This smooth muscle relaxation leads to vasodilation and increased inflow of blood into the spongy tissue of the penis, causing an erection.

How it works

Sildenafil has been studied for high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), but its use is currently not recommended for that indication. In clinical trials, the most common adverse effects of sildenafil use included headache, flushing, indigestion, nasal congestion, and impaired vision, including photophobia and blurred vision. [4] Some sildenafil users have complained of seeing everything tinted blue (cyanopsia). [24] This cyanopsia can be explained because sildenafil, while selective for PDE5, does have some affinity for PDE6, which is the phosphodiesterase found in the retina. Patients thus taking the drug may experience colorvision abnormalities.

Viagra and Melanoma (Skin Cancer)

Some complained of blurriness and loss of peripheral vision. In July 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated labeling for tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and sildenafil (Viagra) to reflect a viagra over the counter small number of post-marketing reports of sudden vision loss, while acknowledging that "...it is not possible to determine whether these oral medicines for erectile dysfunction were the cause of the loss of eyesight or whether the problem is related to other factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes, or to a combination of these problems. "[25] A careful review of pooled data from clinical trials containing well documented information about the dose and duration of exposure to the drug for a large number of patients, yields no evidence for an increased risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or other adverse ocular events associated with PDE5 inhibitor use. Rare but serious adverse effects found through postmarketing surveillance include prolonged erections, severe low blood pressure, myocardial infarction (heart attack), ventricular arrhythmias, stroke, increased intraocular pressure, and sudden hearing loss. [4] In October 2007, the FDA announced that the labeling for all PDE5 inhibitors, including sildenafil, required a more prominent warning of the potential risk of sudden hearing loss.

Medications & Supplements

Care should be exercised by people who are also taking protease inhibitors for the treatment of HIV infection. Protease inhibitors inhibit the metabolism of sildenafil, effectively multiplying the plasma levels of sildenafil, increasing the incidence and severity of side effects. Those using protease inhibitors are recommended to limit their use of sildenafil to no more than one 25 mg dose every 48 hours. [4] Other drugs that interfere with the metabolism of sildenafil include erythromycin and cimetidine, both of which can also lead to prolonged plasma half-life levels. The use of sildenafil and an α1 blocker (typically prescribed for hypertension or for urologic conditions, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy) at the same time may lead to low blood pressure, but this effect does not occur if they are taken at least 4 hours apart. [49] Robert F.

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Viagra Original100mg8 Pills59.84€ 56.99€
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Viagra Original100mg34 + 2 Pills163.67€ 155.88€

Furchgott, Ferid Murad, and Louis Ignarro won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1998 for their independent study of the metabolic pathway of nitric oxide in smooth muscle vasodilation.

What side effects can this medication cause?

However, at least one court case has resulted in a product being taken off the market. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned numerous products claiming to be Eurycoma longifolia that, in fact, contain only analogs of sildenafil. [44][45][46] Sellers of such fake herbals typically respond by just changing the names of their products. Sildenafil and/or N-desmethylsildenafil, its major active metabolite, may be quantified in plasma, serum, or whole blood to assess pharmacokinetic status in those receiving the drug therapeutically, to confirm the diagnosis in potential poisoning victims, or to assist in the forensic investigation in a case of fatal overdose. Nitric oxide (NO) in the corpus cavernosum of the penis binds to guanylate cyclase receptors, which results in increased levels of cGMP, leading to smooth muscle relaxation (vasodilation) of the intimal cushions of the helicine arteries. The molecular mechanism of smooth muscle relaxation involves the enzyme CGMP-dependent protein kinase, also known as PKG. This kinase is activated by cGMP and it phosphorylates multiple targets in the smooth muscle cells, namely myosin light chain phosphatase, RhoA, IP3 receptor, phospholipase C, and others.

  • Viagra can improve quality of life for men with ED.
  • It has a rapid metabolism, often cleared within 4 hours.
  • Erectile dysfunction may indicate underlying health problems needing attention.
  • Some people experience back pain or muscle aches as side effects.
  • It is recommended to avoid fatty foods close to the time of taking Viagra.
  • Using Viagra without medical supervision is unsafe.
  • Erectile response to Viagra depends on psychological and physical factors.
  • The medication is available at pharmacies with a valid prescription.

[50] Overall, this results in a decrease in intracellular calcium and desensitizing proteins to the effects of calcium, engendering smooth muscle relaxation.

Side Effect Severity Frequency Description
Headache Mild to Moderate Common Usually resolves within hours
Flushing Mild Common Redness and warmth in face
Nasal Congestion Mild Common Blocked or runny nose
Dizziness Mild Less Common Slight feeling of lightheadedness
Visual Disturbances Mild Less Common Blue tint or blurred vision

The molecular structure of sildenafil is similar to that of cGMP and acts as a competitive binding agent of PDE5 in the corpus cavernosum, resulting in more cGMP and increased penile response to sexual stimulation.

