Sildenafil, marketed under the brand Viagra and others, is an oral medication that has been used to treat erectile dysfunction as well as premature ejaculation. Farmington Drugs & Medical Supplies provides patients who need Viagra prescriptions at our home pharmacy or via free local deliveries for prescription refills.
What is Viagra? Viagra is a medication that contains the active ingredient sildenafil and is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Similar to Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil), Viagra (sildenafil) belongs to a class of medications known as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Through its mechanism of action, sildenafil helps relax smooth muscle in the penis and, as a result, increases the flow of blood to the penis and increasing the likelihood of getting an erection. Sildenafil does so by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide (NO). Viagra (sildenafil) does not work when no sexual stimulation is present. In other words, a man cannot get an erection if he is not sexually excited at the time sildenafil is used.
Viagra, like other medications used in the treatment of ED, can cause side effects. Side effects from Viagra (sildenafil) use include dizziness, rash, visual changes such as impairment of color discrimination, headaches and congestion. Decreases in sitting blood pressure were most notable 1-2 hours after sildenafil administration and was not different when compared to placebo at 8 hours. Viagra should not be used more than once per day or with alcohol. Viagra (sildenafil) does not cure erectile dysfunction or protect the user or a partner from a sexually transmitted disease. All questions and concerns regarding Viagra use and medication side effects should be discussed with one’s medical provider and pharmacist prior to using the medication.
Farmington Drugs & Medical Supplies takes pride in offering the most cost efficient services and prescriptions to our patients.
Viagra is available in different doses, including 25mg, 50mg and 100mg, and the right dose depends on the person and the instructions of their doctor or medical provider. Sildenafil itself looks like a white crystalline powder. When formulated into Viagra, however, it is in the shape of blue, film-coated, rounded-diamond-shaped tablets which is how Viagra earned the popular “the little blue pill” name. Of note, the absorption of Viagra (sildenafil) after a high fat meal is reduced. Viagra was only found in the semen of people who took it orally in small quantities. Elderly patients take longer to metabolize Viagra / sildenafil and renal insufficiency did not dramatically affect the clearance of Viagra from the body. Viagra also demonstrated improved erections in people with spinal cord injuries and radical prostatectomy patients.
After being taken orally, Viagra is rapidly absorbed and maximum observed plasma concentrations are reached within 120 minutes with a median time of 60 minutes when taken while fasting. Given these dynamics, it is generally recommended that Viagra (sildenafil) be taken 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity but the exact directions may vary from person to person and be customized based on the judgement of the prescribing medical provider. Viagra (sildenafil) lasts approximately 8 hours, limiting the time window in which it works but also limiting the side effects of the the medication when used.
Given the evolving nature of medicine and science, this information might not be accurate and should not be construed as medical advice or diagnosis / treatment recommendations. Please consult a licensed medical provider if you have additional questions.
