Sildenafil is a drug that is sold under the brand name Viagra. These medications are commonly used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction or impotence issues in men. Other than treating impotence issues, these drugs are also taken for improving the symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The doses of these medications taken for treating both these conditions may differ according to the severity of the conditions.
Ideally, in case you are using them for treating erectile dysfunction, you must not take more than a single dose of sildenafil per day, regardless of how mild the dose is. The dose can be increased or decreased depending on the severity of your condition. This blog will help you to gain some insights into using sildenafil drugs, continue reading.
Why choose sildenafil?
Sildenafil belongs to the class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor drugs, that increase the release of nitric oxide, a chemical that is necessary for easing erection function, by suppressing the action of PDE5 enzymes. Its brand name version, which is Viagra, has acquired approval from the FDA, which makes them safe and reliable for use.
Sildenafil for erectile dysfunction
These medications restore erection dysfunction within 30 to 60 minutes of their intake. This drug eliminates impotence issues by increasing the flow of blood to the penile organ. One might have trouble getting erections due to several reasons. However, the reasons can be many. But the primary cause of sexual difficulties arises due to the lack of blood circulation through the penile blood vessels. The reason for poor blood flow is the clogging and narrowing of the vascular systems, which happens due to the nitric oxide depletion of the endothelial walls of the penile blood vessels.
Endothelial
Endothelial walls are formed by endothelium cells that are present on the inner side of the blood vessels, which are responsible for releasing nitric oxide for the relaxation of the blood vessels. As the blood vessels get relieved, they expand and allow more blood to pass through their passages. Adequate blood flow to the penile is the prerequisite for a healthy erection function.
Sildenafil Process & Duration
It takes up to 30 minutes for Sildenafil to get fully assimilated in the bloodstream and ready for causing a sexual response. It requires the presence of sexual arousal to begin its effects. After sensing arousal, the effects of the medication start releasing more and more nitric acid in the vascular walls, which causes an increase in blood flow to the penile. This increase in blood flow restores an optimal erection function.
Viagra
Viagra is the most common Sildenafil drug, which is acquired FDA approval. It was the first of its kind, until other drugs like Tadalafil, and Vardenafil got approval from FDA. There are many Sildenafil generic medications available. Those generics produce the same effects as Viagra, but the only thing that distinguishes these generics from the brand medicine is their cost. Since generic medications lack FDA approval, they are available at very cheaper costs. One such generic of Sildenafil is Malegra. It produces the same result as Viagra but comes at lower prices.
Sildenafil dosage for erectile dysfunction
These pills come in doses ranging from 25mg to 100mg strength. It is safe to start from the lowest dose, which is 25mg. The low dose will work on improving mild degrees of sexual problems, while medium and high will work on moderate and severe forms of impotence problems respectively. A dose of 50mg is considered safe mostly.
Sildenafil Consumption for erectile dysfunction
Sildenafil medications are composed in the form of pills that have to be swallowed along with some water. The best time to take the medications is 30 to 45 minutes before an anticipated sexual interaction. Not that, you have to take the pill only once in 24 hours. Even if it is the lowest dose, still it is recommended that you must take only a single pill within 24 hours duration. Taking more pills than necessary will potentiate the risk of overdosing, which may give rise to side effects. So, to be on the safer side, stick to a single dose per day.
Sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension
For treating pulmonary hypertension, the pills do the same thing, which is to increase the relaxation of the strained and narrowed blood vessels that are present inside the lungs. The narrowing of the arterial passages increases the pressure in the lungs. Sildenafil helps in relieving this pressure by causing the expansion of the vascular passages and making more space for blood flow. Thus, sildenafil eases the blood pressure in the lungs.
Sildenafil dosage for pulmonary hypertension
Sildenafil drugs for treating this condition come in two doses which are 10mg and 20mg strengths. The dose recommendations will vary from individual to individual, based on their age, gender, and severity of the condition. The best dose and consumption pattern will be prescribed by your healthcare provider. One must stick to their doctor’s recommendations.
Are there any side effects of taking Sildenafil?
In general, Sildenafil may produce mild side effects in some individuals. It can give rise to minor problems like headache, nasal congestion, dizziness, vomiting, stomach discomfort, dyspepsia, and blurred vision. These effects will go away after some time. If the effects continue to persist, then it is necessary to see your doctor and get it checked.
What if I take more than the recommended dose?
One should stick to the required dose, otherwise taking it more than necessary can potentiate the risk of overdosing. Overconsumption can have unpleasant consequences which can give rise to headaches, nasal congestion, indigestion, and visual discomfort.
The bottom line
Sildenafil medications are an excellent remedy for erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. These are PDE5 inhibitors that inhibit the PDE enzymes from narrowing the vascular passages, and in turn, increase the relaxation of the blood vessels. For treating ED, one can take a single pill within 24 hours, while in the case of pulmonary hypertension, the dose may depend on the individual’s condition.