What's viagra and what does it do?

  • Thread starter chound
  • Start date
In summary, Viagra is a tablet or medicine that is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It works by inhibiting enzymes that prevent blood flow to the penis, allowing for a sustained erection. Clinical studies have shown it to be a safe and effective treatment for this condition.
  • #1
chound
164
0
What's viagra? I know its some kind of tablet or medicine but what does it do?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
to joke or not to joke, that is the question

As most mortal men age, I'm not talking about me of course, but most men. As they age they find that it becomes increasingly more difficult to sustain an erection, that's what I've heard. Viagra gives the body a little boost and allows everyone to enjoy a fully erect penis again and again and again.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
It's also known as sildenafil. And here are the abstracts from the first two articles published on it.

Int J Impot Res. 1996 Jun;8(2):47-52.
Sildenafil: an orally active type 5 cyclic GMP-specific phosphodiesterase inhibitor for the treatment of penile erectile dysfunction.

Boolell M, Allen MJ, Ballard SA, Gepi-Attee S, Muirhead GJ, Naylor AM, Osterloh IH, Gingell C.

Pfizer Central Research, Sandwich, Kent, UK.

Sildenafil (Viagra, UK-92,480) is a novel oral agent under development for the treatment of penile erectile dysfunction. Erection is dependent on nitric oxide and its second messenger, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). However, the relative importance of phosphodiesterase (PDE) isozymes is not clear. We have identified both cGMP- and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-specific phosphodiesterases (PDEs) in human corpora cavernosa in vitro. The main PDE activity in this tissue was due to PDE5, with PDE2 and 3 also identified. Sildenafil is a selective inhibitor of PDE5 with a mean IC50 of 0.0039 microM. In human volunteers, we have shown sildenafil to have suitable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties (rapid absorption, relatively short half-life, no significant effect on heart rate and blood pressure) for an oral agent to be taken, as required, prior to sexual activity. Moreover, in a clinical study of 12 patients with erectile dysfunction without an established organic cause, we have shown sildenafil to enhance the erectile response (duration and rigidity of erection) to visual sexual stimulation, thus highlighting the important role of PDE5 in human penile erection. Sildenafil holds promise as a new effective oral treatment for penile erectile dysfunction.

Br J Urol. 1996 Aug;78(2):257-61.
Sildenafil, a novel effective oral therapy for male erectile dysfunction.

Boolell M, Gepi-Attee S, Gingell JC, Allen MJ.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and safety of sildenafil, a novel orally active inhibitor of the type-V cyclic guanosine monophosphate-specific phosphodiesterase (the predominant isoenzyme in the human corpus cavernosum) on penile erectile activity in patients with male erectile dysfunction of no established organic cause. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients (aged 36-63 years) with male erectile dysfunction of no established organic cause were entered into a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study which was conducted in two phases. In the first phase (four-way crossover), treatment efficacy was evaluated by measurements of penile rigidity using penile plethysmography during visual sexual stimulation at different doses of sildenafil (10, 25 and 50 mg or placebo). In the second phase (two-way crossover), efficacy was assessed by a diary record of penile erectile activity after single daily doses of sildenafil (25 mg) or placebo for 7 days. RESULTS: The mean (95% confidence interval, CI) duration of rigidity of > 80% at the base of the penis was 1.3 min (0.4-3.1) in patients on placebo, 3.5 min (1.6-7.3; P = 0.009) on 10 mg, 8.0 min (3.7-16.7; P = 0.003) on 25 mg and 11.2 min (5.6-22.3; P < 0.001) on 50 mg of sildenafil. The mean (95% CI) duration of rigidity of > 80% at the tip of the penis was 1.2 min (0.4-2.7) on placebo and 7.4 min (2.4-8.5; P = 0.001) on 50 mg sildenafil. From the diary record of daily erectile activity, the mean (95% CI) total number of erections was significantly higher in patients receiving sildenafil was 6.1 (3.2-11.4), compared with 1.3 (0.5-2.7) in those on placebo; 10 of 12 patients reported improved erectile activity while receiving sildenafil, compared with two of 12 on placebo (P = 0.018). Six patients on active treatment and five on placebo reported mild and transient adverse events which included headache, dyspepsia and pelvic musculo-skeletal pain. CONCLUSION: These results show that sildenafil is a well tolerated and effective oral therapy for male erectile dysfunction with no established organic cause and may represent a new class of peripherally acting drug for the treatment of this condition.


Perhaps someone can move this thread to Biology?
 
Last edited:
  • #4
chound, I would suggest you go to a search engine like www.google.com and search on it there.

tribdog has explained it's use and I can't see this thread heading anywhere but down from here.

edit - even better Moonbear has the clinical explanation. Thread closed before the jokes start.
 
Last edited:
  • #5
ok may be you can delete it.
 
  • #6
tribdog said:
to joke or not to joke, that is the question

As most mortal men age, I'm not talking about me of course, but most men. As they age they find that it becomes increasingly more difficult to sustain an erection, that's what I've heard. Viagra gives the body a little boost and allows everyone to enjoy a fully erect penis again and again and again.
and again and again
 
  • #7
tribdog said:
and again and again
geeze you're fast
 

Related to What's viagra and what does it do?

What is Viagra?

Viagra is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It contains the active ingredient sildenafil and works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping a man achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation.

How does Viagra work?

Viagra works by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is responsible for breaking down a compound called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP is important for relaxing the smooth muscles in the penis, allowing blood to flow in and create an erection. By inhibiting PDE5, Viagra helps to maintain the levels of cGMP and improve blood flow to the penis.

Is Viagra safe?

Viagra is generally considered safe for use by most men. However, like any medication, it may cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion, and nasal congestion. It's important to talk to your doctor before taking Viagra, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.

Can women take Viagra?

No, Viagra is not approved for use in women. It has only been studied and approved for use in men with erectile dysfunction. Women should not take Viagra, as it can cause serious side effects and may not be effective for treating sexual dysfunction in women.

How do I take Viagra?

Viagra is available in tablet form and should be taken orally as directed by your doctor. It is typically taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity and should not be taken more than once a day. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor and not to take more than the recommended dose.

Similar threads

  • General Discussion
Replies
1
Views
862
Replies
8
Views
651
  • General Discussion
Replies
5
Views
826
Replies
20
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
985
  • General Discussion
Replies
9
Views
728
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • General Discussion
Replies
4
Views
682
Replies
6
Views
885
Back
Top