Viagra: Drug Facts and Uses

Erectile dysfunction has become an issue of concern among men. Its reports are increasing with increasingly unhealthy conditions of modern lifestyle. If you are one of the victims of this health condition, then you must know its severity. If you do not treat it at the right time, you may lose your potency considerably.  But with the popular little blue pill called Viagra, it is not quite a trouble anymore. Here’s what you should know if you are getting Viagra online.

What is the little blue pill about?

Viagra, which is popularly known as the little blue pill, belongs to a drug class called PDE5 inhibitors. It is a brand version of the generic drug Sildenafil citrate. It is hands down the most popular erectile dysfunction medicine for men. And guess what? Viagra is the first oral ED pill for men ever discovered. It was given approval by the Food and Drug Administration in 1998.

How can it improve athletic performance?

Viagra is not primarily meant to improve athletic performance. But is an oral prescription drug for erectile dysfunction only. Improvement in the athletic performance is mainly a positive side-effect of this medication.

As Viagra can dilate blood vessels, it can aid in the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the different areas of the body, including the pulmonary system. This is seen to improve athletic performance even at higher altitudes where the oxygen concentration is low.

What does it do to treat erectile dysfunction?

Viagra is known for its proven efficiency in treating erectile dysfunction or male impotence. Its active drug Sildenafil can help to increase the blood flow to the penile nerve without causing any side effect. It can bind to the PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) enzyme and in turn, facilitate the production of an important molecule called cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate).

This cGMP is produced in the presence of nitric oxide released due to sexual stimulation. So Viagra can work only in the presence of such stimulation. As a result of this mechanism, the blood vessels get dilated and the blood flows freely to the erectile tissue of corpus cavernosum.

You should not take nitrates along with Viagra as it performs a similar function in dilating the blood vessels. If you take both at the same time, the blood levels might rise causing an undesirable effect on the cardiovascular system.

Can I take Viagra without prescription?

Well, it is not recommended to take this medication without prescription. This is because erectile dysfunction is a medical condition which requires the supervision of a doctor before going in for any treatment.

There are many health conditions which might not be compatible with Viagra. Similarly, there can be interactions of this ED pill with other drugs that you are taking at present. So, you must undergo a proper check up before using this medication for your treatment. There are many pharmacies which are offering this ED pill without prescription, but you must get an approval from your doctor to know its proper usage.

Who should not take Viagra?

·         Someone with a cardiac, metabolic or renal health condition

·         People with mental health conditions

·         Those taking other medications containing nitrates

·         Women should not take Viagra

·         Children and young adults under the age of 18 years

·         Those who are not suffering from erectile dysfunction