Sildenafil has recently been introduced for the treatment of impotence or erectile dysfunction. Although it has been on the world market since March 1998, it has only recently become available in India.
What is Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is a drug that has helped many men suffering from the problem of erection of the penis (erectile dysfunction). Erectile dysfunction refers to the inability to get an erection, sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. Taking this drug helps a man who is sexually aroused to get and maintain an erection by increasing the blood flow to the penis. If however, a man takes Sildenafil but is not sexually stimulated he will not get an erection.
Sildenafil is not a hormone or an aphrodisiac (a drug that arouses sexual desire). It is a prescription medicine, which aims at improving the problems of erection in men. Its use for the treatment of sexual dysfunction in women is still being investigated.
How well does Sildenafil work?
Sildenafil improves erections in 4 out of 5 men who take it, regardless of how long they have had erectile dysfunction and what caused it. It is to be taken about 1 hour before engaging in sexual activity. In most cases, it helps get an erection in 30 minutes that lasts for around 4 hours if a man is sexually excited. If sexual stimulation is absent then nothing will happen.
What is the frequency and dosage of the drug?
Sildenafil comes in different doses of 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. The recommended dosage is one tablet a day. For most people it should not be taken more than once a day. It is advisable to go by the doctor’s prescription regarding the dose to be taken as it will vary from person to person.
Who should not take Sildenafil?
It should never be taken by men who are using nitrate drugs, like nitroglycerine that is used for the treatment of chest pains due to heart disease. This could lead to a sudden drop in the blood pressure to unsafe levels. This includes the use of nitroglycerines in any form such as sprays, ointments and chewable tablets.
There are additional warnings about the use of the drug by individuals with cardiovascular disease. Caution is specifically advised for men who have had a stroke or heart attack or life-threatening arrhythmia in the past 6 months, those with low or high blood pressure or those suffering from a disease causing degeneration of the retina.
What has been the success rate of Sildenafil?
It has been found that 82% of the men who have taken Sildenafil, have experienced an improvement in their erections. It has helped men having mild erectile dysfunction. Those who have severe impotence problems have had less success with the drug. Men who have undergone surgery for prostate removal have also not experienced significant success.
Are there any side effects of Sildenafil?
The drug has some side effects, which last for a few minutes to a few hours after taking the drug. These include dilation of the blood vessels in other parts of the body, causing headaches and fainting. Other side effects such as facial flushing, upset stomach, blurred vision and sensitivity to light usually occur with high doses.
What care should be taken while taking the drug for effective results?
Drinking alcohol may temporarily impair the ability to get an erection. It is therefore advisable not to drink large amounts of alcohol before taking Sildenafil.
Taking Sildenafil after a meal rich in fats may cause the drug to take a longer time to start working. It is best to have a balanced meal before the drug is taken for increased effectiveness.
The tablet should be stored at room temperature; away from heat, moisture and direct light.
