Viagra: A Drug

Viagra is available in the form of a tablet of several strengths. It is an oral pill which is used in treatment of erectile dysfunction or impotency. Viagra mainly has sildenafil citrate as its major component which is a much effective drug in treatment of erectile dysfunction. Mostly it is prescribed to be taken before an hour to half an hour of a sexual activity. Those who are allergic to Viagra should discard its positive aspects and try to not use it as it can result in a huge problem as it can also result in a heart stroke to them. In most of the cases erectile dysfunction can be safely treated by Viagra, thus most of the men can use Viagra but is to be used under prescription as it is not the best choice for everyone without consulting to a healthcare provider. Normally headache, nasal congestion and dizziness are the few common side effects to be reported and some side effects like fainting and migraine can also be reported rarely.

The strength provided by Viagra is mainly dependant on prescription, medical history and guidelines to take the medicine. Some substitutes of Viagra oral pills as inject able versions are also available in the market. Before having Viagra it is much important to take a prescription by a registered medical practitioner as it provides a safe, accurate and effective treatment of erectile dysfunction and impotency. The medicine can be taken with or without having a meal and should be taken before an hour to have a sexual activity. It is important to take the drug under prescription and also to report its side effects to a doctor as on basis of it the healthcare provider will alter the dosage of Viagra according to need and to fetch the proper sexual satisfaction.

Levitra gets Approval from European Commission for New Formulation

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The European commission has granted approval for a revised formulation of Levitra (Vadenafil HCI). Levita 10mg, an orodispersible medicine will be the first of its kind to provide a solution for erectile dysfunction in this developed, novel formulation. Unlike other drugs of the same category, Levitra 10 mg orodispersible tablet will let the patient to swallow it conveniently without having to take water. It also dissolves in the tongue within very few seconds leaving behind a minty flavor. The launch roll out will begin in Europe as early as November 2010. In June 2010, the tablet was approved in the United States and will begin to be market with a trade name STAXYN by GlaxoSmithKline and Merck & Co.

Dr Fleming Oernskov, Head of the Women’s Healthcare unit and General Medicine of Bayer Schering Pharma, Berlin assured that the company is committed to the health of men and will continue to strive in inventing new methods of solving erectile dysfunction. He also added that as a result of these efforts, men will be able to appreciate the convenience involved in usage of this medicine. The Levitra orodispersible tablets will help men with erectile dysfunction bring spontaneity into their sexual lives.

The overall safety and efficiency of this new tablet has been proved with the help of several trials in clinics. The trials have been conducted at multiple stages in a highly conducive environment.

A Little about ED

Erectile dysfunction can be regarded as the recurrent or consistent inability in men to attain and /or maintain proper penile erection required for sex. It is estimated that 152 million men in the world, which is about 16 percent of the entire male population aged between 20 and 75 experience this difficulty. By 2025 this number is expected to go up to 322 million. Although the problem of erectile dysfunction is widespread, majority of men affected by ED do not pursue appropriate treatments. Erectile dysfunction is also considered to be one of the first caution signals for future cardiovascular problems, hence it’s important to get treated at the right time.

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Erectile Dysfunction Is Nothing to Scoff At

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A lot of people think that erectile dysfunction is kind of a laughing matter. After all, maybe it just means that you are tired or have had too much to drink. But what if this is something a little more serious than that? Do you really need those pills from UKMedix, in order to help you rise to the occasion and stand tall and proud? The sad fact is erectile dysfunction is a serious matter, both for your love life and for your whole life. Sure, you may just be too tired or intoxicated for the moment to happen as it should . . . or there may be more to it than that.

Blood clots can happen anywhere in your body. If it happens in your leg, it hurts. If it moves to your heart, lungs or brain, it can very well kill you. But what a lot of people never really think about is what happens when a blood clot travels to your groin area. Simply put, your masculine parts require just as much blood flowing to them as any other parts of your body do. And when they don’t get this blood, they just cannot function as they are meant to. This is when the problem becomes noticeable.

