Viagra, chemically known as Sildenafil, is an oral medication for treating ED in men. It represents the class of drug known to inhibit the PDE5 enzyme and stimulate an elevation in the concentration of the second messenger cGMP molecules in corpus cavernosum of the penis, which leads to smooth muscle relaxation, vasodilation, increased blood flow, and eventually an erection. The paper looks at the step-by-step process that Surin takes place within the body right from the time one swallows a pill down to its final effect.
Step 1: Ingestion
The first step in the process of how Viagra works is taking the pill. It is typically taken orally, with a glass of water, about 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity. The recommended dose is 50 mg, but it can be adjusted by a doctor depending on the individual’s response and tolerance. Once ingested, the pill dissolves in the stomach and its active ingredient, sildenafil, is absorbed into the bloodstream.
When a Viagra pill is swallowed, it travels through the digestive system and is absorbed by the small intestine. The absorption process takes around 30 minutes to an hour, and the extent of absorption is around 40%. The bioavailability of Sildenafil Citrate is approximately 41% because of first-pass metabolism in the liver.
Step 2: Inhibition of PDE5 Enzyme
After being absorbed into the bloodstream, sildenafil travels to the smooth muscle cells of the penis. The main target of sildenafil is the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzyme, which is responsible for breaking down a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This chemical is essential for relaxing the smooth muscles in the penis, allowing blood to flow in and causing an erection. By inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, sildenafil allows cGMP levels to increase, promoting a stronger and longer-lasting erection.
Once absorbed, Sildenafil Citrate circulates through the bloodstream, where it binds to plasma proteins. The drug’s protein binding is around 96%, which means that only a small fraction of the drug is unbound and active. The peak plasma concentration of Sildenafil Citrate is reached approximately 60 minutes after ingestion. Age, liver function, and medications can affect this absorption rate.
Step 3: Release of Nitric Oxide
To understand how Viagra works, it is important to know the role of nitric oxide (NO) in the body. NO is a vasodilator, meaning it relaxes and widens blood vessels, allowing for increased blood flow. It is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection. When a man is sexually stimulated, the nerve endings in the penis release NO. However, in men with ED, this process is impaired. Viagra helps to stimulate the release of NO, promoting blood flow to the penis and causing an erection.
Step 4: Increased Blood Flow to the Penis
As the PDE5 enzyme is inhibited and NO is released, the blood vessels in the penis start to relax and widen. This allows for a greater amount of blood to flow into the erectile tissue, causing the penis to become erect. It is important to note that Viagra does not actually cause an erection. Sexual stimulation is still necessary for the medication to work. Viagra simply helps to enhance the natural process of achieving an erection.
Step 5: Maintenance of Erection
As mentioned earlier, Viagra does not directly cause an erection. It only helps to maintain it. When a man is sexually aroused, the body releases NO, causing the penis to become erect. However, in men with ED, this process is disrupted due to insufficient blood flow. By inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, Viagra allows for cGMP levels to increase, promoting a sustained erection. This effect can last for up to four hours, giving men more time and confidence to engage in sexual activity.
Step 6: Elimination from the Body
As with any medication, the body eventually eliminates Viagra from the system. The half-life of sildenafil is approximately four hours, meaning that half of the medication is eliminated from the body in that time. It is primarily metabolized in the liver and eliminated through the kidneys. It is important to note that Viagra may have a delayed onset if taken after a high-fat meal, as the presence of fats in the stomach can slow down the absorption of the medication.
Conclusion:
In summary, Viagra does its work in stages—from ingestion and digestion to its metabolism and activation, culminating in increased blood flow to the penis and the ability to achieve and maintain an erection. It is a very potent drug, but one should always remember that Viagra is a prescription medication and as such should be treated strictly under a professional’s care. Moreover, it gets effective only upon sexual stimulation and is neither an aphrodisiac nor a drug for low libido. Only upon proper administration is Viagra, then, a safe and efficient means of treating erectile dysfunction, helping men acquire back their sexual confidence and enhance the quality of life.
