Erectile dysfunction is a problem that affects many men. Problems with intimate life can occur both in the presence of serious illnesses, and as a result of severe stress or mental trauma. In any case, the representatives of the stronger sex are extremely sensitive to this topic.
Fortunately, problems with lack of erection can be solved. Quite often, patients are prescribed the drug Sildenafil Citrate, also commonly known as Viagra. And many people are interested in questions about what this remedy is and how exactly it affects the body. How much does the drug cost? Are there any complications while taking it?
Composition and dosage form of the drug
Sildenafil is available in the form of small oval blue or blue tablets. On the fault they are white and almost white. In the pharmacy you can buy blister packs with 1, 2, 4, 10 or 20 tablets.
The main active ingredient is sildenafilcitrate - 100 mg, 50 mg or 25 mg in each tablet. Naturally, other excipients are present in the composition, in particular lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose and povidone. The film coat consists of polyvinyl alcohol, macrogol, talc, titanium dioxide, and dyes based on iron and aluminum.
Main pharmacological properties
Sildenafil citrate is nothing more than a selective inhibitor of cycloguanosine monophosphate, a specific phosphodiesterase type five, which is responsible for the breakdown of cGMP.
In order to understand the mechanism of action, it is worth first considering the process of erection. It is associated with the release of nitric oxide in the cavernous body, which leads to an increase in cGMP levels, relaxation of the smooth muscles of the corpora cavernosa and an increase in blood flow - this ensures an erection of the penis.
Sildenafil does not directly affect the cavernous body. But, due to the inhibition of phosphodiesterase, an increase in the level of cGMP is observed, which enhances the effect of the released nitric oxide and, accordingly, ensures the filling of the cavernous body with a large volume of blood.
After ingestion, the active substance is absorbed almost instantly. On average, its bioavailability is 40-60%. As a rule, the effect of taking the drug appears 60 minutes after ingestion, although this figure can vary from 30 to 90 minutes. Metabolism of the active substance occurs in the liver. The products of metabolism are excreted by the intestines and kidneys. That is why taking pills by patients suffering from disorders in the functioning of the kidneys and liver is possible only after a thorough examination by a doctor.
What are the indications for use?
Perhaps the only indication for the use of the drug "Sildenafil Citrate" is erectile dysfunction, namely, the inability to achieve and maintain an erection. It should be noted that this drug is effective only in the presence of appropriate sexual stimulation. And the Sildenafil Citrate tablets are not intended for women. After all, this drug is not a pathogen, its mechanism of action is associated with an increase in blood flow, which provides an erection, but not with an increase in sexual desire.
Drug "Sildenafil citrate": instructions and doses
Immediately it should be noted that before you start taking pills, you need to consult a doctor. Only a specialist can accurately select the most effective dose. As a rule, men are first prescribed to take 50 mg of the active ingredient. In the absence of the necessary reaction, the amount is increased to 100 mg. If, on the contrary, the initial dose caused side effects, it is reduced to 25 mg. At a time, you can take no more than 100 mg of the active substance. It is not recommended to use the tablets more than once a day. The dosage for people suffering from kidney and liver disease is 25mg.
Are there any contraindications?
Immediatelyit is worth saying that this medicine has contraindications, the list of which must be read:
- hypersensitivity to any of the constituent substances (carefully read the composition before use);
- since "Sildenafil Citrate" enhances the effect of nitrates, it cannot be used along with other nitric oxide donators, any form of nitrates and nitrites;
- disorders of lactose metabolism, in particular lactose intolerance, as well as lactase deficiency, glucose-galactose malabsorption;
- This product is not intended for use in patients under the age of 18 or women.
There are also so-called relative contraindications, against which the reception is possible, but only with all possible caution. This group includes various anatomical deformities of the penis, leukemia, thrombocythemia, sickle cell anemia, hereditary retinitis pigmentosa, diseases accompanied by bleeding, including periods of exacerbation of peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines.
Potentially dangerous are ailments such as hypertension, hypotension, unstable angina, heart failure, stroke, recent myocardial infarction.
What are the possible side effects?
Despite the fact that the drug rarely causes serious side effects, they are still possible. These include:
- abdominal and chest pain, chills, swelling of the face, asthenia, hypersensitivity tolight;
- allergic reactions;
- nervous system disorders including increased drowsiness or insomnia, parasthesias, neuralgias, abnormal dreams, convulsions, stroke, ataxias, decreased reflexes;
- cardiovascular problems, including high or low blood pressure, myocardial infarction, tachycardia, syncope, arrhythmias, cerebral thrombosis, cardiomyopathy and heart failure;
- shortness of breath, cough, nosebleeds, sinusitis, bronchitis, increased cough, asthma attacks and some other respiratory disorders;
- disorders of the digestive tract, namely nausea, vomiting, glossitis, colitis, stomatitis, gingivitis, rectal bleeding, dry mouth, dysphagia;
- eye pain, visual disturbances, cataracts, conjunctival damage, tinnitus pain and noise, vertigo, deafness are possible from the senses.
Other side effects include synovitis, arthritis, myalgia, bone pain, peripheral edema, pathological thirst, development of gout and unstable diabetes, as well as skin ulcers, anorgasmia, increased sweating, urinary incontinence, persistent and excessive long erection.
Is it possible to overdose?
There is no exact information about drug overdose. However, the constant use of too high doses of the drug "Sildenafil citrate" increases the likelihood of side effects, namely dizziness, heart palpitations, color vision disorders,diarrhea, nausea. That is why it is necessary to strictly observe the doses recommended by the doctor, and if there is any deterioration, immediately contact a specialist.
Drug "Sildenafil citrate": price
Of course, for many patients, the question of the cost of a particular drug is extremely important. So how much will the medicine "Sildenafil citrate" cost? The price in this case fluctuates widely. Everything here depends on the manufacturer, the trade name (there are several drugs with the same basic composition), the pricing policy of the pharmacy, the city of residence, etc.
70-110 rubles - this is how much one tablet of Sildenafil Citrate will cost. You can also buy a whole package at a pharmacy, but its cost, of course, will be higher - about 1,100 rubles.
Reviews of patients about the drug
Of course, many patients before buying are interested in the opinion of specialists and other men who have already tried this medicine. The doctors' comments are mostly positive, since the drug "Sildenafil" really copes with its task - it quickly provides an erection, regardless of whether it is due to physiological or psychological changes.
Naturally, the patients themselves are not too in a hurry to advertise their experience, since erectile dysfunction is a delicate topic for every man. Nevertheless, pills really help to cope with the problem and establish a sexual life. The effect of themlasts several hours. Some men even note that the sensations during intercourse become brighter and more intense. The price of the drug is quite affordable, which is also an important advantage. Side effects occur from time to time, but almost any drug comes with this risk.
