The Unexpected Discovery of Viagra: Uncovering the Power of an Innovative Treatment
1. Introduction
Viagra is one of the most recognizable and widely used medications in the world today. It has become a household name and is often used as a punchline in comedy routines. But how did it come to be? In this article, we will explore the history of viagra, from its discovery to its approval and launch, as well as discuss who can take it, potential side effects, and alternatives to viagra.
2. The Discovery of Viagra
The story of viagra begins in 1989 when British scientist Dr. Nicholas Terrett discovered that sildenafil citrate had the potential to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). He was researching a drug for treating angina pectoris, a condition characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. During his research, he noticed that sildenafil citrate had an unexpected side effect: it increased blood flow to the penis. This discovery would eventually lead to the development of viagra as we know it today.
3. How Viagra Works
Viagra works by inhibiting an enzyme called PDE5 which prevents blood vessels from expanding and allowing more blood flow into certain areas of the body such as the penis. By inhibiting this enzyme, viagra allows more blood flow into the penis which helps men achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity.
4. Clinical Trials for Viagra
After Dr Terrett’s discovery, Pfizer Inc., a pharmaceutical company based in New York City began clinical trials for sildenafil citrate in 1993 with Phase I trials focusing on safety and efficacy in humans with ED. After successful completion of these trials, Phase II trials were conducted which focused on dose-ranging studies and long-term safety evaluations before finally leading up to Phase III trials which tested sildenafil citrate’s effectiveness against placebo in men with ED from various countries around the world.
5. Approval and Launch of Viagra
In 1998 after successfully completing all three phases of clinical trials, Pfizer Inc submitted a new drug application (NDA) for sildenafil citrate under the brand name “Viagra” to the U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for approval in March 1998 and received FDA approval later that year on March 27th 1998 making it one of only two medications approved by FDA specifically for treating ED at that time (the other being alprostadil). On April 28th 1998 Pfizer Inc launched Viagra making it available by prescription only at pharmacies throughout United States becoming one of most successful medications ever launched by Pfizer Inc with sales estimated at over $1 billion per year within first four years after launch alone!
6. Side Effects of Viagra
Like all medications, Viagra has some potential side effects including headaches, flushing, indigestion or nausea/vomiting, blurred vision or changes in color vision (such as seeing a blue tinge), stuffy or runny nose, back pain or muscle aches etc.. However these side effects are usually mild and temporary but if any symptoms persist or worsen then you should contact your doctor immediately!
7. Who Can Take Viagra?
Viagra is prescribed only after consultation with your doctor who will determine if you are suitable candidate for taking this medication based on your medical history and current health conditions so if you think you may benefit from taking viagra then please consult your doctor first before taking any form of ED medication!
8 Alternatives to Viagra
There are many alternatives available today if you are not suitable candidate for taking viagrasuch as topical creams/gels like alprostadil cream/gel which can be applied directly onto penis skin; vacuum pumps which use suction force to help achieve erection; penile injections which involve injecting certain medications directly into penis; penile implants etc.. All these alternatives have their own pros/cons so please consult your doctor before deciding on best treatment option suitable for you!
9 Conclusion
In conclusion we have explored how viagra was discovered starting with its initial discovery by British scientist Dr Nicholas Terrett followed by clinical trials conducted by Pfizer Inc leading up to its eventual approval & launch making it one of most successful medications ever launched generating billions in sales every year since its launch! We have also discussed potential side effects & who can take viagras well as alternatives available if you are not suitable candidate for taking this medication so please consult your doctor first before deciding on best treatment option suitable for you!
