with your doctor.

• Headache
• Flushing
• Indigestion
• Nasal Congestion
• Dizziness
• Visual Disturbances
• Back Pain
• Priapism

Precautions and Warnings

If you are taking nitrate drugs for high blood pressure or heart problem such as angina, you should not take Sildenafil. Further, it does not protect against diseases use protection. You should avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice when taking this drug, as they will increase the side effects.

Also, do not take the medication after the stated date on the package it may be stale or dangerous. Also, do not take Sildenafil if you are allergic to any of the ingredient used in the product. Finally, if you have kidney or liver problems, your physician advises you to consult before using Sildenafil.

What Are Alternatives To Sildenafil?

Tadalafil

Vardenafil

Avanafil