What does Viagra do?
Viagra is a medicine that treats the symptoms of erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal. The drug works by blocking an enzyme called PDE5, which normally breaks down a chemical that relaxes blood vessels in the penis. Viagra does not directly cause sexual arousal or increase sex drive; it only works when you are already sexually stimulated.
Key points:
- Viagra belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors
- The medication allows a chemical called cyclic GMP to remain active longer in the penis, enabling better blood flow
- Effects typically begin within 30 minutes on average and can last around 4 hours
- Viagra is also sometimes used to treat pulmonary hypertension and Raynaud's disease by relaxing blood vessels in other parts of the body
This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by Sorin Romaniuc, Pharmacist at medino.