Viagra has been on the market for over 20 years, providing a ray of hope for patients suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED). Its remarkable effectiveness has made it a global sensation. However, do you truly understand how Viagra works to treat ED? Today, let’s explore Pfizer, the company behind Viagra, and gain a comprehensive understanding of this groundbreaking medication.
Manufacturer of Viagra
Viagra was first developed and produced by the American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. Founded in 1849, Pfizer Inc. is a multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in New York City, with major research and development centers in the United States and the United Kingdom. Its popular products include Lipitor (a cholesterol-lowering drug), Diflucan (an oral antifungal medication), Zithromax (an antibiotic), and Viagra (a treatment for ED). Today, Pfizer is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.
Viagra and Pfizer
In 1998, Pfizer introduced Sildenafil Citrate, marketed as Viagra, which achieved unprecedented success. Statistics show that globally, four pills of Viagra are consumed every second. The commercial success of Viagra enabled Pfizer to acquire Warner-Lambert and Pharmacia, making it the largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in the United States. Viagra remains a leading treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED).
The Rise of Viagra
The success of Viagra lies in its mechanism of action and therapeutic effects. Let’s delve deeper into these aspects.
Mechanism of Action
The effectiveness of Viagra stems from its active ingredient, Sildenafil. It works by inhibiting the activity of PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5), which increases cGMP levels, leading to the relaxation of smooth muscle in the penile corpus cavernosum.
Simply put, when Viagra is taken, sexual stimulation triggers the release of nitric oxide in the penile corpus cavernosum, increasing cGMP levels. This causes the smooth muscle to relax, allowing blood to flow into the penis. Nitric oxide plays a crucial role in this process, while PDE5 counteracts its effects. Viagra precisely inhibits PDE5, preventing it from obstructing the erection process. This is how Viagra effectively treats erectile dysfunction.
Additionally, Sildenafil has other benefits, such as enhancing physical endurance, reducing oxidative stress, dilating pulmonary blood vessels, improving gas exchange, and lowering oxygen consumption. These effects make it useful in preventing and treating high-altitude conditions like hypoxemia and pulmonary edema.
Research from the Department of Urology at Boston University School of Medicine also suggests that Viagra may benefit women with sexual dysfunction caused by genital vascular insufficiency.
Therapeutic Effects
Beyond its primary function, additional effects discovered during clinical use have added to Viagra’s legendary status. For instance, as early as 2013, Viagra had generated global sales of $60 billion within 15 years of its launch. By 2015, approximately 68 million people in China were using Viagra. These numbers provide compelling evidence of its effectiveness. Even in 2019, Viagra remained the most mainstream medication for treating ED.
Recommendations for Use
In Taiwan, Viagra is a prescription medication, emphasizing the importance of consulting a doctor when experiencing ED. Once prescribed, here’s how to use it:
- Dosage: Start with a 50 mg dose and adjust based on individual response.
- Timing: Take on an empty stomach for optimal absorption. The effects begin within 15 minutes, peak at 1 hour, and last about 4-5 hours.
- Stimulation: Sexual stimulation is necessary for the medication to work.
- Contraindications: Do not use Viagra if you are taking nitrate medications.
Conclusion
This article outlines the mechanism and therapeutic effects of Viagra, along with additional information about its development and usage. Are you intrigued by this remarkable medication? If you know someone struggling with ED, don’t hesitate to recommend Viagra—it has brought happiness to millions of men worldwide, ensuring their sexual health and well-being.