Sildenafil is a drug that increases the flow of blood inside the arteries that were blocked because of plaque formation. This drug is useful for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and erectile dysfunction (ED) problems in men.
According to the National Institutes of Health, the effects of Sildenafil last for at least 4 hours in the system. After taking the pill, it takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour for assimilation and activation in the bloodstream. The effects and duration of action of Sildenafil may vary depending on various factors such as age, dosage, health conditions, etc.
Effects Of Sildenafil
The effects of Sildenafil may also be affected because of drug interactions and alcohol interactions. Some drugs and alcohol taken in combination with Sildenafil might reduce the potency of Sildenafil.
To yield the full benefits of Sildenafil, one must avoid the things that interfere with its function. When the pill gets absorbed into the bloodstream, it expands the narrowed arteries and increases the flow of blood through them.
Sildenafil for erectile dysfunction (ED)
Sildenafil is a Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, which stops some enzymatic action to expand the strained and narrowed arteries of the penile and increase the blood flow through them. The erection happens when more blood flows inside the penile arteries than it usually does. Sildenafil expands the passages of the arteries and allows more blood flow inside.
As a PDE5 inhibitor agent, Sildenafil stops the action of PDE enzymes in the arteries. These enzymes cause plaque formation in the arteries, which is why the arteries get blocked and no blood flows inside. This makes erection difficult. But Sildenafil effectively increases the blood flow inside by causing the release of a chemical called Nitric oxide (NO) into the walls of the arteries.
Nitric Oxide
This nitric oxide promotes the muscle expansion of the arteries, which causes complete arterial relaxation. This expansion fills the two tubes of spongy tissues in the penile with blood and further causes them to swell, making the penile attain erections. Once there is adequate blood inside, the arteries narrow and trap the blood for maintaining erections.
Sildenafil is the main ingredient of FDA-approved drugs known as Viagra. Besides, there are many generic versions of Viagra that are composed using Sildenafil as their active component for treating erectile dysfunction.
Sildenafil for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
Sildenafil is a vasodilator agent, which expands the arteries and allows more blood to flow inside the organs. It treats pulmonary hypertension issues by triggering the release of nitric oxide in the inner walls of arteries present in your lungs, which leads to their expansion and complete relaxation. As the lung arteries attain relaxation, they allow more blood to flow inside the lungs.
Nitric oxide is a vasodilator that helps reduce the muscle strains in the arteries. When more blood flows inside the arteries, the blood pressure in the lungs drops, which reduces the strain on your heart. It makes it easier for the heart to pump and circulate blood throughout your entire body in an effective manner. As the blood pressure inside the lungs drops, the breathing difficulties disappear, and the person feels more active.
The FDA-approved drug known as Revatio is Sildenafil-composed, which is a quite popular drug that treats pulmonary arterial hypertension problems.
Side effects of Sildenafil
These Sildenafil drugs can produce some side effects, although their symptoms are mild. The side effects may include headaches, vomiting, sore throat, nausea, insomnia, rashes, stuffy nose or nasal congestion, blurred vision, flushing, back pain, stomachache, diarrhea, and dizziness.
These side effects remain for a short duration, and they disappear as the body adjusts and becomes used to the effects of Sildenafil. However, if the symptoms do not go away within a few days, see a doctor.
Who should avoid using Sildenafil?
Those who are already using or about to take drugs such as nitrates or alpha-blockers, and other blood pressure medications must avoid taking Sildenafil drugs, as their interaction can lead to a synergistic drop in blood pressure, which can have life-threatening consequences. Therefore, men with medical history or ongoing health conditions need to talk to their healthcare provider before making use of Sildenafil drugs for treating sexual difficulties or pulmonary hypertension.
Besides, one must not use Sildenafil unless it is prescribed by their healthcare provider. These drugs are suitable for adults only. Children and teenagers are not allowed to take them unless the doctor has prescribed them the use of Sildenafil drugs for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
