Erectile dysfunction is a problem that many men are subject to. Problems with an intimate life can arise both in the presence of serious diseases, and as a result of severe stress or mental trauma. In any case, representatives of the stronger sex are extremely kind to this topic.
Fortunately, problems with a lack of erection can be solved. Quite often, patients are prescribed the drug Sildenafil Citrate, also commonly known as Viagra. And many people are interested in questions about what this tool is and how it affects the body. How much is the drug? Are any complications possible while taking it?
Composition and form of release of the drug
The drug "Sildenafil" is available in the form of small oval tablets of blue or blue color. At the fault, they are white and almost white. In the pharmacy, you can buy blister packs with 1, 2, 4, 10 or 20 tablets.
The main active ingredient is sildenafil citrate - 100 mg, 50 mg or 25 mg in each tablet. Naturally, other auxiliary substances are present in the composition, in particular lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose and povidone. The film coating consists of polyvinyl alcohol, macrogol, talc, titanium dioxide, as well as dyes based on iron and aluminum.
The main pharmacological properties
Sildenafil citrate is nothing more than a selective inhibitor of the fifth type specific phosphodiesterase cycloguanosine monophosphate, which is responsible for the breakdown of cGMP.
In order to understand the mechanism of action, it is worth first considering the process of the occurrence of an erection. It is associated with the release of nitric oxide in the cavernous body, which leads to an increase in cGMP level, relaxation of the smooth muscles of the cavernous body and an increase in blood flow - this provides an erection of the penis.
Sildenafil does not directly affect the corpora cavernosa. But, due to the inhibition of phosphodiesterase, an increase in cGMP level is observed, which enhances the effect of the released nitric oxide and, accordingly, ensures the filling of the cavernous body with a large volume of blood.
After oral administration, the active substance is absorbed almost instantly. On average, its bioavailability is 40-60%. As a rule, the effect of taking the drug appears 60 minutes after administration, although this indicator can range from 30 to 90 minutes. The metabolism of the active substance occurs in the liver. Intestine and kidney exchange products are excreted. That is why taking tablets by patients suffering from impaired renal and hepatic function is possible only after a thorough examination by a doctor.
What are the indications for use?
Perhaps the only indication for the use of the drug Sildenafil Citrate is erectile dysfunction, namely, the inability to achieve and maintain an erection. It is worth noting that this drug is effective only if there is appropriate sexual stimulation. And Sildenafil Citrate tablets are not intended for women. After all, this drug is not a pathogen, its mechanism of action is associated with an increase in blood flow, which provides an erection, but not with an increase in sexual desire.
The drug "Sildenafil Citrate": instructions and doses
Immediately it is worth noting that before starting taking the pills you need to consult a doctor. Only a specialist can accurately select the most effective dose. As a rule, men are first prescribed 50 mg of the active ingredient. In the absence of the necessary reaction, the amount is increased to 100 mg. If, on the contrary, the initial dose caused side effects, it is reduced to 25 mg. You can take no more than 100 mg of the active substance at a time. It is not recommended to use tablets more than once a day. The dosage for people suffering from kidney and liver diseases is 25 mg.
Are there any contraindications?
Immediately it is worth saying that this medicine has contraindications, a list of which you must definitely familiarize yourself with:
- hypersensitivity to any of the constituent substances (carefully read the composition before use);
- since "Sildenafil Citrate" enhances the action of nitrates, it cannot be used along with other nitric oxide donors, any forms of nitrates and nitrites;
- metabolic disorders of lactose, in particular its intolerance, as well as lactase deficiency, glucose-galactose malabsorption;
- the drug is not intended for patients under the age of 18, as well as for women.
There are so-called relative contraindications, against which reception is possible, but only with all possible caution. This group includes various anatomical deformities of the penis, leukemia, thrombocythemia, sickle cell anemia, hereditary pigment retinitis, diseases accompanied by bleeding, including periods of exacerbation of peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines.
Potentially dangerous ailments include hypertension, hypotension, unstable angina, heart failure, stroke, and recent myocardial infarction.
What are the possible adverse reactions?
Despite the fact that the drug rarely causes serious side effects, they are still possible. These include:
- pain in the abdomen and chest, chills, swelling of the face, asthenia, hypersensitivity to light;
- allergic reactions;
- disorders of the nervous system, including increased drowsiness or insomnia, parasthesia, neuralgia, unusual dreams, cramps, stroke, ataxia, decreased reflexes;
- problems in the functioning of the cardiovascular system, including an increase or a sharp decrease in blood pressure, myocardial infarction, tachycardia, fainting, arrhythmias, cerebral vascular thrombosis, cardiomyopathy and heart failure;
- shortness of breath, cough, nosebleeds, sinusitis, bronchitis, aggravation of existing cough, asthma attacks and some other disorders of the respiratory system;
- disorders of the digestive tract, namely nausea, vomiting, glossitis, colitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, rectal bleeding, dry mouth, dysphagia;
- on the part of the sensory organs, pain in the eyes, visual impairment, cataracts, conjunctival lesions, pain and tinnitus, vertigo, deafness are possible.
Other side effects include synovitis, atritis, myalgia, bone pain, peripheral edema, pathological thirst, the development of gout and unstable diabetes, as well as skin ulcers, anorgasmia, excessive sweating, urinary incontinence, persistent and too long an erection.
Is an overdose possible?
There is no exact information about an overdose of the drug. Nevertheless, the constant use of too high doses of the drug Sildenafil Citrate increases the likelihood of side effects, namely dizziness, palpitations, color vision, diarrhea, and nausea. That is why it is necessary to strictly observe the doses recommended by the doctor, and in the presence of any deterioration, immediately consult a specialist.
The drug "Sildenafil Citrate": price
Of course, for many patients, the question of the cost of a particular medicine is extremely important. So how much does Sildenafil Citrate cost? The price in this case varies widely. Everything here depends on the manufacturer, the trade name (there are several drugs with the same basic composition), the price policy of the pharmacy, the city of residence, etc.
70-110 rubles - exactly what one tablet of Sildenafil Citrate will cost. You can buy a whole package at the pharmacy, but its cost, of course, will be higher - about 1100 rubles.
Patient reviews about the drug
Of course, many patients before buying are interested in the opinions of specialists and other men who have already managed to try this medicine. The reviews of doctors are mostly positive, since the Sildenafil preparation really does its job - it quickly provides an erection, regardless of whether it is due to physiological or psychological changes.
Naturally, the patients themselves are not in a hurry to advertise their experience, since erectile dysfunction is a sensitive issue for every man. Nevertheless, pills really help to cope with the problem and establish a sexual life. The effect of them lasts for several hours. Some men even note that sensations during intercourse become more vivid and intense. The price of the drug is quite affordable, which is also an important advantage. Side effects occur from time to time, but with this risk is associated with taking almost any drug.