Archive for September, 2007

Fosamax.

Thursday, September 27th, 2007

FOSAMAX 

MSD 

Alendronate Sodium 

Bone Metabolism Regulator 

Action And Clinical Pharmacology: Alendronate is an aminobisphosphonate that acts as a potent, specific inhibitor of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Bisphosphonates are synthetic analogs of pyrophosphate that bind to the hydroxyapatite found in bone.

Pharmacokinetics: Absorption: Relative to an i.v. reference dose, the mean oral bioavailability of alendronate in women was 0.7% for doses ranging from 5 to 40 mg when administered after an overnight fast and 2 hours before a standardized breakfast. Oral bioavailability of the 10 mg tablet in men (0.59%) was similar to that in women (0.78%) when administered after an overnight fast and 2 hours before breakfast. See Table I.    A study examining the effect of timing of a meal on the bioavailability of alendronate was performed in 49 postmenopausal women. Bioavailability was decreased (by approximately 40%) when 10 mg alendronate was administered either 0.5 or 1 hour before a standardized breakfast, when compared to dosing 2 hours before eating. In studies of treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, alendronate was effective when administered at least 30 minutes before breakfast.

Bioavailability was negligible whether alendronate was administered with or up to 2 hours after a standardized breakfast. Concomitant administration of alendronate with coffee or orange juice reduced bioavailability by approximately 60%.   

Distribution: Preclinical studies (in male rats) show that alendronate transiently distributes to soft tissues following 1 mg/kg i.v. administration but is then rapidly redistributed to bone or excreted in the urine. The mean steady-state volume of distribution, exclusive of bone, is at least 28 L in humans. Concentrations of drug in plasma following therapeutic oral doses are too low (less than 5 ng/mL) for analytical detection. Protein binding in human plasma is approximately 78%.

Metabolism: There is no evidence that alendronate is metabolized in animals or humans. Excretion: Following a single i.v. dose of 4 alendronate, approximately 50% of the radioactivity was excreted in the urine within 72 hours and little or no radioactivity was recovered in the feces. Following a single 10 mg i.v. dose, the renal clearance of alendronate was 71 mL/min, and systemic clearance did not exceed 200 mL/min. Plasma concentrations fell by more than 95% within 6 hours following i.v. administration. The terminal half-life in humans is estimated to exceed 10 years, probably reflecting release of alendronate from the skeleton. Based on the above, it is estimated that after 10 years of oral treatment with alendronate (10 mg daily) the amount of alendronate released daily from the skeleton is approximately 25% of that absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Amaryl.

Tuesday, September 25th, 2007

GLIMEPIRIDE (Amaryl®) helps to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Treatment is combined with a suitable diet and balanced exercise. Glimepiride increases the amount of insulin released from the pancreas and helps your body to use insulin more efficiently. Generic glimepiride tablets are available. 

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with glimepiride? What side effects might I notice from taking glimepiride? What should I watch for while taking glimepiride? Where can I keep my medicine?  
GLIMEPIRIDE (Amaryl®) helps to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Treatment is combined with a suitable diet and balanced exercise. Glimepiride increases the amount of insulin released from the pancreas and helps your body to use insulin more efficiently. Generic glimepiride tablets are available.


They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

- diabetic ketoacidosis

- kidney disease

- liver disease

- major surgery

- severe infection or injury

- thyroid disease

- an unusual or allergic reaction to glimepiride, sulfonamides, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

- pregnancy or recent attempts to get pregnant

- breast-feeding  Take glimepiride tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your dose at the same time each day, with breakfast or your first large meal; do not take more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.Elderly patients over 65 years old can have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

  If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.  What drug(s) may interact with glimepiride? What side effects might I notice from taking glimepiride? What should I watch for while taking glimepiride? Where can I keep my medicine?
GLIMEPIRIDE (Amaryl®) helps to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Treatment is combined with a suitable diet and balanced exercise. Glimepiride increases the amount of insulin released from the pancreas and helps your body to use insulin more efficiently. Generic glimepiride tablets are available.
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
diabetic ketoacidosis
kidney disease
liver disease
major surgery
severe infection or injury
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to glimepiride, sulfonamides, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnancy or recent attempts to get pregnant
breast-feeding

Take glimepiride tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take your dose at the same time each day, with breakfast or your first large meal; do not take more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Elderly patients over 65 years old can have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

bosentan
medicines for fungal or yeast infections (examples: fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole)

rifampin

warfarin
Many medications may cause changes (increase or decrease) in blood sugar, these include:
alcohol containing beverages

aspirin and aspirin-like drugs

beta-blockers, often used for high blood pressure or heart problems (examples include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol)

chromium
 

female hormones, such as estrogens or progestins, birth control pills
isoniazid

male hormones or anabolic steroids

medications for weight loss

medicines for allergies, asthma, cold, or cough

niacin

pentamidine

phenytoin

quinolone antibiotics (examples: ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin)

some herbal dietary supplements

steroid medicines such as prednisone or cortisone

thyroid hormones

water pills (diuretics)
Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including nonprescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. 

