Viagra is considered to be the most famous drug against impotence. Its creation at the end of the 20th century turned the entire history of the fight against erectile dysfunction. The drug has survived several scandalous situations regarding side effects, but still remains one of the most effective against a delicate problem. There are a number of questions regarding the use of Viagra, the answers to which will help men to finally remove doubts and decide to use (or not to use) this medication.
What Is the Principle of Action?
The blue pill is based on the active substance sildenafil. It is an inhibitor that blocks the breakdown of a second messenger (a natural substance) called cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate). With physiological excitation in the blood, the concentration of cGMP increases, but under the influence of other compounds drops sharply. The same effect happens with the penis. Viagra slows down the process and helps the blood fill all cavernous bodies and vessels of the organ. Moreover, the action occurs mainly in the pelvic area.
Is a Prescription Required?
According to the instructions of the original Pfizer drug, this generic must be prescription. However, in recent years there have been changes in the approach to the medicinal treatment of impotence. Viagra is quite available as OTC product in pharmacies of some countries, as well as in specialized online stores. But, before deciding to purchase it, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the conditions for its administration. To do this, the best solution is still to see a doctor, especially with long-lasting erectile dysfunction.
How Does It Affect the Heart and General Condition?
Indeed, Viagra is often accused of a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system. But this is most often due to ignorance of his health and medical chronicle (anamnesis) by a patient himself. Like any medicine, this sexual impotence remedy has a number of warnings (relative or absolute contraindications). These include the presence of heart and liver diseases, taking other drugs and inhibitors. To know exactly about the combination of pills you should talk with your doctor. In any case, at the first dose, you should carefully monitor the reaction of your body.
How Much to Take and What is the Maximal Dose?
There are two types of Viagra now. Plain Viagra is produced in 25, 50 and 100 mg sildenafil dosage. There is a second product line with the addition of Connect name, it is available in 50 mg doses. A specialist will help with the selection of an individual dose, but if a man decides to experiment, it is better to start with a minimum dosage and look at the quality of the physiological response. Maximal allowed daily dosage is 100 mg. It is important to remember here that this is a statistically calculated dose and it can be reduced in accordance with the characteristics of health.
How to Take Viagra?
The estimated time of onset of action of sildenafil is about 1 hour, i.e. the tablet should be taken one hour before the planned sexual intercourse. The mechanism of the substance’s action implies the temporary effect. It is not recommended to use this drug in a systematic way–every day and for a long period of time. The positive side of Viagra is granting males an opportunity to achieve an erection and perform sufficiently during the whole process of intercourse without the classic daily intake of pills.
How Many Hours Does the Medicine Work?
The stimulating component of Viagra is contained in the blood for up to 5-6 hours, then the process of its weakening and excretion is started. This does not mean that the penis will be in an erect state all this time. During this period a man can make several full sexual intercourses with breaks (if his refractory period allows to do so). That the peak action of sildenafil is directly related to physical arousal. But if an erection lasts too long, i.e. more than 4 hours, and causes painful sensations, you need to immediately seek medical help.
Are There any Analogues of Viagra with the Same Effect?
After the expiration of the patent of the initial drug manufacturer, legal generics flooded the market. Even before expiration, Indian producers manufactured Viagra generic versions. In addition, sildenafil has become an active component in the line of many meds that are produced in the Eastern European countries. It is difficult to precisely determine their effectiveness compared to Viagra. Generics should meet pharmaceutical quality criteria, but there are many unscrupulous manufacturers who may practice underdose or overdose.
There are other drugs, such as Levitra and Cialis, which, due to their own active compounds, have the desired effect. All the medications vary in price, mode of intake, and individual compatibility.
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How is Viagra Combined with Alcohol and Other Products?
When using any stimulant medication against erectile dysfunction, it is not recommended to drink more than 1-2 glasses of wine (or about 4 units of some strong drink). Alcohol can not only reduce the expected effect, but also aggravate the manifestation of side effects. Viagra has a list of unpleasant manifestations like headache, hot flashes, and nausea. Sildenafil is intended to serve its function amid healthy indicators of blood quality, without impurities of alcohol and other foreign substances. In addition, the effect of the drug might be delayed or weakened if you take the pill on an overly full stomach. Grapefruit juice belongs to contraindicated products for combination with Viagra as it enhances risk of adverse events.
