More serious but rare side effects can include priapism (a painful erection lasting longer than four hours), sudden hearing loss, or viagra 60 vision loss. The drug is generally safe for most men, but it is not devoid of side effects. Common adverse reactions include headaches, sildenafil 100mg price at walgreens facial flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and, less commonly, changes in vision such as increased sensitivity to light or blurred vision.
Individuals with cardiovascular conditions, particularly those taking nitrate drugs for chest pain, are advised against using Viagra due to the risk of severe blood pressure drops. PDE5 breaks down cGMP, thus inhibiting erectile function; Viagra counters this by reducing the activity of PDE5, enhancing erectile response when a man is sexually stimulated. Under normal circumstances, upon sexual stimulation, nitric oxide (NO) is released in the corpus cavernosum. cGMP causes the smooth muscles of the corpus cavernosum to relax, leading to an inflow of blood and an erection.
The primary mechanism by which Viagra operates is through the inhibition of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is found predominantly in the corpus cavernosum, the spongy tissue of the penis. NO activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase, which results in increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This relaxation allows for increased blood flow into the penile tissues, leading to an erection. This nitric oxide stimulates the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a molecule that causes the smooth muscles in the penis to relax.
The active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Under normal conditions, upon sexual arousal, nitric oxide is released into the corpus cavernosum, part of the penis structure. The mechanism of action for Viagra involves the blocking of the PDE5 enzyme, which is predominantly found in the penis. It has shown potential in treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare but serious disease that affects the blood vessels in the lungs.
Beyond its use in erectile dysfunction, Viagra has also been explored for other medical conditions. For this indication, the drug is marketed under the name Revatio. Research is ongoing into other possible therapeutic uses, including its effects on heart disease, diabetes-induced kidney damage, and even certain types of cancer. It's crucial for users to follow medical advice strictly and avoid exceeding the prescribed dosage to prevent adverse effects. The recommended starting dose is 50 mg, but this can be adjusted based on efficacy and tolerability.
Its effects can last for up to four hours, providing ample time for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Viagra is typically taken orally, in the form of a pill, approximately 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity. Furthermore, ongoing research is investigating the potential of Viagra in other areas, such as its effects on heart function, diabetes-related complications, and even certain types of cancer, demonstrating the broad therapeutic potential of this medication beyond its initial indication.
