Sildenafil, scientifically known as phosphodiesterase inhibitors, is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Its mechanism of action is mainly to increase the level of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in cells by inhibiting phosphodiesterase activity, thereby relaxing smooth muscle, allowing blood to flow into the corpora cavernosa, and achieving the effect of improving erection hardness.
The discovery and research of sildenafil stems from the treatment of cardiovascular disease. In the 80s of the 20th century, scientists discovered that some drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases can dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure by inhibiting phosphodiesterase activity.
This inspired them to explore the development of a drug that specifically targets phosphodiesterase to treat erectile dysfunction. After years of research, finally in 1991, Pfizer successfully developed sildenafil and brought it to the market.
The advent of sildenafil has revolutionized the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It not only improves the quality of the patient's sexual life, but also boosts the patient's self-confidence and well-being.
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At the same time, sildenafil also brings great commercial value to the pharmaceutical industry. According to statistics, millions of patients worldwide use sildenafil for treatment every year.
01
What is the difference between sildenafil, a domestic drug of less than three yuan and an imported drug of dozens of yuan
First of all, we need to understand that the price of a drug is not only determined by the cost of its production, but also by many other factors.
For example, tariffs on imported drugs, marketing strategies, and the cost of drug research and development will all be added to the drug price, making the price of imported drugs generally higher. In contrast, domestic drugs are less expensive to produce and do not have these additional expenses, so the price is relatively low.
In fact, if the drugs are purchased in regular pharmacies, whether domestic or imported, their main ingredient is the same sildenafil.
Therefore, at the same dose, their efficacy should be similar. Of course, there may be some subtle differences between different brands of drugs, but these differences are not enough to affect the overall efficacy.
If you're looking for an affordable drug, then domestically produced sildenafil may be a good option. But if you value your brand, credibility or want to get a more comprehensive treatment plan, then imported sildenafil may be more suitable. But in any case, the most important thing is to choose a regular pharmacy to buy and ensure the quality of the drug.
02
After taking sildenafil, why is the "effect" not obvious?
Sildenafil, as a phosphatase-5 inhibitor, exerts its effect mainly by inhibiting enzyme activity. This enzyme is normally involved in breaking down certain chemicals, such as nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide plays a key role in regulating vasodilation, and sildenafil helps in vasodilation by inhibiting enzyme activity, prolonging the time of action of nitric oxide.
However, the effects of the drug are not always as pronounced as expected. One reason is that the body's response to medication varies from person to person.
Different individuals have differences in the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of drugs, which leads to different concentrations and effects of drugs in the body. In addition, factors such as physiological state, dietary Xi and lifestyle between individuals will also affect the efficacy of drugs.
Another important reason is drug-drug interactions. Certain foods, drugs or other compounds may interact with sildenafil, affecting its efficacy.
For example, certain antibiotics, antifungals, or certain types of nitrates may interact with sildenafil, reducing its effectiveness.
In addition, the psychological factor cannot be ignored. Emotional states such as psychological stress, anxiety or depression can negatively affect the effectiveness of medications. Psychological factors interfere with the normal physiological action of drugs by affecting the neuroendocrine system.
03
The contraindications to taking sildenafil should be understood
First of all, patients who are allergic to the drug should avoid it so as not to trigger an allergic reaction. Secondly, patients with cardiovascular disease should use sildenafil with caution, as the drug has the potential to negatively affect the cardiovascular system. In addition, patients with hepatic insufficiency and renal insufficiency also need to use sildenafil with caution to avoid aggravating the burden on the liver and kidneys.
In addition to the above contraindications, there are a few things to be aware of. First of all, sildenafil should not be used concomitantly with other PDE5 inhibitors to avoid possible interactions and adverse reactions.
Secondly, when taking sildenafil, you should avoid eating foods or drugs that affect PDE5 activity, such as grapefruit juice, etc. In addition, sildenafil should be contraindicated in men with unstable angina, acute myocardial infarction, and unstable angina.
In conclusion, you should read the drug label carefully before taking sildenafil to understand the contraindications and precautions. If in doubt, you should seek advice from a medical professional or pharmacist. At the same time, during the use of sildenafil, you should pay close attention to your physical condition, and if you have any uncomfortable symptoms, you should stop the drug and seek medical attention in time.
04
When men use sildenafil, avoid falling into the trap
First of all, it is important to make it clear that sildenafil is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction in men, not an aphrodisiac. While it has significant effects in improving the quality of sexual life, it should not be overly relied upon or abused.
Secondly, the use of sildenafil requires following the doctor's recommendations and dosage guidelines. Excessive use may cause adverse effects such as headache, facial flushing, visual changes, etc. Therefore, it should be strictly followed by the doctor's instructions during use to avoid excessive intake.
In addition, the use of sildenafil requires special caution in patients with cardiovascular disease. Because the drug may have a certain effect on the cardiovascular system, it should be used under the guidance of a doctor for patients with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and coronary heart disease.
In addition, sildenafil does not solve all sexual dysfunction problems. If a man has problems such as low libido and premature ejaculation, relying solely on sildenafil cannot achieve satisfactory treatment results.
Therefore, while using sildenafil, other treatments such as psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, etc., should also be actively sought.
Finally, it is important to pay attention to the reliability of the source of the drug. Sildenafil is a prescription drug that needs to be purchased in a formal medical facility to avoid obtaining or using counterfeit and substandard drugs from illegal sources. This not only ensures the quality of the drug, but also ensures that it is professionally guided and monitored during use.