Viagra and health: Beyond ED

Erectile response to sildenafil is better in patients whose erectile function is less impaired at treatment initiation (e.g., those with some spontaneous successful intercourse, with partial erections, with erections during sleep, or with psychogenic causes). [1][33][105][145] In one flexible-dose study (dosage titration and maintenance up to 100 mg), mean scores for number of successful penetrations returned to normal in a subgroup of patients with psychogenic causes of ED; however, mean scores for maintenance of erections during intercourse in these men were lower than in untreated healthy men. [33][34] In a study in men with ED secondary to radical prostatectomy receiving fixed-dose sildenafil (100 mg), response to therapy was greatest in those who had undergone bilateral-nerve-sparing surgery than in those who had undergone unilateral or non-nerve-sparing procedures. [104][127] Pooled data from various clinical trials indicate that sildenafil improved the erections of 43% of patients with ED secondary to radical prostatectomy compared with 15% of those receiving placebo. [1][104] A pooled analysis of 10 placebo-controlled studies of men with severe ED (organic etiology in 60%, psychogenic in 15%, and mixed in 25% of patients) treated with sildenafil (50-100 mg in fixed- or flexible-dose studies) indicated that 48% of the patients usually had erections sufficient for intercourse (score of 4, with 0 being unsuccessful and 5 being almost always successful) after treatment with sildenafil, compared with 8% of those receiving placebo. [76][127] In several randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in patients receiving sildenafil (flexible doses up to 100 mg or fixed doses ranging from 10-100 mg for 12 weeks) for the treatment of ED attributed to complications of diabetes mellitus, complications of spinal cord injury, or psychogenic causes, 48, 59, or 70% of all attempts at intercourse were successful, respectively, compared with 12, 13, or 29% of all attempts in those receiving placebo. [1][7][8][9][10][25][33][93] In these studies, sildenafil improved several aspects of sexual function including frequency, firmness, and maintenance of erection; frequency of orgasm; satisfaction and enjoyment of intercourse; and overall relationship satisfaction.

The Impact of Viagra in Malaysia

FDA Approval Information

[1][8][9][33][94][107][130][131][142] Pooled data from fixed- and flexible-dose studies indicate that sildenafil (50 or 100 mg) has no effect on sexual desire (i.e., rates of attempted intercourse, which averaged about 2 per week), but the rate of success increased to an average of 1.3 events per patient per week from 0.4 events per week with placebo.

[1][8][33][131] In part, the absence of an effect on sexual desire may be attributed to the fact that men enrolling in ED studies generally have a near-normal level of sexual desire upon study entry. [33][107][130][131] Improvement in erectile function sufficient for successful intercourse can be achieved with sildenafil in a substantial percentage of patients with ED, and the strength and duration of erection achieved with the drug in such patients approached those achieved in untreated healthy men. Sildenafil also has been effective in a limited number of men with temporary ED associated with the stress of providing a sperm sample (e.g., for intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization during assisted reproduction). [143] In men with a history of such temporary dysfunction, planned use of sildenafil for subsequent attempts at obtaining a sperm specimen may improve attainment of an erection adequate for self-stimulated ejaculation. While most males with ED respond to oral sildenafil therapy, treatment failures do occur; pooled data from various placebo-controlled, dose-response, or open-label studies (25-100 mg for 6-12 months) indicate that up to 5% of patients discontinued therapy because of lack of effectiveness.

How oral medicines differ

Sildenafil tablets should be stored at 20-25°C (excursions permitted to 15-30°C). For the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), the recommended initial dosage of sildenafil is 50 mg orally as needed approximately 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity. [1][28][33][81][91][93][94][102][105][118][130][132][161] The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day. [1] The dose may be taken anywhere from 4 hours to 30 minutes before sexual activity. [1] Peak plasma concentrations are achieved within 30-120 minutes (median 60 minutes) when taken on an empty stomach; the erectile response is diminished at 4 hours compared with 2 hours after administration.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

