- What is Viagra?
- History and Mechanism of Viagra
- How Viagra Operates in the Body
- Comparing Viagra with Other ED Treatments
What is Viagra?

When you buy Viagra online, it’s crucial to understand how it works and how to do so safely. Viagra is also known as sildenafil which helps men to get the erection that they want by effectively treating erectile dysfunction.
The world’s first Viagra pill was first introduced in 1998 by drug maker Pfizer. Originally, angina was designed to treat cardiovascular diseases that cause chest pain due to reduced blood supply to the heart. But, when clinical trials were occurring, the researchers noticed a good side effect, that of better ED. Due to this discovery, the drug’s primary focus shifted. As a result, the FDA approved Viagra as the first oral treatment for impotence.
How to Safely Buy Viagra Online
The FDA approved Pfizer’s Viagra as the first oral drug for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Researchers once examined the active ingredient sildenafil for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Yet in the course of testing, scientists discovered it has a huge effect on improving erectile function. After learning about this, it was reconfigured and approved for ED.
| Aspect | Details |
| Generic Name | Sildenafil Citrate |
| Brand Name | Viagra |
| Developer | Pfizer Inc. |
| FDA Approval | March 27, 1998 |
What Does Viagra Do?
Viagra’s principal use is to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis during arousal. It helps men get and keep an erection strong enough for sex. Viagra works by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which regulates blood flow to the penis and promotes an erection.
- Enhances Blood Flow: Viagra relaxes the blood vessels in the penis, allowing increased blood flow which is essential for an erection.
- Effective and Reliable: Known for its high success rate, Viagra typically starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes and can be effective for up to 4-5 hours.
- First FDA Approved Oral ED Treatment: As the pioneer oral treatment for ED, Viagra has set the standard for subsequent medications.
Why is Viagra So Popular?
Since its introduction, Viagra has become synonymous with ED treatment. Its popularity can be attributed to its proven effectiveness, ease of use, and the significant improvement it offers to the quality of life for many men. The ability to restore sexual function has profound impacts not only on physical health but also on mental and emotional well-being.
Viagra’s reputation as a powerful and reliable medication for treating ED is well-deserved. Understanding what Viagra is and how it works lays the foundation for exploring its history, mechanisms, and comparisons with other ED treatments, which we will discuss in the following sections.
The Fascinating History and Mechanism of Viagra
Initial Research Begins
Pfizer begins research on sildenafil as a treatment for hypertension and angina. Early trials unexpectedly reveal its effect on erectile dysfunction.
Clinical Trials Show Promising Results
Sildenafil shows significant promise in treating erectile dysfunction during clinical trials, leading to a shift in research focus.
Patent Application Filed
Pfizer files a patent for the use of sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction, paving the way for its future market launch.
FDA Approval Granted
This is timeline description. Please click here to change this description.
Global Impact and Popularity
Viagra becomes a household name, widely recognized and used by millions worldwide for treating ED.
Viagra sildenafil citrate was initially investigated as a treatment for heart illness by the pharmaceutical industry. Although initially developed for heart issues, scientists were shocked to find it effective for ED in 1990. Viagra works by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) that halts erections. This enzyme breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which is responsible for relaxing smooth muscles and widening blood vessels in order to facilitate increased blood flow in the penis. Viagra works by promoting greater blood flow to the penis. In turn, this rounded about through inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5).

How Viagra Works in the Body
Viagra is a powerful drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Its generic name is sildenafil. To know how Viagra works, we have to understand how the body works to create an erection.
The Role of Nitric Oxide and cGMP
When a man is sexually aroused, the body releases nitric oxide (NO) in the penile tissues. This chemical stimulates the production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which relaxes the smooth muscles and dilates the blood vessels in the penis. This process allows increased blood flow, leading to an erection.
In the absence of sildenafil (Viagra), the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) breaks down cGMP, reducing blood flow and making it difficult to maintain an erection.
Viagra inhibits PDE5, allowing higher levels of cGMP to persist. This promotes the relaxation of smooth muscles and increased blood flow to the penis, facilitating an erection.

Comparing Viagra with Other Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
When considering treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED), Viagra is typically the first medication that comes to mind. However, there are numerous other effective alternatives, each with its own distinct features. In this section, we will compare Viagra with other popular ED treatments such as Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Stendra (avanafil). This comparison will help you understand their differences and assist you in determining which option may be the most suitable for you.
Viagra vs. Cialis (Tadalafil)
Men commonly use Cialis, also known as tadalafil, to treat erectile dysfunction. Unlike Viagra, Cialis offers a longer-lasting effect and is often referred to as the ‘weekend pill’ because it stays active for up to 36 hours, compared to Viagra’s 4-5 hour duration. This extended duration makes Cialis a preferable choice for men seeking a wider timeframe for sexual activity.
| Feature | Viagra (Sildenafil) | Cialis (Tadalafil) | Levitra (Vardenafil) | Stendra (Avanafil) |
| Onset Time | 30-60 minutes | 30 minutes | 30-60 minutes | 15-30 minutes |
| Duration | 4-5 hours | Up to 36 hours | 4-5 hours | 6-12 hours |
| Effectiveness | High | High | High | High |
| Common Side Effects | Headache, Flushing | Headache, Indigestion | Headache, Flushing | Headache, Dizziness |
| Food Interaction | Reduced with high-fat meals | No significant effect | Reduced with high-fat meals | Minimal effect |
| Dosage Options | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg | 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg | 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg | 50mg, 100mg, 200mg |


