Viagra is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is the inability for a man to get or maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. A decrease in blood flow to the tissues in the penis prevents the penis from becoming erect. Viagra works to increase the blood flow by causing the blood vessels to become wider. While ED can have a physiological cause, your doctor may also explore psychological causes. As with all medications, you should be aware of the ingredients in Viagra and their possible side effects.
Sildenafil
According to Viagra.com, sildenafil is the only active ingredient in Viagra. This ingredient works by enhancing the effect of a chemical that causes widening of the blood vessels, according to Drugs.com. This causes a penile erection that occurs only during sexual stimulation. Side effects of this ingredient include sudden vision loss, ringing in your ears, hearing loss, chest pain, general ill feeling, irregular heartbeat, swelling in your upper and lower extremities, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or a painful erection that lasts four hours or longer, according to Drugs.com. In addition, you must not take this ingredient if you are taking a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems, states Drugs.com. This can result in a serious decrease in blood pressure that can lead to loss of consciousness, stroke or heart attack. Do not hesitate to see your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Viagra.com states that Viagra contains inactive ingredients, or excipients, that help with ease of use or support the active ingredient. Microcrystalline cellulose is a derivative of cellulose, which is a fiber found in plants. This substance is a filler that is undigested in the human digestive tract. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is no evidence that demonstrates that this ingredient is harmful.
FD & C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake
FD & C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake is a coloring additive in Viagra, according to Viagra.com. This substance has been used since 1987 in ingested drugs and is considered to be safe, according to the FDA.
Other Inactive Ingredients
Viagra.com lists anhydrous dibasic calcium, phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, lactose, and triacetin as other inactive ingredients in Viagra.
