According to the Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine, Viagra is a brand-name prescription medication formulated and marketed by the pharmaceutical company, Pfizer, that was approved by the FDA in 1998 to treat erectile dysfunction. It was also studied for the relief of hypertension and angina pain. Viagra’s active component is sildenafil citrate, which allows for smooth muscle relaxation, vasodilation and increased blood flow, according to RxList.com. Drugs.com cites that Viagra is produced as diamond-shaped blue tablets, which contain 25, 50 or 100 milligram (mg) of sildenafil for oral use. In addition to the active component of sildenafil, Viagra contains numerous inactive components.
Sildenafil Citrate
According to DrugLib.com, sildenafil citrate enhances the effect of nitric oxide by selectively inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type-5, which creates increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate in the brain’s corpus cavernosum, which results in smooth muscle relaxation, vasodilation of arteries and potential increased blood flow to the penis. It is claimed that sexual stimulation must coincide with sildenafil use for desired effects.
Binders / Fillers
According to DailyMed, Viagra contains four inactive components that can be classified as binders and fillers, and they are microcrystalline cellulose, hypromellose, anhydrous calcium phosphate and lactose monohydrate. Binding agents keep all the ingredients together and ensure that tablets can be made under the pressures of compounding. Binding agents are usually sugars or cellulose derivatives. The cellulose, lactose and phosphate compounds also act as fillers, which increase the size of the tablet and make it more practical for manufacturing and convenient for the end-user to consume, according to the Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine.
Lubricants / Stabilizers / Mixers
Magnesium stearate is another component in Viagra, and acts both as a lubricant and stabilizer in the compounding process of tablet manufacturing. Lubricants assist with the flow of ingredients through the production line and help prevent them from sticking to equipment. Magnesium stearate combines with another component, triacetin, to help keep everything homogeneously mixed, according to the Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine. Triacetin is a simple fatty acid that is also used as a solvent.
Disintegrant
Viagra also contains croscarmellose sodium, which acts both as a filler and as a disintegrant, which attracts water and helps the tablet’s active components quickly disintegrate and become absorbed by the intestines, according to the Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine.
Coloring / Coating
All dosages of Viagra tablets contain FD&C Blue #2 dye, which gives them their signature blue appearance, according to DailyMed. Titanium dioxide is the final component used for coloring because of its ability to provide brightness and shine to the exterior of the tablet.
References
- “Dictionary of Pharmaceutical Medicine”; G. Nahler et al; 2009
- Drugs.com: Viagra
- RxList.com: Viagra / sildenafil
- DrugLib.com: Viagra
- DailyMed: sildenafil / Viagra ingredients
