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Viagra is a prescription drug commonly used for erectile dysfunction in men. But people have a lot of misconceptions about it. Viagra is considered as a sex stimulant but not many people know that it has other uses too, apart from boosting the sex drive.
Viagra – A cure for Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a medical condition that is very common in middle aged men. Men suffering from this condition experience extreme depression and lower self confidence. However, thanks to Viagra, men suffering from erectile dysfunction can lead a normal sex life and are confidently able to handle the psychological effects resulting from this condition. Men taking Viagra can achieve and maintain an erection when they are sexually aroused.
Viagra, commonly known as the little blue pill, was launched by Pfizer, a globally leading pharmaceutical company. Scientifically known as sildenafil citrate, Viagra was originally developed to treat heart disease and it was only during clinical trials that its penile erection effects were observed. Since that time, Viagra has become a global success story, with annual sales exceeding a staggering 1 billion dollars yearly. Sold as a prescription-only drug, Viagra acts by blocking the enzyme, cyclic GMP, which prevents erection in males.

Viagra, commonly known as the little blue pill, was launched by Pfizer, a globally leading pharmaceutical company. Scientifically known as sildenafil citrate, Viagra was originally developed to treat heart disease and it was only during clinical trials that its penile erection effects were observed. Since that time, Viagra has become a global success story, with annual sales exceeding a staggering 1 billion dollars yearly. Sold as a prescription-only drug, Viagra acts by blocking the enzyme, cyclic GMP, which prevents erection in males.
Interesting Facts about Viagra
Even though Viagra is one of the most popular prescription drugs, a vast majority of the people do not know much about it. Listed below are some interesting facts about Viagra that might help clear a lot of misconceptions people have about this wonder drug:Viagra does not work instantly
A lot of people have the misconception that consuming Viagra results in an instant erection. In fact, it takes about 30 to 60 minutes for the drug to get absorbed in the blood stream. It should ideally be taken about 1 hour before (and not more than 4 hours before) the sexual activity.Viagra is a sex stimulant
Viagra is not a sex stimulant and should not be used as one. Its primary function is to correct erectile dysfunction in men who, even despite being aroused, are not able to achieve an erection.Viagra - the most counterfeited drug in the world
The demand for Viagra is very high and a lot of people want to try it out. However, a number of them are not willing to pay the full price for the drug and that brings out an excellent opportunity for generic drug manufacturers to launch fake versions of Viagra. You would be surprised to know that Viagra is the most counterfeited drug in the world. It is therefore, extremely important to ensure that you have the original version of the drug launched by Pfizer.Read more: Levitra vs Cialis vs Viagra
Viagra can be taken by women
Viagra was primarily launched by Pfizer as a treatment drug for erectile dysfunction in men. Studies are still going on to ascertain whether Viagra can play a role in changing the sex lives of women. No conclusive results have been obtained so far and therefore it is not recommended to be used by women.Efficacy of Viagra is unaffected by the quality of food eaten prior to taking the pill
It is again a popular misconception that one can pop Viagra whenever one is in the mood. According to the physicians, if Viagra is consumed after taking a high-fat meal, its efficiency decreases and it takes longer to act. You should also avoid taking Viagra with grapefruit juice as studies have shown that grapefruit juice reacts adversely with Viagra and might trigger the risk of the side effects associated with the drug.
Continue reading after recommendations
- “Viagra: Not Just for Erections”, by Roger Dobson. Published in the September, 2007 issue of the journal Pediatrics, accessed on May 02, 2012. Retrieved from: http://www.alternet.org/health/61605/viagra:_not_just_for_erections/
- “Use of Sildenafil (Viagra) in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease”, by Melvin D Cheitlin et al
- published in the January 1999 issue of Circulation, a journal by the American Heart Association, accessed on May 2, 2012. Retrieved from: circ.ahajournals.org/content/99/1/168.full
- “Viagra and pulmonary hypertension”, published in the August 2007 issue of Harvard Men’s Health Watch, accessed on May 2, 2012. Retrieved from: www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/viagra-and-pulmonary-hypertension
- “Sildenafil increases chemotherapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin in prostate cancer and ameliorates cardiac dysfunction, by Anindita Das et al, published in the September 2010 issue of the journal PNAS, accessed on May 2, 2012. Retrieved from: www.pnas.org/content/107/42/18202.full.pdf+html
- “Original heart hope of Viagra realized”, by Michelle Roberts, published in the February 16, 2007 issue of BBC News, accessed on May 2, 2012. Retrieved from: news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6367643.stm
- Photo courtesy of simon on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/simon/8263476
- Photo courtesy of martin_julia on Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/martin_julia/7210759784