This medication was the first ever FDA-approved treatment for men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Yet, this medicine was not intended for this condition when it was created. In fact, sildenafil citrate was created as a solution for a chest condition that was a result of poor blood flow.
Male patients started seeing improvements in their penis function. Pfizer scientists then shifted their focus to developing this treatment for male sexual dysfunction. This led to Viagra being created, and it quickly became, and still remains, the most popular solution for erection problems.
However, this medication was only sold by one company, it was only available in limited quantities, and the price was relatively high. Once the patent protection ended for sildenafil, these restrictions started changing. Generic alternatives started hitting the shelves, which offered men the same effectiveness, in a much cheaper package.
Online pharmacies are the best outlets to find these safe, and potent generics. On top of this, men can purchase this medication in multiple different formulas besides hard capsules. These include oral jellies, chewable pills, and effervescent tablets that dissolve in water.
Sildenafil directly influences the mechanisms behind erections. This medication is considered a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which means it prevents PDE5 enzymes from working temporarily. These enzymes direct circulation away from the penis because they constrict genital blood vessels.
According to the NHS, this treatment does not work automatically. Sexual stimulation is an essential part of this process. This is because arousal causes nitric oxide (NO) to be released, which can then bind to a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This chemical not only causes blood vessels to widen, but it is also the chemical that PDE5 enzymes target, and break down.
By stopping these enzymes from working, cGMP levels can increase, and this chemical stays active for longer. This means that men can form erections much more easily than before. Even better is that men's refractory period can also be reduced, leading to some men being able to form multiple erections during the active window.
Every man experiences this condition differently, which is why there are multiple sildenafil dosage strengths that are sold. These range from 50mg to 200mg for men who have serious cases of erection issues. Despite this, the dosing instructions remain the same for all patients who take this medication.
As stated by The Mayo Clinic, men should limit their dosage to once daily, regardless of the strength. There should never be two doses taken within 24 hours, as this can lead to more intense side effects occurring. For the standard hard pills, men should swallow their tablet whole with a tall glass of water. Patients need to avoid crushing or breaking these pills apart.
The oral jelly version is slightly different. Men just need to empty the contents of the sildenafil packet into their mouths, and swallow all of it. Chewable tablets work similarly, but patients need to chew on the tablet fully and then ingest it. The effervescent route just needs to be dissolved in water, and men drink the entire cup.
There are also precautions that patients should take close to the dosing period. Alcohol needs to be avoided as it can reduce overall sexual function, as well as cause inconsistent results. Grapefruit juice is another contraindication to steer clear of, as this liquid can increase sildenafil concentration in the bloodstream.
How quickly this medication works is based on a number of different factors. This includes the specific formulation, age, and weight. The NIH highlights that hard sildenafil pills take roughly 30-60 minutes to start producing effects. Chewable tablets act marginally faster, sitting at 20-30 minutes. Oral jellies and effervescent tablets are the quickest solutions, and men can see the effects within 15-20 minutes. Fortunately, men can take this medication on an empty stomach, or after eating, with fatty meals slightly stretching this onset.
Elderly patients, as well as those with slow metabolisms, process this medication more slowly. This means that these men need to take it slightly earlier than these usual guidelines. This extends to men who have a higher body fat percentage, as sildenafil is distributed and absorbed more gradually.
For the general patient pool, this medication lasts for 4 hours after the dose is taken. Despite different forms having varying onset times, this treatment lasts for the same amount of time. However, overweight or elderly patients may experience these effects for 5-6 hours. Regardless, these active windows provide men with more than enough time to have satisfying intimacy.
Generic medications are still viewed in a negative light by a lot of people. This is because there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding these treatments. It is important to recognise that sildenafil is the exact same active ingredient that is used in these alternatives, which is identical to the original ED medication.
On top of that, these generics are manufactured in carefully controlled facilities, which ensures that the same high standard is always maintained. The pharmaceutical companies that make these medications also have to prove that they match the same effectiveness and safety as the branded counterpart. This means that men can have confidence in sildenafil-based generics because they have passed all of the necessary clinical trials, plus the active ingredient is FDA-approved.
Another benefit of these medications is that they are far more affordable. The pharmaceutical companies do not have to do as much research, as they base their treatments directly on the originals. Since there are a lot of companies that produce their own versions, the pricing is much more competitive. This means that a lot more men dealing with this condition can access affordable solutions.
Although sildenafil is proven to be safe for most men who struggle with erection problems, there are still those who should not purchase this medication. This is based on previous health conditions that patients have dealt with in the past, as well as the current medications that are being taken.
Men who have a history of severe heart disease, as well as low blood pressure, should avoid this treatment due to the potential strain it can put on the cardiovascular system. This also includes patients who deal with serious liver problems, because this is the main organ that processes this medication.
Sildenafil can also negatively interact with other treatments. Based on information from MedlinePlus, one particular interaction that is dangerous is combining this treatment with nitrates. This pairing can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. Prostate medications, like alpha blockers, can potentially cause the same negative outcome.
This stresses the importance of men being aware of their previous and current health status. To be on the safe side, patients should visit a doctor before taking this medication for the first time.
All medications carry the risk of side effects, and sildenafil is no exception to this. Not every patient will experience them, but people who are taking this medication for the first time are the most likely to see these reactions. Once the body slowly adjusts to this treatment, there is a very high chance that these effects will stop.
According to Drugs.com, the most common side effects that men can expect are flushing, headaches, dizziness, nausea, an upset stomach, and a stuffy nose. The good news is that only 1 in every 100 patients will experience these symptoms, and they are generally mild in nature. Men should make sure that they stay properly hydrated, especially near the dosing period, to minimise the risk of these developing.
Serious side effects are not as common. But, they can come in the form of shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat, vision changes, and swelling. A priapism (an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours) can also occur. These reactions are more likely to occur in men who exceed their regular dosage, or those who have not been medically cleared to use sildenafil.
This medication has been available at regular pharmacies on prescription ever since its creation. While these pharmacies can be found easily nationwide, they are not the ideal place to buy sildenafil. This medication is often very expensive, there is no focus on privacy, and there are constantly long lines that customers have to worry about.
Online pharmacies offer customers a much better customer experience, especially for men with ED. These websites allow men to order this medication anonymously, and right from the comfort of their home. Even better is that these dispensaries are up and running 24 hours a day, meaning that men can purchase at their own convenience.
Sildenafil can also be bought in bulk, which is not something that regular pharmacies offer patients. This ensures men can purchase weeks or even months of supply, while also receiving huge discounts. The delivery service maintains privacy throughout, and they wrap every order in discreet packaging to ensure patient privacy.
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