What is sildenafil?

Sildenafil recognized the world thanks to three scientists working at Pfizer: Andrew Bell, David Brown and Nicholas Terett. It was originally used to treat various cardiovascular diseases (angina pectoris, fatally dangerous arterial hypertension, blood pressure control). Similar substances to sildenafil are tadafil (trade name Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra).

Sildenafil is a substance that is currently known mainly because it is used to treat erectile dysfunction. This disease, also known as impotence, has been affecting more and more men lately. The most at risk are those over the age of 40, but it can also occur in younger years. Erectile dysfunction not only affects the patient, but also the partner, as this problem affects sexual life. As a remedy for erection problems, sildenafil was legally used in 1996.

Sildenafil is not an aphrodisiac. Sufficient sexual stimulation is needed to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction. It all works so that sildenafil releases smooth muscles and increases blood flow to the genitals. As a result, there is an erection and an increase in male sexual performance.

Like other substances used in the pharmaceutical industry, side effects can occur with sildenafil. These are due to poor health (sildenafil should not be used for heart or kidney problems), using more than the recommended daily dose (for most preparations containing sildenafil citrate it is 100 mg sildenafil per day) or when combined with certain medicines. Side effects include: headache, mild stomach problems, vision problems (photosensitivity problems), redness in the face, dizziness or cold.

Sildenafil is also used for non-medical purposes. In 2007, the Nobel Prize was awarded to Argentine scientists. They found that sildenafil can also be used in aviation, as it helps mitigate the negative effects of jet lag. Sildenafil is also used by athletes to improve performance and increase muscle.