Sildenafil (Viagra)
Basics
DESCRIPTION #
Sildenafil, better known as Viagra, is prescribed to men reporting impotence, for use approx. one hour before sexual activity, to produce erection. Viagra is not currently approved for use by women, though research is being conducted. There are numerous reports of off-label use for sexual enhancement of Viagra by men and women not experiencing Erectile Dysfunction.
There is some evidence, presented at the Society for Neuroscience Conference in Oct 2006, that sildenafil has an an anti-anxiety effect in rats as measured by standard tests (Vogel confict, etc) and this may play some part in why it is a successful ED treatment drug in humans.
There is some evidence, presented at the Society for Neuroscience Conference in Oct 2006, that sildenafil has an an anti-anxiety effect in rats as measured by standard tests (Vogel confict, etc) and this may play some part in why it is a successful ED treatment drug in humans.
Dose #
Doses range from 25 milligrams to 100 milligrams, depending on individual response. Tablets come in doses of 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg.
Price #
Price Summary Needed.
Chemistry #
Sildenafil is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which naturally occurs in erectile tissue. Phosphodiesterase type 5 breaks down the cGMP, which is produced during arousal and causes muscular and vascular changes which lead to an erection.
Pharmacology #
Pharmacology Summary Needed.
Production #
Production< Summary Needed.
History #
The FDA approved Viagra on March 27, 1998. Viagra is the first oral pill to treat impotence. Read an off-site account on the history of Viagra's creation.
Terminology / Slang #
Brand Names:
Viagra (Pfizer); Kamagra (India).
The Substance:
Sildenafil; Little Blue Pill; Blue.
The Experience:
No common terms known..
EFFECTS #
Effects Summary Needed.
PROBLEMS #
Viagra is a vaso-dilator, meaning that it expands (relaxes) blood vessels. It has been shown to be dangerous in combination with nitrates (a type of heart medication), and the possibility exists that this is also true for nitrites (also a heart medication, but used recreationally by some).
Contraindications #
- Contraindicated medications: Other impotence remedies including Caverject and Muse, Amlodipine (Norvasc), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, PCE), Itraconazole (Sporanox), Ketoconazole (Nizoral) Nitrates such as nitroglycerin, Isordil, Nitro-Bid, and Nitro-Dur, Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), Ritonavir (Norvir), Saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase), the protease inhibitor indinavir.
- Contraindicated conditions: heart problems, history of heart attack, stroke, heart irregularities, unstable angina, kidney problems, or liver problems.
- If you have a condition that might result in long-lasting erections, such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma (a disease of the bone marrow), or leukemia, use Viagra with caution. Also use cautiously if you have a genital problem or deformity such as Peyronie's disease.
- If an erection lasts more than 4 hours, seek treatment immediately. Permanent damage and impotence could result.
- If you have a bleeding disorder, a stomach ulcer, or the inherited eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, use this medication with caution. Its safety under these circumstances has not yet been studied.
- The effects of Viagra during pregnancy have not been studied.
Addiction Potential #
Addiction Potential Summary Needed.
Long Term Health Problems #
Long Term Health Problems Summary Needed.
Risk of Death #
Risk of Death Summary Needed.
CAUTION & DISCLAIMER #
Erowid Basics pages are summaries of data gathered from site visitors, government documents, books, websites, and other resources. We do our best to keep this information correct and up-to-date, but the field is complex and constantly changing. Information should always be verified through multiple sources.