However, this is not where or when the problem starts. To start with, the clots in your blood often happen because of the fats you eat. These fats catch on tiny tears in your arteries, which your platelets then build upon. This results in something of a dam inside you, preventing blood from moving with the speed it ought to move. This is a serious health concern and needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Naturally, in a perfect world such things would not happen at all. But since our world is never a perfect one, all you can do is get yourself checked out.

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ED, Viagra, Side Effects and Sales

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It is essential to understand the process of initiation of an erection to understand the basis of erectile dysfunction. Muscles and blood vessels are present in a man’s penis as spongy tissues. Nerves signal the brain to send blood into arteries present in these spongy tissues whenever a man is sexually excited. The penis becomes erect when the tissue is flooded with blood. The erection subsides as soon as the penis releases the blood collected in the spongy tissues through the veins. Erectile dysfunction occurs when nerve signals or blood flow causing an erection are blocked.

It is advised to research and consult a doctor before you start consuming any drug to cure the problem of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction refers to inability of a man to maintain an erection that prevents him from having a healthy sexual life. This may cause shame and embarrassment for some men and often Viagra is used to treat this problem successfully.

Viagra like other drugs comes with no exception of producing side effects on your body. The side effects can range from nasal congestion, dizziness, angina pectoris, heart palpitations, headaches, migraines, flushing, seizures, facial edema, chest pain, postural hypotension, urinary tract infections, anxiety, allergic reactions, cardiac arrest, shock, abnormal vision, vomiting, rectal haemorrhage, dry mouth, cerebral thrombosis, cardiomyopathy, glossitis, leucopenia, gastritis, myocardial ischemia, colitis, esophagtis and gingivitus.

Differences between Viagra and Cialis

Cialis is the major competitor to Viagra and serves the same function of treating erectile dysfunction. Viagra was introduced in 1998 and became a successful product for treating male impotence. However, ICOS Corporation created another drug with similar action on the body by the name Cialis. Levitra is now another option that is available currently to people suffering from the problem of erectile dysfunction.

Current Sales

Cialis is doing really good with its sales and has been even able to outsell the primary brand Viagra which is used by over 30 million Americans and 175 million men around the Globe who are having erectile dysfunction problem. The profits made by Viagra alone are $1.5 billion whereas those made by Cialis, and Levitra are $6 billion.

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Petty Habits That Might Cause Erectile Dysfunction

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In Latin, the word “impotent” means to be suffering from a “loss of power”. At some point of time or the other in life, most men suffer from impotence. In some cases, the symptoms might be temporary and self-healing while in some, it might be a long term affair with what is also known as Erectile Dysfunction or ED. Such are the vagaries of this dysfunction that one may not even realize that day-to-day mundane habits are also causes of impotence or erectile dysfunction. It might help to define the causes of ED and thereby isolate them. The first step toward healing is to understand that it is not one’s “fault” that they suffer from ED, and that it can be a totally natural phenomenon.

Needless to say, stress is one of the largest factors for men, who might even be below the age of 40, to show signs of erectile dysfunction. In today’s fast paced world, stress is a mitigating factor as it aids and abets other dangerous habits like resorting to alcohol, cigarettes and certain drugs. Ingesting of alcohol in regular quantities over a period of time may lead to impotence. Tobacco contains nicotine, which has been proven to have a reductive effect on the musculature of one’s body. This includes the collagen and musculature of the penis as well. While having many other positive effects, steering clear of alcohol, cigarettes, other forms of tobacco and drugs may just be what is needed to bring about a change in a person’s lagging sexual life.

Lack of exercise and sustained living like a couch potato might be another cause for ED. Like they say “it’s all in your head!” If one begins to feel better about their body image, it is bound to have a positive effect on the libido as well. Excessive intake of tea and coffee has also been linked to impotence. They increase hypertension which may not cause impotence or ED but definitely aggravates the symptoms of the same. Small health-oriented changes in daily lifestyle might just be the key to solving problems in the bedroom.

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Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction based on Nanoparticles

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Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University State have recently come up with a new study according to which, the nanoparticles that encapsulate nitric oxide forms a new drug delivery systems that promises treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).

