SILDENAFIL (VIAGRA)
Sources: erowid.org; deprenyl.org

DESCRIPTION
Sildenafil, better known as Viagra, is prescribed to men reporting impotence, for use approx. one hour before sexual activity, to produce erection. Viagra is not currently approved for use by women, though research is being conducted. There are numerous reports of off-label use for sexual enhancement of Viagra by men and women not experiencing Erectile Dysfunction.

Dose
Doses range from 25 milligrams to 100 milligrams, depending on individual response. Tablets come in doses of 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg.

Law
Sildenafil is an unscheduled pharmaceutical available by prescription.

Chemistry
Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) works on an enzymatic level. It suppresses the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) which naturally occurs in erectile tissue. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) breaks down the body chemical known as cyclic GMP. Cyclic GMP is produced during arousal and causes muscular and vascular changes which lead to an erection. Men who don't produce a sufficient amount of cyclic GMP will have problems achieving an erection. Likewise, men with high levels of the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) will have problems maintaining an erection.

Sildenafil citrate doesn't produce the same results in all men. This is the case because for cyclic GMP to do its job in the first place, there have to be specific receptors. Men whose genetic program provides for a comparative generous number of receptor sites for cyclic GMP are likely to produce better erections than those with a smaller number. It's a variation in the human race that cannot be corrected by sildenafil citrate. This is why sildenafil citrate has only little effect in many younger men who do not suffer from erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil citrate will only work when erectile dysfunction is caused by either an insufficient amount of cyclic GMP, or by an overly active enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5).


History
The FDA approved Viagra on March 27, 1998. Viagra is the first oral pill to treat impotence. Read an off-site account on the history of Viagra's creation.

Terminology / Slang
Viagra, trail mix (when combined with Ecstasy)

PROBLEMS
Viagra is a vaso-dilator, meaning that it expands (relaxes) blood vessels. It has been shown to be dangerous in combination with nitrates (a type of heart medication), and the possibility exists that this is also true for nitrites (also a heart medication, but used recreationally by some).

Contraindications
- Contraindicated medications: Other impotence remedies including Caverject and Muse, Amlodipine (Norvasc), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, PCE), Itraconazole (Sporanox), Ketoconazole (Nizoral) Nitrates such as nitroglycerin, Isordil, Nitro-Bid, and Nitro-Dur, Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), Ritonavir (Norvir), Saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase), the protease inhibitor indinavir.
- Contraindicated conditions: heart problems, history of heart attack, stroke, heart irregularities, unstable angina, kidney problems, or liver problems.
- If you have a condition that might result in long-lasting erections, such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma (a disease of the bone marrow), or leukemia, use Viagra with caution. Also use cautiously if you have a genital problem or deformity such as Peyronie's disease.
- If an erection lasts more than 4 hours, seek treatment immediately. Permanent damage and impotence could result.
- If you have a bleeding disorder, a stomach ulcer, or the inherited eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa, use this medication with caution. Its safety under these circumstances has not yet been studied.
- The effects of Viagra during pregnancy have not been studied.
 

HOME