What is Sildenafil (Generic Viagra)?

Sildenafil, also known as Generic Viagra is a class PDE5 inhibitor medication used to treat Erectile Dysfunction in men (impotence in men) and also for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Sildenafil Citrate is the major active ingredient of Viagra sold under the name Fildena, Kamagra or Cenforce. Sildenafil is available in different dosage forms (oral tablet, oral suspension or injection) of different strengths.

When is Sildenafil prescribed?

Sildenafil is mostly prescribed to men as the medicine is formulated to treat Erectile Dysfunction in men. It should not be taken by anyone below 18 years of age.

Men having symptoms of erectile dysfunction i.e. not able to attain a harder erection during sexual intercourse may be prescribed with Sildenafil. Lighter dosage may be given first and the dose may be increased or reduced as per the need felt. The dosage differs as per the patient’s current medical conditions and hence the medicine should only be taken as and when prescribed by the doctor.

How does Sildenafil work?

Sildenafil is available in different variations under the name Fildena, Kamagra, Cenforce etc which serve the same purpose of generic Viagra. The active ingredient Sildenafil Citrate relaxes the blood vessels and increases the blood flow in the penis. As the stress around the pelvic organs is reduced by preventing the breakdown of the cGMP cycle, ample blood flow reaches the penis for a harder erection which last for a long time.

However, Generic Viagra works only when the individual is sexually stimulated. As the sexual stimulation occurs, nitric oxide is released by the nervous system in the erectile tissues of the penis. Viagra thus prevents cGMP from being degraded so that ample blood flow is promoted and regulated in the penis.

Side Effects of Sildenafil:

Following are the side-effects of Sildenafil:
• Nosebleeds
• Headaches
• Upset Stomach
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sleep Disorder
• Redness on the face

Who should not take Sildenafil?

The patients should not take Sildenafil or Generic Viagra under following situations:
1. When any of the current medications have ‘nitrates’
2. When the patient is consuming ‘poppers’ like amyl nitrate or amyl nitrite, and butyl nitrate
3. The patient taking any other medicine for the treatment of ED should not take Viagra
4. If the patients are allergic to Sildenafil or any of the active ingredients in Generic Viagra
5. If the patient is having cardiovascular problems, kidney or liver problems, as well as other medical conditions.

Note : Sildenafil may not work well with the active ingredients of other current medications taken by the patient. Also, it is always recommended by the doctors only after observing the current physical and psychological conditions. Hence, the medicine should only be used as and when prescribed by the doctor.

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