Some animals have already been tested with this new system and it is believed that the treatment can reduce the downside of the oral ED medications for the humans. Oral ED medications including tadalafil (Cialis) and sildenafil (Viagra) have benefitted people worldwide. However, there are certain limitations of these medications and can result in systemic side effects including facial flushing, headache, nasal congestion, or abnormal vision. These drugs are a strict no for men reporting a heart disease.

Einstein scientists have devised a drug delivery system containing nanoparticles and each one smaller than a pollen grain and carrying various drugs; while also releasing them in a controlled manner. So far the effectiveness of the topical formulations of ED drugs has been proved. This study attempts to check the effectiveness of the nano-particles in permitting the targeted delivery of compounds for treatment of ED. Topical therapy will work wonders for ED patients reporting lower levels of nitric oxide (NO) – molecule primarily responsible for erectile activity. A direct application of NO or the PDE5 inhibitors will be a relief for men for whom oral PDE5 inhibitor drugs are not beneficial.

A total of 18 rats, arranged in 3 groups, were used to test the effectiveness of nano-particles. The first group received nanoparticles encapsulating (NO) second received same along with an experimental ED drug-sialorphin; and third group nano-particles encapsulating (NO) and tadalafil (Cialis).

Only the groups that were administered with nanoparticles encapsulated NO or No and Cialis showed improvement. This study revealed that the rats showed response to treatment with the nanoparticles. Also, the response time was just a few minutes as compared to the oral ED medications that take 30 minutes to one hour for showing effectiveness. Now the Einstein team plans to study the effects of nanoparticles on humans and prove its effectiveness for treating ED.

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Erectile Dysfunction and Obesity

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Probably caused by hypertension of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease or alteration in the hormones due to obesity, obese men are prone to higher risk of erectile dysfunction, according to a recent article on Obesity and Weight Management. Around 30 to 40 percent of men above the age of 50 may suffer from erectile dysfunction. The development of atherosclerotic plaque of the arteries in obese men could cause damage to the arterial lining and lead to elevated blood pressure. Apart from atherosclerosis, the changes in the hormones that come along with obesity, including reduction of testosterone, contributes to high risk of erectile dysfunction. The changeable risk factors of heart disease like diabetes, over weight and hypertension are similar to those for erectile dysfunction.

David Sarwe, Phd, of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Adam Gilden Tsai, MD, MSCE, of the University of Colorado, Denver, have described a 48 year old man with a weight of 197 pounds and body mass index of 32.6kg/m2, that can be considered mildly obese. He also has mil hypertension complaints. This man is suffering from erectile dysfunction. Even with the usage of erectile dysfunction medicines, he wasn’t able to get an adequate erection for intercourse. He went through 4.6 percent weight loss and took medications for lowering his blood pressure to the normal range. When he used the ED medication after that, he was able have an erection necessary for sexual intercourse.

The author of the article stresses that “the complicated interplay of weight and other health conditions relate to common medical symptoms, such as ED. We are reminded that atherosclerosis can cause not only macro vascular disease such as heart attack and stroke, but also micro vascular disease, of which ED is one example.”

“If you are looking for another reason to lose weight, research now suggests that erectile dysfunction can improve with weight loss,” suggests James O. Hill, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, Editor-in-Chief of Obesity and Weight Management, Director of Colorado Clinical Nutrition Research Unit at the University of Colorado Denver and Director of the Center for Human Nutrition.

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History of the Blue Pill

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Viagra is a drug that popularly has been referred to as the ‘miracle drug’ and is mainly used to treat the problem of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) or impotence in men. Also known as the legendary ‘Blue Pill’, Viagra has its pros and cons, but has largely been a success since its release in the market.

Viagra’s pharmacological name is Sildenafil Citrate. It is also sold as Revatio and under other names. This diamond shaped blue pill was released in the year 1998. It marked the discovery of the first orally ingested medication that could effectively put an end to ED. There still exists some debate about the creator of this miracle drug, with more than one scientist claiming the drug as his own. Peter Dunn and Albert Wood are the men credited with the discovery of this drug as per the manufacturing patent application.