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- anxiety or nervousness, confusion, difficulty concentrating

- blurred vision

- breathing difficulties or excessive phlegm

- cold sweats, increased sweating

- cool, pale skin

- coughing up blood

- dark yellow or brown urine

- dizziness, drowsiness

- excessive hunger

- fast heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain

- fever, chills, sore throat

- seizures (convulsions)

- tremor or shakiness

- unusual bleeding or bruising

- unusual tiredness or weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- diarrhea

- headache

- heartburn, stomach discomfort

- increased sensitivity to the sun

- nausea, vomiting

- skin rash, redness, swelling, or itching.

Mevacor.

Friday, September 21st, 2007

This medicine is an hmg-coa reductase inhibitor (also known as a “statin”) used to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. 

Do not take this medicine if you are also taking gemfibrozil, hiv protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir, lopinavir, or nelfinavir), azole antifungals (such as itraconazole or ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or troleandomycin), or nefazodone. If you are currently taking any of these medicines, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting to take this medicine. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking amiodarone, “blood thinners” such as warfarin, bosentan, cyclosporine, diltiazem, fluconazole, imatinib, high doses of niacin (1 gram or more per day), fibrates (such as clofibrate or fenofibrate), verapamil, dalfopristin, quinupristin, voriconazole, or st. John’s wort. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including muscle problems, alcohol use, allergies (especially to other “statins”), pregnancy, or breast-feeding. 

Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of liver disease or abnormal liver function test results. Certain medical conditions, including low blood pressure; severe infection; uncontrolled seizures; or serious metabolic, endocrine, or electrolyte problems may increase your risk for side effects that can result in kidney problems while taking this medicine. Contact your doctor if you develop one of these conditions. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine. 

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. If you take 1 dose daily, take it with your evening meal unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain interacting medicines. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice at the same time you take this medicine. 

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. 

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including liver function tests and blood cholesterol levels, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Before having any kind of surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking this medicine may increase the amount of this medicine in your blood, which may increase your risk for serious side effects. Talk with your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while you are taking this medicine. 

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. 

For women: do not use this medicine if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is recommended that women of childbearing age use effective birth control measures while taking this medicine since lovastatin may cause fetal harm. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine. 

A side effect that may occur while taking this medicine include constipation. If it continues or is bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience rash, yellow skin or eyes, unusual bleeding or bruising, or sore throat. This medicine may infrequently cause muscle damage (which can rarely lead to a very serious condition called rhabdomyolysis). Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience muscle pain/tenderness/weakness (especially with fever or unusual tiredness). An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Lipitor.

Thursday, September 20th, 2007

Take Lipitor tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the Lipitor with a drink of water. Lipitor can be taken at anytime of the day with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. 
 

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon: dark yellow or brown urine; decreased urination, difficulty passing urine; fever; muscle pain, tenderness, cramps, or weakness; redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth; skin rash, itching; unusual tiredness or weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): diarrhea; gas; headache; joint pain; nausea, vomiting; stomach upset or pain; tiredness. 
 

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have regular tests to make sure your liver is working properly.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional as soon as you can if you get any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if you also have a fever and tiredness.
Lipitor is only part of a total cholesterol-lowering program. Your physician or dietician can suggest a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet that will reduce your risk of getting heart and blood vessel disease. Avoid alcohol and smoking, and keep a proper exercise schedule.
If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking
Lipitor. 

Alchohol-containing beverages; amiodarone; antacids; birth control pills; bosentan; certain antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin; cimetidine; digoxin; diltiazem; grapefruit juice; medicines for fungal infections (examples: fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, voriconazole); herbal medicines such as Went Yeast (Cholestin®); medicines for treating HIV infections; medicines that suppress your immune response (cyclosporine); medicines to lower cholesterol or triglycerides (examples: clofibrate, colestipol, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, niacin); medicine used to stop early pregnancy (mifepristone, RU-486 or Mifeprex™); nefazodone; phenytoin; spironolactone; troglitazone; verapamil.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

Zithromax.

