Viagra The Journey Continues
11 years back who would have imagined that a drug developed for the treatment of angina pectoris (a cardiovascular disease), could actually turn up to be a wonder drug for erectile dysfunction patients? No prizes for guessing, it's Viagra, the drug originally meant for cardiovascular problems but later found to be an immensely successful erectile dysfunction treatment drug. Viagra showed astounding prowess in erectile dysfunction treatment, more than 80% people suffering from impotence got a successful erection after taking Viagra.
Patented in 1996 by manufacturer Pfizer, Viagra got the FDA's approval for the treatment of erectile dysfunction on March 27, 1998. No other drug was approved before in the US to treat ED. Pfizer used brand name 'Viagra' for its hitherto new product. The name rhymes with the famous "Niagra" falls. Another theory has it that 'Viagra' originates from the Sanskrit word "vyghra", which means tiger. Viagra is also informally known as "Vitamin V", "the Blue Pill", "the Wonder Pill" and various other nicknames. It is a prescription drug and must be taken after thorough consultation with the doctor.
Viagra was a huge hit soon after its launch. The reasons for the massive popularity of these diamond shaped blue pills were quite simple and obvious. Millions and millions of men all over the world suffer from suffer form of erectile dysfunction, which has distressed their sexual lives. The causes for such impotence may be psychological, resulting from stress, fatigue, anxiety, or depression. But over 90% of the time, there are identifiable biological problems. The ED or impotence is prominent amongst men over 50 due to various hormonal changes in the body. This could result in partial or total loss of sexual function. It is here that Viagra scores over the traditional treatment options like penile implants, injectable drugs (into the penis), and vacuum constriction devices.
Simply, Viagra keeps the smooth muscle of penis relaxed. A relaxed penis allows good blood flow in and generation of an erection. Viagra works in sync with the natural processes of the body. It blocks the action of type 5 phosphodiesterase enzyme (PDE5). This enzyme, in turn, promotes the accumulation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a compound that causes a reduction in the amount of calcium within a muscle cell. This, in turn, results in relaxation of that muscle cell and promotes penile erection. The more cGMP inside the cell, the better the erection will be. However, cGMP is broken down by the PDE5 enzyme, which is available in large supply in the penis. This is why Viagra's ability to block the action of PDE5 is so essential. The drug allows the accumulation of cGMP, which permits an erection to develop and be maintained.
Other benefits of Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) can not be ignores. Recent research has found that Viagra can reduce the effects of stress on the heart. A lot of children suffering from acute heart problems have been treated successfully with Viagra..