7 interesting facts about Viagra 

If you know a thing or two about some of the common medications for men’s health, Viagra or sometimes also referred to as the “mini blue pill" should not be a stranger to you. Being widely recognised for its role in treating erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition that almost 50% of men would experience sometime in their lives, this oral medication remains one of the mainstays in the market to combat erectile dysfunction.

Interestingly, this so-called ‘little blue pill’ was first developed by Pfizer back in 1989 when the company was initially trying to discover a way to treat heart pain due to poor blood flow to the heart muscle (angina). During this process, some patients in the clinical trial have reported an unexpected side effect after taking sildenafil citrate (the generic name of Viagra) —- penile erection. The rest, as they say, is history. After more trials and tests, sildenafil was then marketed under the brand name of Viagra as a treatment to combat ED through its mechanism of increasing blood flow to the penis.

Surprised? Let’s dive into more interesting facts about this magical little pill.

1. Viagra is also used to treat other medical conditions, besides increasing sexual performance

Based on its mechanism of action, Sildenafil is essentially also approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which is high blood pressure in the vessels that carry blood to the lungs. It works by relaxing and dilating the blood vessels in the lungs, reducing the strain on the heart and improving blood flow. This in return helps to relieve symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue in individuals with PAH.

While not for its primary purpose (“off-label”), some studies have also explored the use of Sildenafil in mitigating the effects of jet lag and altitude sickness. The rationale behind this is based on the drug’s ability in enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery. More research is however required in this area to establish its efficacy for these uses.

On top of that, Viagra is also occasionally used “off-label” to treat Raynaud phenomenon, a condition characterized by episodes of reduced blood flow to the fingers and toes in response to cold temperatures or emotional stress. As mentioned, Viagra works by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow, hence in cases of Raynaud’s phenomenon, it helps to dilate narrowed blood vessels and improve circulation, potentially reducing the severity and frequency of episodes.

2. Viagra is available in 3 different strengths to accommodate varying needs and treatment plans

The typical strengths of Viagra are 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. 

25mg: The lowest available dose. It is often prescribed for individuals who are trying the medication for the first time, age 65 and above, have a certain medical condition or are using other medications that might interact with Viagra.
50mg: The common starting dose for most individuals. It can be adjusted based on the individual's response and any side effects experienced (if any).
100mg: Highest strength of Viagra. It is often prescribed to those who didn’t achieve the desired effect with lower doses or for individuals with more serious cases of ED.

Be sure to only take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you after a thorough medical assessment is done. Your doctor will determine the best dosage that fits your needs.

3. Viagra works best when it’s taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity

The onset of action for Viagra usually takes about 30-60 minutes before it starts eliciting its therapeutic response and starts producing a noticeable improvement in one’s erection quality. It needs time to make its way into your blood vessels to increase blood flow to the penis. One pro tip for faster effect is to take Viagra with an empty stomach as high fat meals have been found to delay its absorption and onset of action. After taking it, erection can usually last up to an average of 4-5 hours, however do note that individual response may vary. During this time, if you experience sexual arousal, you should be able to achieve and maintain an erection more easily due to enhanced blood flow to the penis. 

4. Viagra won’t boost sex drive

 It is worth debunking the common myths that Viagra may improve one’s sex drive or libido. Instead, consuming Viagra before sexual intercourses slows down the enzymes in the blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow to the penis and subsequently aiding men in achieving and maintaining an erection. In other words, Viagra addresses the physical aspect of ED in terms of helping men with the mechanics of achieving an erection only when sexually stimulated and would not work if you are not sexually aroused. However, if a reduced sex drive is the concern, it’s encouraged that you bring this issue to your doctor who can provide guidance on potential underlying causes and provide appropriate, practical solutions.

5. Side effects of Viagra

Viagra is generally well tolerated, but just like any other medication, it is not without any side effects. Common side effects that have been reported with the use of Viagra include headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, indigestion and back or muscle ache. Very rarely, Viagra can also cause a rather painful erection or an erection that won’t go away (priapism). If this happens, and the erection lasts for more than 5 hours, immediate medication attention should be warranted as it could be dangerous. 

6. Viagra is a prescription only medication

Not just limited to Malaysia, Viagra is classified as a prescription-only medication, which means you cannot get it over the counter but only with a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. This is determined by the Malaysian regulations as to ensure their safe and appropriate use due to potential drug interactions.

7. Viagra is not a sole source of relief from ED 

Viagra makes getting and maintaining an erection easier for the overwhelming majority of men who use it. However, it is worth noting that it is not a miracle drug, and pairing it with healthy lifestyle modifications can make it work far better. These include: 

•  Keeping yourself physically active
•  Incorporating healthy, nutritious diet
•  Maintaining a healthy body weight
•  Getting enough rest
•  Pelvic floor exercises
•  Smoking cessation
•  Finding healthy ways to cope with stress

These may appear insignificant but numerous studies have reported that even a slight improvement in your weight, blood pressure and overall fitness levels can result in a noticeable effect on your health and sexual performance.

In a nutshell

While Viagra has transformed the landscape of ED treatment, it's important to bear in mind that its usage should always follow the guidance of a qualified, licensed medical practitioner and under the supervision of a healthcare provider. That said, it should never be used recreationally or for conditions other than its approved indications approved by a healthcare professional.

By knowing these intriguing facts and using them to your advantage, wise choices can be made to better help you enjoy intimate activities with your loved ones and guarantee a more reliable erection from the “mini blue pill”, all while reducing your risk of having to deal with unwanted side effects.

TALK TO DR SITARAMARAO AT DOC2US VIRTUAL MEN'S HEALTH CLINIC - DOC2MEN TODAY!

1. Register now at https://web.doc2us.com/corporate-registration?referral=7A1A2B68-FC25-41DB-A161-03A211AC598C
2. Download the user-friendly DOC2US app from your preferred app store, and log in using your registered information.
3. Engage in a confidential conversation with Dr Sitaramarao , who specialises in addressing concerns related to Erectile Dysfunction & Premature Ejaculation.

DOC2MEN services include FREE online consultation with doctor, e-prescription & medication delivery nationwide. Don't be shy to talk to us 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟔:𝟑𝟎 𝐩𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝟖:𝟑𝟎 𝐩𝐦, we are here to support you every step of the way! 

This article is written by Janelle Leong, Bpharm(Hons) (DOC2US),  
reviewed by Dr. Ng Shuk Sing, MBBS (DOC2US)

References

1.  https://www.livescience.com/61130-viagra-generic-interesting-facts.html
2.  https://www.healthymale.org.au/news/everything-you-need-know-about-viagra-and-other-drugs-it 
3.  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-viagra-dosage#missed-dose 
4.  https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/viagra-11-interesting-facts-amaze-3573698

Written by

Janelle Leong, Bpharm(Hons) DOC2US