Wednesday, September 19th, 2007

Zithromax is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, skin infections, ear infections, and sexually transmitted diseases.  

Zithromax comes as a capsule, tablet, and liquid to take it orally. It is usually taken once a day for 2-5 days. Take Zithromax exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Shake the liquid well before each use to mix the medication evenly. The capsules and tablets should be taken with a full glass of water. Continue to take Zithromax even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Zithromax without talking to your doctor. Take Zithromax liquid at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. The capsule and tablet may be taken with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.  

Before taking Zithromax, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take Zithromax, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment. Zithromax is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Zithromax passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.  

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Zithromax and seek emergency medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Zithromax and talk to your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain; unusual dizziness, fatigue, or headache; vaginal yeast infection; a rash; or increased sensitivity to sunlight. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Ultram.

Monday, September 17th, 2007

This medication is an analgesic used to treat or prevent pain.

Take this medication by mouth as prescribed. It is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor’s approval. When used for extended periods, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Consult your doctor if the medication stops working well.

  

This medication may cause dizziness, weakness, incoordination, nausea or vomiting, stomach upset, constipation, headache, drowsiness, anxiety, irritability, dry mouth, or increased sweating. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these serious effects while taking this medication: chest pain, rapid heart rate, skin rash or itching, mental confusion, disorientation, seizures, tingling of the hands or feet, trouble breathing. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, seizure disorder, lung disease, history of drug or alcohol dependency, any allergies you may have. Limit alcohol as it may add to the dizziness or drowsiness effects caused by the medication. Because this drug may make you dizzy/drowsy, use caution performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Tramadol is excreted into breast milk. Because the effects on a nursing infant are not known, consult your doctor before breast- feeding.

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: carbamazepine, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), drugs used to aid sleep, antidepressants (e.g., SSRI-types such as fluoxetine or fluvoxamine), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), psychiatric medicine (e.g., nefazodone), “triptan”-type drugs, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), sibutramine. Also, report use of certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) which are also present in many cough-and-cold products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: cold and clammy skin, low body temperature, slowed breathing, slowed heartbeat, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, seizures, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.

Do not allow anyone else to take this medication. 

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Levitra.

Friday, September 14th, 2007

Study shows Levitraâ„¢ (vardenafil HCI) enhances patients’ self-esteem by improving erectile function while reducing depressive symptoms. Second study shows Levitra allows rapid and reliable erection achievement. 

The first clinical study to evaluate LEVITRAâ„¢ (vardenafil HCl) in men with mild Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and erectile dysfunction (ED) showed LEVITRA produced statistically significant improvements over baseline in all measures of erectile function (EF) and depression/self-esteem. In the study, men taking Levitra were nearly three times more likely to report improved erections than men taking placebo. Results from the study. Previous research has shown a link between depression and ED. According to the largest ever study of men’s attitudes to life events and sexuality, 25% of men with ED reported depression and anxiety; and 26% of men with depression and anxiety reported ED.   

“We know that many men with ED also suffer from depression, and it is likely that ED can be a causative factor for depression. It’s therefore encouraging to find that Levitra is so effective in improving a man’s erectile function that it can help alleviate his depression and improve his self-esteem,” said Prof Raymond Rosen, study investigator and Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Human Sexuality Program at the UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, New Jersey.  “These findings reinforce the importance of rapid and reliable diagnosis and treatment of ED so men don’t continue to suffer from a condition that negatively impacts on their quality of life,” Dr Rosen concluded.At weeks four and eight of the trial, physicians could adjust the dose of Levitra from the starting dose of 10mg to 20mg or 5mg based on the efficacy and tolerability of the drug. The total duration of treatment was 12 weeks.  All primary endpoints showed statistically significant improvements compared with placebo. Results showed that after 12 weeks, the magnitude of improvement in the HAM-D17 score was greater in the Levitra-treated group relative to placebo (p=0.0001). In addition, men taking Levitra were nearly three times more likely to report improved erections than men taking placebo (83% vs. 30% GAQ, respectively, p<0.0001).  

In the clinical trial, the most commonly reported adverse events were generally mild to moderate, these included nasal congestion, headache and flushing.  Additional study demonstrates that Levitra shows reliable efficacy over time and a rapid onset of action even in men who had not responded to treatment with Viagra?,  Further data being presented at the EAU confirmed that Levitra provides reliable efficacy over time and even works in men who have reported lack of success with Viagra, on history. The PROVEN (Patient RespOnse with VardENafil in Sildenafil Non-Responders) study was a prospective, multicentre, double-blind, flexible-dose study in 463 men with ED who had a documented history of non-response to Viagra. Findings show that men taking Levitra had greater success achieving erections sufficient for penetration than those receiving placebo at all time intervals. This was seen as early as in the first 15 minutes post-dose (62% vardenafil, 30% placebo) and the next 15-minute interval after (63% vardenafil, 38% placebo).

