This active ingredient is in Viagra
This active ingredient in sildenafil, a PDE-5 inhibitor (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor). It is a vasodilator substance. How does Viagra work? Viagra works by inhibiting an enzyme in the body that is responsible for the breakdown of cyclic guanine monophosphate (cGMP). During sexual arousal, this substance causes the penile arteries to dilate, allowing more blood to flow into the erectile tissue. The medication therefore indirectly ensures an increased concentration of cGMP in the body and thus leads to an increased erection. Without sexual stimulation, no erection occurs even after taking Viagra.
When is Viagra used?
The recommended Viagra dosage must not be exceeded. The usual daily dose is 50 mg, but can be adjusted individually. The maximum daily dose is 100 mg. If necessary, one tablet should be taken about 60 minutes before sexual intercourse and not more frequently than once a day. A lower maximum daily dose is recommended for certain conditions.
Viagra tablets are available in different dosages: 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg of the active ingredient are used. If food is taken at the same time, especially fatty foods, a delayed onset of action and slower metabolism is to be expected, as Viagra is also metabolized via the liver and kidneys.
What side effects does Viagra have?
Side effects rarely occur in the form of numbness, hypotension, hypertension, heart attack, atrial fibrillation or a stroke.
If signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or tongue occur after taking des, a doctor must be consulted immediately. The same applies to painful erections that last longer than four hours.
As Viagra can lead to dizziness and visual disturbances, special care should be taken when driving and operating machinery.
Viagra overdose
A higher than recommended dosage of Viagra does not increase the effect, but more frequent and more serious side effects occur. In this case, a doctor must be consulted and the medication discontinued.
The use of the drug should be avoided if concomitant treatment with vasodilator nitrates or so-called nitrogen donors is taking place, as Viagra can lead to a drastic increase in the effect of these drugs. Men who are advised against sexual activity, for example patients with serious cardiovascular diseases, should also refrain from taking Viagra. Furthermore, the drug must not be given to patients with severe liver dysfunction, after a recent stroke or heart attack, with severely reduced blood pressure, known allergies to the Viagra active ingredient, to women and minors.
Interactions with other medications must also be taken into account. For example, the active ingredient in Viagra interacts with CYP3A4 inhibitors such as the antibiotic erythromycin, the gastric acid blocker cimetidine or substances in grapefruit juice. This leads to an increased concentration of the active substance in the plasma level and therefore also to a change in the effect of the medication. Taking alpha blockers for high blood pressure or prostate problems together with Viagra can lead to orthostatic hypotension (position-dependent low blood pressure) with dizziness. In this case, use should be discussed with your doctor beforehand.
Viagra and alcohol
How to obtain Viagra
Does Viagra require a prescription? The answer to this question is “yes”, because it can only be prescribed by a doctor. The medication is available in all pharmacies. Commercially available dosage forms are tablets, film-coated tablets and orodispersible tablets with 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg active ingredient. Chewable tablets with 50 mg or 100 mg are also available. Like all medicines, Viagra tablets should be taken with a little water.
Interesting facts about Viagra
Complete information about this medicine
Here you will find the complete information on the drug as a download (PDF)
