How does Viagra work?

비아그라 has been deemed by many men to be a “wonder drug,” as it has made it possible for them to regain their sexual power and to perform once again.  For those men that face health problems that prevent them from getting properly aroused, Viagra makes it possible for them and their partners to enjoy fulfilling sex life.

How was Viagra Developed?

Viagra was actually developed by a group of pharmaceutical chemists that were trying to develop a new form of high blood pressure medicine in order to treat people with ischaemic cardiovascular disease.  After conducting the first clinical trials, however, the researchers realized that the drug has little effect on blood pressure.  On the other hand, those that used the medication noticed an interesting side effect:  penile erections.

The research into this new drug was supported by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer and, after observing the side effect of the new drug, the company decided to market it as an erectile dysfunction medication instead. It didn’t take long before Pfizer had a patent on the drug and, in 1998; it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration.  In fact, it was the first pill to be approved for treating erectile dysfunction in the United States.

It should come as no surprise that the magic little pill was a huge success.  Between 1999 and 2001, Pfizer pulled in over $1 billion in sales from the pill.

Despite the fact that Pfizer holds the patent for Viagra, there is some controversy surrounding who actually invented the drug.  According to the British press, Albert Wood and Peter Dunn invented the drug.  Although Pfizer claims this isn’t true, their names do appear on the manufacturing patent application.

How Does Viagra Work to Help Erectile Dysfunction?

Since Viagra was first developed in order to assist with heart problems, it should come as no surprise that it works by affecting blood flow.  But, how does Viagra work with the body in order to create this change?

Understanding the exact biological process can be a bit confusing, but it involves causing the body’s parasympathetic nervous system to release nitric oxide.  This nitric oxide is released in the corpus cavernosum, which is located in the penis.  It then binds to the receptors of the guanylate cyclase, which is an enzyme within the penis.  When it binds to the receptors, the cyclic guanosine monophosphate in the body is increased.  This helps the smooth muscles within the helicine arteries to relax and allows more blood to flow into the penis.

Viagra not only helps increase the flow to the penis so the user can get an erection, but it also helps improve the erection.  This is because the drug is an inhibitor of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5.  As a result, it actually helps provide more cGMP, which improves the erection.  Still, the penis must receive sexual stimulation in order for the cGMP to be activated and lead to an erection.

비아그라 is not the only erectile dysfunction drug to work in this manner.  Cialis, which contains tadalafil instead of sildenafil, also works in the same way.  The same is true of Levitra, which contains vardenafil.

It is important to note that a man’s diet can have an effect on the effectiveness of sildenafil.  Since it is metabolized by hepatic enzymes and because it is excreted by the kidneys and the liver, taking the drug with a high-fat meal can actually delay the absorption of the drug.  As a result, the effects of the drug may be reduced.  Therefore, in order to get the best effects from the drug, it is helpful to eat a healthier meal when taking the medication.