Sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in Viagra – one of the most popular treatments around for erectile dysfunction or impotence.
What is Sildenafil Citrate?
Sildenafil citrate belongs to a class of chemicals known as phosphodiesterase inhibitors. It is a drug which is a selective inhibitor of cyclic GMP (cGMP) specific phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5).
Studies have shown that sildenafil carries chemical properties, which can be put to use in the human body to help cope with certain conditions.
Working of Sildenafil Citrate
As explained above sildenafil citrate is a selective inhibitor of cGMP specific phosphodiesterase type-5. PDE-5 is responsible for degradation of cGMP in the body and release of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is one of the key components facilitating blood flow in the body, in this case the penis.
The physiological process of erection consists of many biochemical processes. Release of nitric oxide takes place in the corpus cavernosum when a man is sexually excited. This further activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase. This enzyme results in increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which gives a smooth relaxation of the muscle in the corpus cavernosum. This further leads to increased inflow of blood and an erection.
Effects of Sildenafil Citrate on human body
Along with helping men overcome erection problems, sildenafil also has some side effects on other parts of the body.
Sildenafil opens the arteries in the brain, which causes excessive pressure resulting in headache. Sildenafil also causes face flushing. Face or body parts may appear pinkish or red in color. Sildenafil can also cause nasal congestion, which might lead to stuffed or runny nose.
Sildenafil has a tendency to affect vision because it blocks PDE5 in the body. Along with that it also affects PDE6, which is used by cone cells in the retina. This also affects the ability to differentiate the green and blue color. There may be temporary loss of ability to recognize blue and green shades.
Men having hyper sensitivity to sildenafil may report temporary loss of vision in one or both eyes or might have a bluish tinge to all the objects visualized. Sildenafil is reported to cause sensitivity to light when consumed. Along with this there might be bleeding in the eyes, burning or swelling in the eyes. To buy viagra online get free online consultation here.