  • Viagra’s introduction marked a shift towards oral solutions for ED.
  • It is contraindicated in men taking certain blood pressure medications.
  • The medication’s cost varies based on brand and dosage.
  • Use of Viagra is generally not recommended with certain recreational drugs.
  • Patients should disclose all health issues to their doctor before use.
  • The drug has helped millions regain sexual confidence.
  • Some users report no effect if taken without sexual stimulation.
  • Development of drug resistance or tolerance is very rare.

[49][51] Without sexual stimulation, and therefore lack of activation of the NO/cGMP system, sildenafil should not cause an erection.

Aspect Description Notes
FDA Approval Approved for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension Ensures safety and efficacy
Prescription Requirement Yes, prescription needed in most countries Legal distribution restrictions
Counterfeit Risks High risk online; authenticity varies Purchase from reputable sources
Patent Duration Patented until 2020s; generics now available Price reduction post-patent expiry
Advertising Regulations Strict rules on direct-to-consumer advertising Limits false or misleading claims

Other drugs that operate by the same mechanism include tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra).

  • Viagra should be taken approximately one hour before sexual activity.
  • It may interact with medications for blood pressure and prostate issues.
  • Alcohol consumption can reduce the effectiveness of Viagra.
  • Patients should consult their doctor about their health history before use.
  • Erectile dysfunction can be caused by health issues such as diabetes or obesity.
  • Viagra is classified as a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor.
  • Its patent was initially held by Pfizer, leading to widespread popularity.
  • Generic versions of sildenafil are available in many countries.

Sildenafil is broken down in the liver by hepatic metabolism using cytochrome p450 enzymes, mainly CYP450 3A4 (major route), but also by CYP2C9 (minor route) hepatic isoenzymes.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Concomitant use of nitric oxide donors, organic nitrites and nitrates,[30] such as: nitroglycerinisosorbide mononitrateisosorbide dinitratesodium nitroprussidealkyl nitrites (commonly known as "poppers") Concomitant use of soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulators, such as riociguat Sildenafil should not be used if sexual activity is inadvisable due to underlying cardiovascular risk factors. Sildenafil's popularity with young adults has increased over the years. [32] Sildenafil's brand name, Viagra, is widely recognized in popular culture, and the drug's association with treating erectile dysfunction has led to its recreational use. [33] The reasons behind such use include the belief that the drug increases libido, improves sexual performance,[33] or permanently increases penis size. [34] Studies on the effects of sildenafil when used recreationally are limited, but suggest it has little effect when used by those who do not have erectile dysfunction.

Expired, fake and contaminated pills

In one study, a 25 mg dose was shown to cause no significant change in erectile quality, but did reduce the postejaculatory refractory time. [35] This study also noted a significant placebo effect in the control group. Unprescribed recreational use of sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors is noted as particularly high among users of illegal drugs. [36] Sildenafil is sometimes used to counteract the effects of other substances, often illicit. [33] Some viagra gel users mix it with methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy), other stimulants, or opiates in an attempt to compensate for the common side effect of erectile dysfunction, a combination known as "sextasy", "rockin' and rollin'", "hammerheading", or "trail mix".

Is Viagra a blood thinner?

[33] Mixing it with amyl nitrite, another vasodilator, is particularly dangerous and potentially fatal. The 2007 Ig Nobel Prize in aviation went to Patricia V. Agostino, Santiago A. Plano, and Diego A. Golombek of Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Argentina, for their discovery that sildenafil helps treat jet lag recovery in hamsters. The major product of metabolisation by these enzymes is N-desmethylated sildenafil, which is metabolised further.

Administration and Dosages of Viagra

[8] It requires sexual arousal to work, and does not by itself cause or increase sexual arousal. [8] It also results in dilation of the blood vessels in the lungs. Pfizer originally discovered the medication in 1989 while looking for a treatment for angina. [11] It was approved for medical use in the United States and in the European Union in 1998. [5][8][11][12] In 2023, it was the 151st most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 3 million prescriptions.

Professional resources

[13][14] It is available as a generic medication. [15][16] In the United Kingdom, it is available as a pharmacy medicine. The primary indication of sildenafil is treatment of erectile dysfunction (inability to sustain a satisfactory erection to complete sexual intercourse). Its use is now one of the standard treatments for erectile dysfunction, including for males with diabetes mellitus. Tentative evidence suggests that sildenafil may help males who experience antidepressant-induced erectile dysfunction.

How can I tell if Viagra’s not working?

While sildenafil improves some markers of disease in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension, it does not appear to affect the risk of death or serious side effects. Sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors are used off-label to alleviate vasospasm and treat severe ischemia and ulcers in fingers and toes for people with secondary Raynaud's phenomenon;[9][21] these drugs have moderate efficacy for reducing the frequency and duration of vasospastic episodes. [9] As of 2016,[update] their role more generally in Raynaud's was not clear. Sildenafil has shown some potential for improving exercise performance at high altitudes. However, its overall efficacy is not clear. This metabolite also has an affinity for the PDE receptors, about 40% of that of sildenafil. Thus, the metabolite is responsible for about 20% of sildenafil's action.