Since its release in 1998, this pill has become a leading drug to cure ED and is also used to combat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Still, around 60 percent of the market for Viagra is for its healing properties against erectile dysfunction. One of the best attributes of this pill is that it can be used to cure ED even in men who suffer from diabetes. This has given many older and diabetic men a new ray of hope to improve their sexual health.

Viagra was initially being tested against heart diseases like angina. Upon being submitted to the FDA for approval, a further 10 years were spent in testing this medicine in laboratory conditions. Only then was the drug released in the market. It is believed that more than 25 million men spread over 120 countries have tried this drug. The response has been largely positive.

This drug can only be obtained with a prescription. However, 2007 saw Manchester, England release this drug as an over the counter drug that could be obtained by men in the age group of 30-65 by consulting the pharmacist. Recent years have seen the sale of Viagra dip drastically due to introduction of cheaper pills like Cialis and Levitra.

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Recreational Viagra? Not As Much Fun

Viagra or sildenafil citrate, released in 1998, is considered a “miracle drug” that has worked as an infinite boon to men suffering from ED or erectile dysfunction. Men with genuine cases of ED have shown considerable changes in their sexual health and performance after consuming a doctor approved dose of Viagra that there is no debate as to the efficacy of this drug. “Vitamin V” as it is commonly referred to, however, is being misused these days. Welcome to the gory world of drug abuse. Recreational use of Viagra is on the rise. Men, even at the age of 20-25, who have never had issues sustaining an erection in order to adequately satisfy their partners during sexual intercourse, are making random use of this tablet.

Rumors are abound that Viagra possesses properties that can cause a permanent increase in one’s penis size, that taking of this drug increases sexual performance and libido like a sexual enhancer. These misconceptions are just misconceptions. Studies show that men who don’t suffer from ED and have still taken a Viagra pill show little or no change in their sexual prowess. The refractory time, which is the time it takes to sustain another erection after successful sexual intercourse, might be slightly reduced.

The illegal drug market also seems to be taken by the wondrous nature of this drug. Most illegal drugs like MDMA Street name Ecstasy cause erectile dysfunction when under the effects of the drug. Users have been known to mix Ecstasy with Viagra and create what is known as”Sextasy” so as to combat the erectile dysfunction in this case. Some of these illegal mixtures available are just plain dangerous and might cause increased heart rate, leading to heart attacks and sudden death due to the illegal drug component.

Partying has become a mainstay in the lives of young office goers in today’s day and age. There is no peak that some daredevils refuse to scale to achieve their idea of an ultimate experience. Adventurers who dabble with drugs know nothing about may just end curled up in a ditch.

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Is Viagra Responsible for STDs?

A new study has found that use of drugs like Viagra, which cure erectile dysfunction, may lead sexually transmitted diseases. These diseases can however be caused more due to the behavior of a person rather than the consumption of ED drugs. However, it is true that the rates of STD are more among ED drug consumers than those who do not take them.

This claim has been made after men consuming ED drugs aged above 40 filing a higher number of insurance claims for STD’s. The percentage of ED consumers among the STD victims in the age group of 40 and above was almost 70 percent. Anupam Jena, MD, PhD, in Massachusetts General Hospital has talked about this fact. Jena has further commented that the use of ED drugs does not have an impact on contracting STDs, but rather what kind of men use such drugs. But, still the connection between a higher presence of these drugs and exposure to STDs can’t be ignored. It’s implied that the availability of such drugs may have made men more vulnerable to exposing themselves to risky sexual relationships. However, as Dr Jena later noted that the data collected so far does not indicate existence of any such correlation. Thus, he has also observed that his findings are going to be medically useful. He says that when a doctor finds that his middle aged patient is using erectile dysfunction drugs, he can remind them about healthy sexual practices. The same recommendation is also mentioned in an added editorial in the findings composed by Thomas Fekete, MD, who hails from Temple University in Philadelphia.

He has written in his editorial that the all the erectile dysfunction prescriptions should now contain an evaluation of the STD risk for any patient and advise for safe sex. The Center for Disease Control has also found that the rates of AIDS in men who are aged above 50 in 2005 were more than those who are just 20 years old. These rates are now increasing in older men, but rates among other groups have been on the low.

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