- Sildenafil citrate was originally developed as a treatment for hypertension; however, clinical tests did not prove this application to be effective. The drug's ability to produce an erection in men was noted and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals recognized its potential as a treatment for ED. The drug was patented in 1996, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of ED in 1998 and brought to market in 1999 under the brand name, Viagra.
- Numerous health problems can result in a decreased flow of blood through the arteries of the penis. Inadequate blood flow can prevent a man from getting or maintaining an erection. Viagra is designed to help increase the blood flow to the penis allowing a man to get and maintain a hard erection making sexual activity more enjoyable for the man and his partner.
- Viagra is an "on-demand" medication, meaning it is only taken when a man is interested in engaging in sexual activity. It works with the body's natural sex mechanisms to allow erections to form once the man becomes sexually aroused. Once the arousal has passed, the erection should naturally go away.
- Because every individual is different, only the patient's health care provider can determine the correct dosage. However, the standard dose for most men suffering from ED is the 50 mg tablet. One tablet should be taken approximately 1 hour before engaging in sex. Effects from taking Viagra typically begin within 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking the drug. Effects of the drug can last up to 4 hours. Individuals should monitor their experience with the drug to determine the most effective time for them to take it. It is not recommended to take Viagra more than once per day.
- The most commonly reported side effects of Viagra include headache, flushing, dyspepsia and nasal congestion. Viagra is not recommended for men who take nitrates for chest pain. The manufacturer warns that rare cases of erections lasting more than 4 hours have been reported. In these cases, medical treatment is urged to prevent long-term injury.
