Pharmacological category:
Phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors
Mechanism of medicine action:
Sildenafil is an erectile dysfunction treatment that is taken orally. It restores poor erectile function in the natural situation, i.e. with sexual stimulation, by increasing blood flow to the penis.
The release of nitric oxide (NO) in the corpus cavernosum during sexual stimulation is the physiological mechanism responsible for penis erection. The enzyme guanylate cyclase is then activated, resulting in increasing levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which relaxes smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum and allows blood to flow in.
Side effects:
Headaches, heartburn, and flushed skin are all common adverse effects. Those with cardiovascular problems should exercise caution. A prolonged erection (priaprism), which can cause penile damage, eye issues, and hearing loss, is a rare but dangerous side effect. When sildenafil is combined with a nitrate drug, it might produce a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If you’re taking an alpha one antagonist, you shouldn’t take sildenafil for at least four hours.
Using it with alcohol results in severe consequences. When consumed in excess, alcohol can cause headaches and dizziness, as well as raise or reduce your heart rate and blood pressure.
Dosage:
Take 50 mg orally once a day, as needed, 1 hour before sexual activity. Max dosage per day is 100 mg.
