Erectile dysfunction means that a man cannot get or keep a proper erection to have intercourse. Several causes contribute to this type of sexual dysfunction in men. It is one of the most common being due to narrowing of the arteries that take blood to the penile region. Sildenafil citrate helps to widen blood vessels and improve the blood flow to penile tissues following sexual arousal which helps to sustain an erection.
Uses
Sildenafil citrate is an FDA approved therapeutic agent that should be used as directed by a health specialist. The recommended initial dose is 50 mg, which can be increased or decreased to 100 mg and 25 mg respectively. Dose adjustments can take place with regards to the health condition and age. It is important to consume the recommended dose with a glass of water 30 to 60 minutes before intending to indulge in a sexual act. It is always better to take the tablet on an empty stomach. Avoid taking it with fatty foods as high-calorie food can slow down the absorption of this drug and may take a long time to have desired effects. While taking the pill, keep yourself away from alcoholic beverages, fatty meals, and grapefruit juice, along with the tablet as these items tend to affect the drug’s efficacy. Moreover, it is necessary to take the next dose 24 hours after taking the previous pill. The effects of a single dose stay for four to six hours depending on the age. During this period, you can be able to enjoy lovemaking with a stiffer erection.
How Sildenafil Citrate Acts?
A penile erection can only occur when a man is sexually stimulated. Sexual stimulation is essential to obtain an erection as it allows the brain to send signals to the nerves of the reproductive organ (penis) through certain hormones and chemicals. This way the penile organ receives adequate blood to have a harder and stiffer erection. During erectile dysfunction, the flow of blood is greatly affected which is why blood fails to reach the penile tissues, thereby causing erection problem. The only way to achieve an erection is to increase blood flow to the penile region by widening arteries to restore an erection. This is highly possible with the help of Sildenafil citrate. This is a pharmaceutical agent belongs to the drug category known as phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors. The drug, after oral administration, inhibits the enzyme PDE5. This inhibition leads to an increase in the levels of nitric oxide that enhances blood flow to the penis by relaxing the penile muscles. In this way, an adequate amount of blood reached to the reproductive organ, and a stiffer erection sustains that stays for a longer period.
Precautions
Before taking the pill, discuss with your health specialist if you have any of the following problems:
- Therapeutic drug allergies, especially with Sildenafil citrate
- Background of long-lasting health conditions, including heart problem, prostate issues, kidney impairment and associated blood disorders
- Taking any other medications or supplements
Keep in mind that the therapeutic agent is known to cause dizziness after consuming it, hence an ED sufferer is advised not to indulge in outdoor activities. Also, exceeding the recommended dose can give rise to health complications, so one needs to be careful while following the dosing schedule.
