Post a New Question | Current Questions | Live Experts | Download
Homework Help: Health: Medicines: Viagra
by Gwen Dexiny
Classification: Medical Drug
History: It was originally developed as a heart medication to improve blood flow by relaxing the arteries. During these studies, it was found that Viagra was effective in increasing blood flow to the male genitals. Increased blood flow will allow men, who in the past were diagnosed as sexually dysfunctional or impotent, to perform normally for up to 6 hours after taking it. In a way you could say it is still used in the same spirit of its creator's intentÉ. It was approved by the FDA on March 27th, 1998. It has been estimated that about 30 million men in the US alone suffer from erectile dysfunction.
Effects of the Drug: Viagra is approved for the treatment of men who have difficulty having or maintaining an erection (impotence). An erection is the result of an increase in blood flow into certain internal areas of the penis. Viagra works by enhancing the effects of one of the chemicals the body normally releases into the penis during sexual arousal. This allows an increase of blood flow into the penis.
Side effects of the drug: The most commonly reported side effects in patients treated with Viagra during the testing of the product were: headache, flushing, stomach ache, urinary tract infection, diarrhea, dizziness, rash, and mild and temporary visual changes (color perception changes, light perception changes, and blurred vision). Stomach ache and abnormal vision were more common at 100 mg than at lower doses. There are also some men who have had difficulty decreasing the blood flow to the penis for long periods of time when on this drug. It is a relatively new drug so long-term side effects have been slow to make themselves known.
Reactions w/ other drugs: At present, Viagra is not recommended for people taking commonly prescribed short- and long-acting nitrates because the combination may lower blood pressure.
Addictions and misuse: There have been no cases of addiction just yet, but there have been cases of teenagers (who really shouldn't be using it) illegally obtaining it.
Treatment for abuse: See above.
Current Availability: Viagra is available by prescription only. Viagra is available as oral tablets in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg strengths. Viagra, a film-coated tablet, should be stored in a cool, dry place. We have received reports of people leaving Viagra in their vehicles, only to return to find the tablets melted together.
Homework Help: Health: Medicines
For Further Reading
|