Based on effectiveness and tolerance, the dose subsequently may be increased to a maximum recommended dose of 100 mg or decreased to 25 mg (maximum frequency once per day). [1][28][33][91][93][94][105][161] Evidence from dose-ranging studies indicates that erectile response is greater at 50- or 100-mg doses than at 25 mg.[1][28][33][130][131] Dosage of sildenafil, including both the dose and frequency of use, must be individualized carefully according to the patient's tolerance and erectile response. Concomitant use with protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir): An initial sildenafil dose of 25 mg is recommended in patients receiving protease inhibitors. [1][200] When used concomitantly, do not exceed a maximum single sildenafil dose of 25 mg in a 48 hour period and monitor for adverse effects. In patients with hepatic impairment (e.g., cirrhosis), consider reducing the initial dose of sildenafil to 25 mg.[1] In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/minute), consider reducing the initial dose of sildenafil to 25 mg.[1] In patients >= 65 years of age, consider reducing the initial dose of sildenafil to 25 mg.[1] Concomitant use of organic nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) in any form (e.g., orally, sublingually, transmucosally, parenterally), either regularly or intermittently. [1][7][33][69][93][104][107][128][131][132][163][165] Information on the long-term effects of sildenafil is limited, and thus the optimum duration of therapy is not known. [1][33][81][128][132] In clinical studies, sildenafil was used in patients ranging in age from 19-87 years of age with a duration of ED averaging 5 years. [1] In several long-term and open-label studies, sildenafil remained effective for at least 0.5-4 years, with no evidence of tachyphylaxis during long-term use, and current evidence indicates that continued therapy is necessary as long as the condition persists (i.e., sildenafil is not a cure for ED). The safety and efficacy of sildenafil in combination with other treatments for ED have not been established. [1] Such combined therapy may further lower blood pressure and is not recommended sildenafil citrate 100mg tablets by the manufacturer. With the availability of orally active and convenient vasoactive (erectogenic) therapies (e.g., selective phosphodiesterase [PDE] type 5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, tadalafil, avanafil, and vardenafil), most experts (e.g., the American Urological Association [AUA]) now consider these drugs to be first-line therapies for a broad range of patients with ED. Because PDE type 5 inhibitors are administered orally, they are likely to be more acceptable to men with ED than other vasoactive therapies (e.g., intracavernosal injections, intraurethral suppositories) or mechanical or prosthetic devices.

• Sildenafil can sometimes cause flushing and nasal congestion.
• It is not a cure for erectile dysfunction, only a treatment option.
• Psychological factors can also affect erectile performance alongside medication.
• Sildenafil may sometimes interact with foods that contain high fat content.
• Regular exercise and stress management can complement treatment with sildenafil.
• The medication should be stored safely out of children's reach.
• Reporting side effects to a healthcare provider is important for safety.
• Sildenafil is typically started at a low dose, gradually increased if needed.
• It is important to follow the prescribed timing for medication intake.
• Discontinuing sildenafil should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

[26][33][81][94][107][602] Alternative therapies (e.g., intracavernosal or intraurethral vasoactive agents, vacuum constriction devices) may be considered for patients who fail to respond to, or are not candidates for, first-line therapy (e.g., patients who require nitrate therapy). [144][155][161][189][601] Ultimately, the choice of therapy for ED should be individualized, taking into account patient response, tolerability and safety; administration considerations, cost and patient reimbursement factors; experience and judgment of the clinician; and individual patient and partner preference, expectations, and satisfaction. [33][65][81][101][189][601][602] PDE type 5 inhibitors are effective only in the presence of adequate sexual stimulation. [1][189][602] Prior to proceeding to alternative therapies in patients reporting failure of selective PDE type 5 inhibitor therapy, an evaluation to determine whether there was an adequate trial should be undertaken. [34][104][602] Treatment failure may also be attributed to incorrect use of PDE type 5 inhibitor therapy (e.g., lack of sexual stimulation, medication taken with a large meal). [189] The possibility that another selective PDE type 5 inhibitor therapy may be effective should be considered in patients who fail an adequate trial with one drug.

• Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor.
• The drug was first approved by the FDA in 1998.
• It can be purchased online but requires a prescription in most countries.
• Generic versions of sildenafil are typically cheaper than brand-name Viagra.
• Proper storage involves keeping it at room temperature away from moisture.
• Sildenafil does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
• Lifestyle changes like exercise and healthy eating can enhance results.
• Combining sildenafil with other ED treatments should be discussed with a doctor.
• It's important to inform your doctor about all medications you take.
• Sildenafil is not an aphrodisiac and requires sexual stimulation to work.

[189][601][602] Although differences in the pharmacokinetics of these drugs (onset and duration) may exist, data currently are insufficient to support the superiority of one selective buy sildenafil citrate online canada PDE type 5 inhibitor over another. Administer sildenafil tablets orally without regard to meals; however, administration with a high-fat meal may delay the onset of action. [1] [117][131] Administer the drug approximately 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity.

