Before the arrival of Viagra (Sildenafil) impotence treatment available before people were quite clumsy and inconvenient such as vacuum pumps, injection therapy and penis implants. Most men therefore preferred to be silent about their erectile dysfunction problem rather than go in for such uncomfortable treatments. The availability of Viagra made it possible for men to get firm erections conveniently by just popping the pill every time they wished to have sex.

Viagra (Sildenafil) is manufactured by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. The sensational drug was approved by the FDA in 1998. There was a huge demand for Viagra just as it was released which shows how much people were waiting for the availability of such an erectile dysfunction medication. For five-long years, was the only oral erectile dysfunction medication and therefore it enjoyed complete monopoly. The name ‘Viagra’ became etched in people’s mind as the synonym for erectile dysfunction medication. Today, when there are several other medications available such as Cialis and Levitra, many men still prefer Viagra as the drug has become a part of their life.

Sildenafil – the active ingredient in Viagra belongs to the class of medicines called Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. The action of in the body relaxes the smooth muscles in the penis so that more blood rushes into the penis. This mechanism facilitates improved and sustained erection necessary for successful sexual intercourse. It may be noted that Viagra (Sildenafil) will not cause you erections on its own. You will get an erection only in response to sexual stimulation. After the sexual activity is over, the erections will dissipate and the penis will return to its normal flaccid state.

Who can take Viagra?

Viagra (Sildenafil) is proven to be safe and effective drug in numerous clinical trials however, the drug may not be suitable for everyone. Always take after consulting your doctor and in the prescribed dosage. Listed below are the basic eligibility criteria for using Viagra -

Men only (above the age of 18)

Men who have erection problems all the time or just some of the time

Men with health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and depression

Viagra should not be taken by women and children.

People using any form of nitrate medicines should not use Viagra.

Viagra should be used in caution by men taking alpha-blocker medicines.

Lower Viagra dosage may be prescribed to men older than 65 years of age or those who have serious liver or kidney problems.

Lower Viagra dosage may also be prescribed to patients taking take protease inhibitors for the treatment of HIV.

Viagra should not be used by men in whom sexual activity is considered risky.

Like all prescription medicines Viagra also comes with certain side effects. However, most of Viagra side effects are mild to moderate and it is not likely that anyone who is using Viagra will suffer from these side effects. Some of the most commonly reported minor side effects of Viagra include headache, facial flushing, nasal congestion and dyspepsia. Most of the minor side effects of Viagra will either go on their own or in some cases may require OTC medicines. In case any of the Viagra side effects become bothersome or if you experience an erections lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism) consult your doctor immediately.