Detection in biological fluids

Professional athletes have been documented using sildenafil, believing the opening of their blood vessels will enrich their muscles. In turn, they believe it will enhance their performances. Acetildenafil and other synthetic structural analogs of sildenafil which are PDE5 inhibitors have been found as adulterants in a number of "herbal" aphrodisiac products sold over-the-counter. [41] These analogs have not undergone any of the viagra vardenafil 20mg rigorous testing that drugs like sildenafil have passed, and thus have unknown side-effect profiles. [42] Some attempts have been made to ban these drugs, but progress has been slow so far, as, even in those jurisdictions that have laws targeting designer drugs, the laws are drafted to ban analogs of illegal drugs of abuse, rather than analogs of prescription medicines. Sildenafil is excreted as metabolites predominantly in the feces (about 80% of administered oral dose) and to a lesser extent in the urine (around 13% of the administered oral dose).

  • Research continues into new formulations of ED medications inspired by Viagra.
  • Viagra's effects can differ based on individual blood chemistry.
  • Combining Viagra with recreational drugs is highly dangerous.
  • Men with neural or psychological ED might benefit from therapy alongside medication.
  • The drug was a result of research into vascular health and nitric oxide.
  • Viagra can be used as a diagnostic tool in certain medical tests.
  • It is crucial to follow prescribed doses to avoid adverse reactions.
  • Lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet, can improve ED alongside medication.

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Dr. med. Fabienne Gretener

Werdegang

Januar 2024 bis heute
Oberärztin SenoMed AG
Schwerpunktsweiterbildung gynäkologische Senology

März 2023 – Dezember 2023
Oberärztin, SenoMed AG Bern 20%

Januar 2023 – November 2023
Assistenzärztin Psychiatrie, Klinik Meissenberg Zug

Januar 2021 – November 2022
Assistenzärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Bürgerspital Solothurn

November 2019 – Oktober 2020
Assistenzärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Kantonsspital Aarau

Januar 2017 – Juli 2019
Assistenzärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Kantonsspital Olten

Paul Laszlo Bernhard

Werdegang

Jan 2024 bis heute
Facharzt SenoMed AG – Brustzentrum Bern Biel

Aug 2019 – Dez 2023
Oberarzt Frauenklinik und Brustzentrum Bürgerspital, Solothurn, Schwerpunktweiterbildung operative Gynecology und Geburtshilfe sowie Senology

Mai 2019 Facharzttitel Gynecology & Geburtshilfe

Apr 2016 – Jul 2019
Arzt in Weiterbildung, Inselspital Bern, Universitätsklinik für Frauenheilkunde

Dez 2014 – Apr 2016
Arzt in Weiterbildung, Kantonsspital Baden

Sep 2012 – Sep 2014
Arzt in Weiterbildung, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden

Feb 2012 – Sep 2012
Arzt in Weiterbildung, Universitätsfrauenklinik Leipzig

Nov 2011 Approbation zum Arzt

2005 – 2011
Studium der Humanmedizin an der Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Dr. med. Patrizia Sager

Werdegang

Okt 2023 bis heute
Leiterin Weiterbildungsstätte gynäkologische Senology

Feb 2018 – bis heute
Leiterin Brustzentrum Bern Biel
Practiceinhaberin SenoMed AG

Nov 2017 – bis heute
Belegärztin Salem-Spital Bern

Jan 2013 – Okt 2017
Leitung Senology Brustzentrum Frauenklinik Universitätsspital Insel, Bern

Jan 2012 – Dez 2012
Oberärztin Gynecology / Geburtshilfe, Frauenklinik Universitätsspital Insel, Bern

Nov 2010 – Dez 2011
Leitende Ärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Frauenklinik Rheinfelden (DE)

Nov 2009 – Okt 2010
Oberärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Kantonsspital Liestal

Jan 2009 – Okt 2009
Oberärztin i.V. Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Regionalspital Interlaken

Jun 2008 – Dez 2008
Assistenzärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Regionalspital Interlaken

Aug 2007 – Mai 2008
Assistenzärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsspital Zürich

Feb 2007 – Jun 2007
Oberärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Universitätsspital Groote Schuur, Kapstadt, Südafrika

Jan 2004 – Dez 2006
Assistenzärztin Gynecology und Geburtshilfe, Regionalspital Thun

Jan 2003 – Dez 2003
Assistenzärztin Chirurgie und Orthopädie, Regionalspital Thun

Schulen, Studium & Diplome

2023
Schwerpunkt gynäkologische Senology

2014
Diplom Senology SGGG

2013
Diplom Senology: European Academy of Senology

2010
FMH Gynecology und Geburtshilfe inkl. Schwerpunkt operative Gynecology

2003
Promotion

2002
Staatsexamen in Humanmedizin

1996 – 2002
Humanmedizinstudium Universitätsspital Basel

Mitglied- und Partnerschaften

  • Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Gynecology und Geburtshilfe SGGG
  • Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Senology SGS
  • Mitglieder Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynäkologische Onkologie AGO, Schweiz
  • European Academy of Senology EAoS
  • SAKK Project-Group breast cancer
  • Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Ultraschall in der Medizin SGUM
  • Verbindung der Schweizer Ärzte und Ärztinnen FMH
  • Society of women in senology SWIS
  • Vorstandsmitglied Ärztenetzwerk Bern