Detection in biological fluids

Erectile response to sildenafil is better in patients whose erectile function is less impaired at treatment initiation (e.g., those with some spontaneous successful intercourse, with partial erections, with erections during sleep, or with psychogenic causes). [1][33][105][145] In one flexible-dose study (dosage titration and maintenance up to 100 mg), mean scores for number of successful penetrations returned to normal in a subgroup of patients with psychogenic causes of ED; however, mean scores for maintenance of erections during intercourse in these men were lower than in untreated healthy men. [33][34] In a study in men with ED secondary to radical prostatectomy receiving fixed-dose sildenafil (100 mg), response to therapy was greatest in those who had undergone bilateral-nerve-sparing surgery than in those who had undergone unilateral or non-nerve-sparing procedures. [104][127] Pooled data from various clinical trials indicate that sildenafil improved the erections of 43% of patients with ED secondary to radical prostatectomy compared with 15% of those receiving placebo. [1][104] A pooled analysis of 10 placebo-controlled studies of men with severe ED (organic etiology in 60%, psychogenic in 15%, and mixed in 25% of patients) treated with sildenafil (50-100 mg in fixed- or flexible-dose studies) indicated that 48% of the patients usually had erections sufficient for intercourse (score of 4, with 0 being unsuccessful and 5 being almost always successful) after treatment with sildenafil, compared with 8% of those receiving placebo.

Less common

[76][127] In several randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in patients receiving sildenafil (flexible doses up to 100 mg or fixed doses ranging from 10-100 mg for 12 weeks) for the treatment of ED attributed to complications of diabetes mellitus, complications of spinal cord injury, or psychogenic causes, 48, 59, or 70% of all attempts at intercourse were successful, respectively, compared with 12, 13, or 29% of all attempts in those receiving placebo. [1][7][8][9][10][25][33][93] In these studies, sildenafil improved several aspects of sexual function including frequency, firmness, and maintenance of erection; frequency of orgasm; satisfaction and enjoyment of intercourse; and overall relationship satisfaction. [1][8][9][33][94][107][130][131][142] Pooled data from fixed- and flexible-dose studies indicate that sildenafil (50 or 100 mg) has no effect on sexual desire (i.e., rates of attempted intercourse, which averaged about 2 per week), but the rate of success increased to an average of 1.3 events per patient per week from 0.4 events per week with placebo. [1][8][33][131] In part, the absence of an effect on sexual desire may be attributed to the fact that men enrolling in ED studies generally have a near-normal level of sexual desire upon study entry. [33][107][130][131] Improvement in erectile function sufficient for successful intercourse can be achieved with sildenafil in a substantial percentage of patients with ED, and the strength and duration of erection achieved with the drug in such patients approached those achieved in untreated healthy men. [1][28][33][81][91][93][94][102][105][118][130][132][161][602][603] Sexual stimulation is required for response to therapy. Sildenafil tablets should be stored at 20-25°C (excursions permitted to 15-30°C).

What other information should I know?

[26][33][81][94][107][602] Alternative therapies (e.g., intracavernosal or intraurethral vasoactive agents, vacuum constriction devices) may be considered for patients who fail to respond to, or are not candidates for, first-line therapy (e.g., patients who require nitrate therapy). [144][155][161][189][601] Ultimately, the choice of therapy for ED should be individualized, taking into account patient response, tolerability and safety; administration considerations, cost and patient reimbursement factors; experience and judgment of the clinician; and individual patient and partner preference, expectations, and satisfaction. [33][65][81][101][189][601][602] PDE type 5 inhibitors are effective only in the presence of adequate sexual stimulation. [1][189][602] Prior to proceeding to alternative therapies in patients reporting failure of selective PDE type 5 inhibitor therapy, an evaluation to determine whether there was an adequate trial should be undertaken. [34][104][602] Treatment failure may also be attributed to incorrect use of PDE type 5 inhibitor therapy (e.g., lack of sexual stimulation, medication taken with a large meal).

Drug Interactions

[189] The possibility that another selective PDE type 5 inhibitor therapy may be effective should be considered in patients who fail an adequate trial with one drug. [189][601][602] Although differences in the pharmacokinetics of these drugs (onset and duration) may exist, data currently are insufficient to support the superiority of one selective buy sildenafil citrate online canada PDE type 5 inhibitor over another. Administer sildenafil tablets orally without regard to meals; however, administration with a high-fat meal may delay the onset of action. [1] [117][131] Administer the drug approximately 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity. [1][28][33][81][91][93][94][102][105][118][130][132][161][602][603] Sexual stimulation is required for response to therapy. For the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), the recommended initial dosage of sildenafil is 50 mg orally as needed approximately 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity. [1][28][33][81][91][93][94][102][105][118][130][132][161] The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day.

[1] The dose may be taken anywhere from 4 hours to 30 minutes before sexual activity.

How does Sildenafil Work for Erectile Dysfunction?

Sildenafil also has been effective in a limited number of men with temporary ED associated with the stress of providing a sperm sample (e.g., for intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization during assisted reproduction). [143] In men with a history of such temporary dysfunction, planned use of sildenafil for subsequent attempts at obtaining a sperm specimen may improve attainment of an erection adequate for self-stimulated ejaculation. While most males with ED respond to oral sildenafil therapy, treatment failures do occur; pooled data from various placebo-controlled, dose-response, or open-label studies (25-100 mg for 6-12 months) indicate that up to 5% of patients discontinued therapy because of lack of effectiveness. [1][7][33][69][93][104][107][128][131][132][163][165] Information on the long-term effects of sildenafil is limited, and thus the optimum duration of therapy is not known. [1][33][81][128][132] In clinical studies, sildenafil was used in patients ranging in age from 19-87 years of age with a duration of ED averaging 5 years.

