Sildenafil Citrate
Sildenafil citrate is the erection drug for men with erectile dysfunction and their partners. The drug is most popularly known as Viagra but also goes by the trade name Revatio. Revatio isn’t used for impotence however; instead it is used for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension. Sildenafil works to relax muscles and as a result increases blood flow throughout the body. For penile dysfunction, Sildenafil citrate helps to control and improve blood flow to the tissues of the penis by minimizing the enzyme, cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate pyrophosphate).
Interestingly, Sildenafil was initially being developed as a treatment for angina pectoris and high blood pressure. During clinical studies in Swansea it was found that it resulted in improved erections among men. It was approved for treatment of impotence in the USA in 1998. Although advertisements for Sildenafil citrate, whether on air or in print are directed to the consumer, it can only be had by prescription from a medical practitioner.
One other interesting, but apparently little known fact about Sildenafil is that is it used to treat a particular type of heart disease known as pulmonary arterial hypertension or PAH. The drug works to minimize the symptoms of right sided heart failure. It helps to relax the arterial wall which results in a decrease in arterial pressure.
The erection drug was developed by Pfizer. Only two other drugs are almost as widely known as Viagra for erectile dysfunction, namely Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (verdenafil). To couples who had problems with their sex life due to impotence, these small blue pills have been a lifesaver.