A famous pill produced by the Pfizer Company used in impotence treatment. The name of the medicine comes from the unification of vitalis and Niagara words. Featuring politicians, sports stars and other celebrities, Viagra’s advertising campaign has been nearly impossible to miss.
It is a revolutionary innovation because before Viagra the lack of sexual reaction could be treated only with long lasting psychotherapy, injections or with artificial penis implants.
For this reason, it was met with great acclaim by both patients and physicians. While Viagra continues to hold a number of advantages over some of its predecessors, it does have limitations that might motivate some men to seek an alternative.
Ingredients
Viagra’s active ingredient is Sildenafil Citrate.
Action
The scientists who discovered sildenafil citrate were not looking for a treatment for erectile dysfunction at all, but rather a drug to treat hypertension and angina. While the treatment had little effect on these ailments, it did produce pronounced erections. Viagra increases the efficiency of hormones produced by sexual desire, which will cause better blood supply in penis, relaxing smooth muscle. In spite of rumors, there is no clinical evidence that it improves sexual performance in men who are not experiencing regular erectile dysfunction.
So if there is no sexual desire, Viagra is useless.
Indications
Viagra is typically prescribed to men who are experiencing regular difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection. Users take a dose roughly one hour before sexual activity and should experience an erection when sexually stimulated. While the drug’s effects last approximately 4 hours, the erection generally goes away upon release, as under normal circumstances.
Positives
- High success rate (over 80%)
- Treatment is taken orally, rather than injected or inserted as a suppository
- Posts clear usage warnings
- Generic version of Viagra is available without prescription at low prices
Negatives
- Does not increase libido
- Cannot be taken more than once in a 24-hour period
- Brand Viagra can be expensive and it is available by prescription only
- Numerous side effects were reported like headache, flushing, indigestion, stuffy or runny nose, upset stomach and diarrhea
- Should be used with caution or not used at all with alpha blockers.
- Should not be used with some antibiotic, antiviral or antifungal medications.
- Alcohol interaction not recommended
Prescription drugs like Viagra have provided relief for many men with erectile dysfunction. However, even before it entered the scene, herbal aphrodisiacs were used successfully to not only dilate blood vessels, but to stimulate sexual appetite too.