Low blood pressure

[1] In several long-term and open-label studies, sildenafil remained effective for at least 0.5-4 years, with no evidence of tachyphylaxis during long-term use, and current evidence indicates that continued therapy is necessary as long as the condition persists (i.e., sildenafil is not a cure for ED). The safety and efficacy of sildenafil in combination with other treatments for ED have not been established. [1] Such combined therapy may further lower blood pressure and is not recommended sildenafil citrate 100mg tablets by the manufacturer. With the availability of orally active and convenient vasoactive (erectogenic) therapies (e.g., selective phosphodiesterase [PDE] type 5 inhibitors such as sildenafil, tadalafil, avanafil, and vardenafil), most experts (e.g., the American Urological Association [AUA]) now consider these drugs to be first-line therapies for a broad range of patients with ED. Because PDE type 5 inhibitors are administered orally, they are likely to be more acceptable to men with ED than other vasoactive therapies (e.g., intracavernosal injections, intraurethral suppositories) or mechanical or prosthetic devices. [1] Peak plasma concentrations are achieved within 30-120 minutes (median 60 minutes) when taken on an empty stomach; the erectile response is diminished at 4 hours compared with 2 hours after administration. Based on effectiveness and tolerance, the dose subsequently may be increased to a maximum recommended dose of 100 mg or decreased to 25 mg (maximum frequency once per day). [1][28][33][91][93][94][105][161] Evidence from dose-ranging studies indicates that erectile response is greater at 50- or 100-mg doses than at 25 mg.[1][28][33][130][131] Dosage of sildenafil, including both the dose and frequency of use, must be individualized carefully according to the patient's tolerance and erectile response. Concomitant use with protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir): An initial sildenafil dose of 25 mg is recommended in patients receiving protease inhibitors. [1][200] When used concomitantly, do not exceed a maximum single sildenafil dose of 25 mg in a 48 hour period and monitor for adverse effects. In patients with hepatic impairment (e.g., cirrhosis), consider reducing the initial dose of sildenafil to 25 mg.[1] In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/minute), consider reducing the initial dose of sildenafil to 25 mg.[1] In patients >= 65 years of age, consider reducing the initial dose of sildenafil to 25 mg.[1] Concomitant use of organic nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) in any form (e.g., orally, sublingually, transmucosally, parenterally), either regularly or intermittently.

There is a potential for cardiac risk of sexual activity in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease.

[1] Therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED), including sildenafil, generally should not be used in men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable because of their underlying cardiovascular status. [1] The evaluation of ED should include a determination of potential underlying causes and the identification of appropriate treatment following a complete medical assessment.

• Sildenafil is available in different strengths to tailor treatment.
• It is often used in clinical settings for ED diagnosis and management.
• Men taking sildenafil should avoid heavy meals shortly before dosing.
• The drug's effectiveness can be influenced by age and overall health.
• Combining sildenafil with recreational drugs can be dangerous.
• Some users report that sildenafil enhances spontaneous sexual activity.
• It is important to only use sildenafil that has been prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• The medication’s cost varies based on brand, dosage, and pharmacy.
• Sildenafil may cause transient eye color changes due to blood vessel effects.
• Patients should keep track of dosage and side effects experienced.

Sildenafil doses of 25-100 mg reduce the maximum supine systolic/diastolic blood pressure by an average of about 8.4/5.5 mm Hg within 1-2 hours after administration of the drug in healthy adults, returning to baseline values within 4-8 hours after a dose. Clinicians should consider whether patients with underlying cardiovascular disease could be affected adversely by the vasodilatory activity of selective PDE type 5 inhibitor therapy, especially in combination with sexual activity.

What happens if I overdose?

There is a potential for cardiac risk of sexual activity in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease. [1] Therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED), including sildenafil, generally should not be used in men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable because of their underlying cardiovascular status. [1] The evaluation of ED should include a determination of potential underlying causes and the identification of appropriate treatment following a complete medical assessment. Sildenafil doses of 25-100 mg reduce the maximum supine systolic/diastolic blood pressure by an average of about 8.4/5.5 mm Hg within 1-2 hours after administration of the drug in healthy adults, returning to baseline values within 4-8 hours after a dose. Clinicians should consider whether patients with underlying cardiovascular disease could be affected adversely by the vasodilatory activity of selective PDE type 5 inhibitor therapy, especially in combination with sexual activity.

IV Administration