Adalat.

Thursday, September 13th, 2007

This medicine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure. Some brands are also used to control angina (chest pain). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. 

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking cimetidine or intravenous (iv) calcium. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including narrowing of the intestines (stricture), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of low blood pressure. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine. 

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Check with your pharmacist to see if your brand may be taken with food. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine. Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. 

Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. This medicine may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. While you are using this medicine, carefully brush and floss your teeth to reduce swelling and tenderness of your gums. 

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, weakness, constipation, flushing, nausea, or heartburn. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. With some brands of this medicine, inactive parts of the drug may be passed in your stool as a harmless soft mass that may look like the original tablet. This is normal for this drug. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience tender, bleeding, or swollen gums; irregular pulse; shortness of breath; or swelling of the feet or hands. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. 

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat; dizziness; fainting; and loss of consciousness.

Cialis.

Wednesday, September 12th, 2007

Cialis can last for two daysCialis starts working faster than Viagra, sometimes in 16 minutes, and lasts 24 hours or more.In contrast, Viagra usually works for only four hours after an hour’s delay. As with Viagra, 80% of men with erectile function are able to achieve an erection with Cialis use and three out of four are able to achieve sexual intercourse. But in one Cialis study, 59% of previously impotent men were still able to have sex 36 hours after taking it. The reason is that the body takes four times as long to get rid of Cialis than to eliminate Viagra. The half-life of Viagra (time for blood
levels to fall 50%) is 4 hours compared to 17 hours for Cialis. That means 25% of a Cialis dose is still present in the body after 35 hours, and 12.5% after more than 50 hours. It also means that Cialis will accumulate in the body if taken regularly.

How does Cialis work?Cialis works by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5  or PDE-5. This process helps the smooth muscles in the penis to relax and widen, which allows more blood to enter the penis enabling a faster erection.  


Cialis can work for up to 36 hours, although sexual stimulation will be required for it to work. How do i take Cialis?Cialis is taken orally, with or without food, before sexual activity and not more than once daily. The absorption of Cialis is not affected by food, but drinking excessive alcohol when taking Cialis is not advised as the combination may increase your chances of getting dizzy or lowering your blood pressure.Cialis Dosages There are 10 mg and 20 mg pills available. The recommended dose is no more then one pill (10/20mgs) per day.

Viagra.

Tuesday, September 11th, 2007

Viagra prevent the breakdown of nitric oxide, a chemical messenger that promotes relaxation and opening of the blood vessels that supply erectile tissue in the penis. Under the influence of nitric oxide, these vessels expand and stay dilated. Increased blood flow makes erectile tissue swell and compress the veins that carry blood out of the penis, resulting in a full erection.

PDE-5 inhibitors do not automatically trigger erections. Sexual stimulation also is needed to start the whole process. The medications enable a more complete response to sexual stimulation.

 Many clinical trials have shown that PDE-5 inhibitors improve erectile function regardless of the underlying cause or causes. Viagra  increase the number and quality of erections and sexual experiences in men with erectile dysfunction due to arteriosclerosis, diabetes, spinal cord injury, depression or the aftereffects of prostate cancer surgery. 

The drugs have slightly different chemical compositions that affect how quickly they work and wear off. Other distinctions — for example, which drug may be best for men of different ages or with different medical conditions — aren’t known. No study has directly compared these three medications. Several factors may affect your choice of medication, including how well your body responds to one drug over another and how long you want the effects of each dose to last. Talk to your doctor about your options and personal preferences to help decide which one of these medications might work for you.

 Although these medications can help many people, not all men can safely take them. PDE-5 inhibitors may worsen certain medical conditions and interact with a number of drugs. Erectile dysfunction medications are dangerous when used with nitrate medications, such as nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur, others), often prescribed to prevent or treat acute angina (chest pain due to coronary artery disease). Both types of medication dilate blood vessels, and their combined effects can cause dizziness, low blood pressure and loss of consciousness. In rare cases, men using PDE-5 inhibitors have suffered permanent, total vision loss due to nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Because NAION and erectile dysfunction share many of the same risk factors, it’s unclear whether the drug or an underlying condition is responsible. If you’re considering an erectile dysfunction drug but have a retinal disorder, such as diabetic retinopathy, see your eye doctor first.