Viagra 100mg (Sildenafil Citrate)

Viagra, containing the active ingredient Sildenafil Citrate, is a globally recognized prescription medication for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). As the first widely available oral ED treatment, it revolutionized sexual medicine. However, its powerful effects on the circulatory system mean it must be used responsibly and only under medical supervision.

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING: Critical Heart and Drug Interactions

Viagra is a PDE5 inhibitor that can cause a significant drop in blood pressure. It is absolutely contraindicated and can be fatal if taken with nitrate medications used for chest pain (angina), such as nitroglycerin, or with recreational drugs known as “poppers” (amyl nitrate). It is a prescription-only medication. Individuals with a history of heart attack, stroke, severe high or low blood pressure, or other cardiovascular conditions require a thorough medical evaluation before considering Viagra.

What is Viagra (Sildenafil)?

Sildenafil is the active drug in Viagra. It belongs to the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor class. Its function is to help a man achieve and sustain an erection in response to sexual stimulation by increasing blood flow to the penis. It does not create arousal or increase libido.

Chemical Profile and Mechanism of Action

The process of achieving an erection is a complex vascular event.

1. Sexual stimulation triggers the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the penis.
2. NO activates an enzyme that produces cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
3. cGMP causes the smooth muscle tissue in the penis to relax and the arteries to widen, allowing blood to rush in and cause an erection.

The enzyme PDE5 naturally breaks down cGMP, causing the erection to subside. Viagra works by inhibiting PDE5. This allows cGMP to accumulate and remain active for longer, resulting in a stronger and more sustained erection. The effects of Viagra typically begin within 30-60 minutes and last for about 4-6 hours.

Approved Medical Uses

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): This is the primary and most well-known use of Viagra.
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Under the brand name Revatio, a different dosage of sildenafil is used to treat high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, improving exercise capacity in patients.

Critical Health Risks and Potential Side Effects of Viagra

Responsible use under a doctor’s care is generally safe, but side effects and risks exist.

Common Side Effects

These side effects are usually mild and temporary.

• Headache
• Flushing (warmth and redness in the face, neck, or chest)
• Upset stomach or indigestion
• Abnormal vision (such as a blue tinge to vision, light sensitivity, or blurred vision)
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Back pain or muscle pain

Serious and Long-Term Health Consequences

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of these rare but serious side effects:

• Priapism: An erection that is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. This is a medical emergency that can cause permanent damage if not treated.
• Sudden Vision Loss: This can be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a serious eye condition.
• Sudden Hearing Loss: A sudden decrease or loss of hearing, sometimes accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in ears) or dizziness.
• Cardiovascular Events: For men with underlying heart disease, sexual activity itself can be a strain. If you experience chest pain, severe dizziness, or fainting during sexual activity after taking Viagra, it constitutes a medical emergency.

Legal Status and Prescription Requirements

Viagra (Sildenafil) requires a prescription in most countries worldwide. Buying it from unverified online sources is dangerous. Counterfeit pills are rampant and may contain incorrect dosages, no active ingredient, or harmful substances like printer ink, drywall, or other drugs. A doctor’s visit ensures the medication is appropriate and safe for your specific health profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Viagra 100mg

Is 100mg the right dose for everyone?

No. Viagra is available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg doses. A doctor will typically start a patient on 50mg and adjust up or down based on effectiveness and side effects. The 100mg dose is the maximum recommended dose in a 24-hour period and carries a higher risk of side effects. Never take more than your prescribed dose.

Does Viagra make you last longer?

Viagra is primarily for achieving and maintaining an erection; it is not a treatment for premature ejaculation (PE). It will not directly increase the time to ejaculation.

Can you drink alcohol with Viagra?

While a small amount of alcohol may not be harmful, heavy drinking can counteract the effects of Viagra by making it harder to get an erection. Alcohol also lowers blood pressure, and combining it with Viagra can increase the risk of dizziness, fainting, and headaches.

Read more