INTRODUCTION

Sildenafil Citrate, marketed and sold as Viagra, Revatio and under many other brand names, has brought a sigh of relief for millions of men suffering from erectile dysfunction as the world before the introduction of Viagra was quite traumatic. Men with impotency problems had to resort to painful surgeries and vacuum therapies to get over their inabilities. Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) is approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of ED in men.

Viagra or Sildenafil Citrate is a powerful and selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzymes that break down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the corpus cavernosum of the penis. This results in increased levels of cGMP, leading to smooth muscle relaxation and enhanced blood flow into the penis. A perfect erection is what you’ll obtain ultimately. Another important thing to know is the molecular structure of both Sildenafil Citrate and cGMP is quite similar. Sildenafil functions as a competitive binding agent of PDE5 and helps to achieve increased cGMP and stronger erection.

Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) is unable to cause an erection with the absence of sexual stimulation. It is usually orally administered in 25, 50 and 100mg tablet forms. Apart from Sildenafil Citrate which is the active ingredient in this medication, each generic Viagra tablet comprises inactive ingredients such as microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, lactose, triacetin, and FD & C Blue #2 aluminum lake.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Sildenafil Citrate or Viagra is primarily indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. It is now turning out to be a standard treatment for ED in all circumstances and settings, including diabetes. In addition, Viagra is also indicated for effective treatment of rare disease pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In the recent past, Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) is also indicated for the prevention and treatment of high altitude pulmonary edema, commonly connected to altitude sickness. This particular condition is usually suffered by mountain climbers.

Viagra pills are blue and diamond-shaped. For majority of patients, the dose of Sildenafil for erectile dysfunction is 50mg taken, as needed, just 1 hour before sexual activity. Nevertheless, it may be taken anywhere between 4 hours and 0.5 hour before sexual intercourse. Your doctor may alter the recommended dosage to 100mg or 25mg on the basis of toleration and effectiveness. The maximum dosage frequency is once a day. For patients suffering from pulmonary arterial hypertension, the recommended dosage is one 20mg tablet of Revatio thrice a day.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

The contraindications of Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) must be known to avoid any mishaps. You should refrain from taking generic Viagra if you’re related to any of the following conditions:

• When consuming nitric oxide donors, organic nitrites and nitrates, such as glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin), sodium nitroprusside, amyl nitrite ("poppers").
• Recent heart attack or stroke
• Hypotension or low blood pressure
• Men who are advised not to involve in sexual intercourse because of cardiovascular risk factors
• Serious hepatic impairment, i.e. reduced liver function
• Severe impairment in renal function
• Inherited chronic retinal disorders (including genetic disorders of retinal phosphodiesterases)

SIDE EFFECTS

Some of the most common side effects of Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) include:

• Headache
• Impaired vision that includes pain in the eye when exposed to bright light, blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision and cyanopsia
• Flushing
• Dyspepsia
• Nasal congestion

There are some serious side effects of Sildenafil found through post-marketing observation. These rare side effects must be reported to doctor immediately when occurred.

• Priapism that points to painful erection and one that sustains for more than 4 hours
• Sudden hearing loss
• Severe hypotension or low blood pressure
• Heart attack and stroke
• Increased intraocular pressure