#HealthBytes: All you need to know about the Viagra pill
One of the most popular (and controversial) drugs in the history of medicine is the much-debated Viagra pill. Commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction (or impotence) in men, Viagra has helped many couples improve their sex life and relationship, in general. Here's how Viagra works, its potential side effects, and dosage information.
But firstly, what are Viagra pills?
Viagra pills are blue-colored, diamond-shaped drugs, that were initially designed to treat hypertension and angina pectoris. However, today they are used by men all over the globe, to treat erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, some men (without any erectile problems) use Viagra simply for enhanced sexual performance.
Here's how the Viagra pill works
The active ingredient in Viagra called sildenafil relaxes the muscles in our blood vessels, thereby helping improve blood flow to certain areas of the body (including the penis). This improved blood flow helps men suffering from erectile dysfunction develop and maintain healthy and longer erections, ultimately resulting in improved sexual performance. However, the pill only works when the user is already sexually stimulated.
Possible side effects of taking the Viagra pill
Common, short-term side effects of taking Viagra are mild headache, nausea, facial flushing, hot flushes, indigestion, nasal congestion and dizziness. A more serious side effect of taking the pill is visual disturbance, such as blurry vision, and loss of vision. However, in some rare cases, Viagra may lead to blood pressure changes, fainting, stroke, heart attack, numbness in mouth/throat, penile bleeding, and hearing problems.
When and how much to take?
Viagra pills come in doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg. The user is advised to take a maximum of one pill in a time period of 24 hours, 30 minutes to one hour prior to sexual activity.
