As it has been decades-long research to find out the right drug to deal with erectile dysfunction, various drugs were developed to combat the problem. One of the best drugs in this class is Viagra. It has been prescribed to millions of men globally. Viagra is a drug that is used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is a drug in a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase inhibitors. This drug helps, due to this benefit, to increase blood flow to the organ, which later on enables one to develop and maintain erection. Viagra is a prescription-only drug and is, therefore not over-the-counter. There are other drugs that can be regarded as possessing functions that are similar to that of Viagra and are non-prescription drugs. This essay discusses the drugs closest to Viagra and their mechanism of action.
What Is Viagra?
Viagra is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which can help men achieve and maintain an erection. It was approved by the FDA in 1998 and has become the most popular ED drug on the market. Viagra is available in tablet form and is taken orally, usually about an hour before sexual activity.
According to a study reported by Drugs, Viagra operates by enhancing blood flow to the penis when a man experiences sexual arousal. This medication falls within the category of drugs referred to as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Viagra represents a notable milestone in the management of erectile dysfunction, aiding numerous men in enhancing their sexual performance and overall well-being.
Alternatives to Viagra
There are a variety of alternatives to Viagra that have been developed to treat ED. These include Cialis, Levitra, Stendra, and Staxyn. All of these drugs work in a similar way to Viagra, by increasing blood flow to the penis. They are available in tablet form and are taken orally.
Cialis
Cialis is an ED drug that was approved by the FDA in 2003. It is similar to Viagra in its effects and side effects, but it has a longer-lasting effect. Cialis can last up to 36 hours, while Viagra typically lasts for 4 to 6 hours.
According to a report by GoodRX, Cialis stands out with its extended duration of action, which has led to its nickname “the weekend pill.” This is because a single dose can potentially facilitate an erection over an extended period. Moreover, Cialis offers the flexibility of on-demand use or as a daily low-dose tablet (known as Cialis Daily) for continuous and sustained effectiveness.
Levitra
Levitra was approved by the FDA in 2003. It is similar to Viagra in its effects and side effects, but it has a slightly faster onset of action. Levitra can start to work in as little as 15 minutes, while Viagra typically takes 30 minutes to an hour.
Stendra
Stendra is an ED drug that was approved by the FDA in 2012. It is similar to Viagra in its effects and side effects, but it has a faster onset of action. Stendra can start to work in as little as 15 minutes, while Viagra typically takes 30 minutes to an hour.
Staxyn
Staxyn is an ED drug that was approved by the FDA in 2011. It is similar to Viagra in its effects and side effects, but it is taken in a different form. Staxyn is a dissolvable tablet that is taken orally and starts to work in as little as 15 minutes.
As per a study reported by Med Broadcast, Staxyn is available as orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) that dissolve on the tongue, eliminating the requirement for water. This feature facilitates rapid absorption, and Staxyn can be consumed independently of meals. Due to its ability to be absorbed through the oral mucosa, Staxyn may offer a quicker onset of action when compared to Viagra.
Conclusion
Viagra is a drug that is used to treat erectile dysfunction. Viagra functions by inhibiting the enzyme PDE-5, which relaxes the muscles around the penis and increases blood flow to the area. Viagra is the most popular ED drug on the market, but there are a variety of alternatives that are similar in terms of their effects and side effects. They include Cialis, Levitra, Stendra, and Staxyn. All these drugs could help men achieve and maintain an erection, but they had different onset of action times and different durations of effect. They are also available in both prescription and non-prescription form.
