Sildenafil citrate
Sildenafil Citrate
Sildenafil citrate (pronounced as sil-DEN-a-fil) is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is sold under the brand name Viagra among others.
Etymology
The term "Sildenafil" is derived from the Greek words "sildos" meaning "elastic" and "enafil" meaning "to fill", referring to its effect on blood vessels. The "citrate" part of the name refers to the citric acid compound that the medication is bound to, which aids in its absorption in the body.
Usage
Sildenafil citrate is used to treat erectile dysfunction, a condition where a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow into the penis when sexually excited.
It is also used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs is too high. It works by relaxing and widening the blood vessels in the lungs, which decreases the blood pressure in these vessels.
Related Terms
- Erectile Dysfunction: A condition where a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity.
- Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A condition where the blood pressure in the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the lungs is too high.
- Viagra: The brand name under which sildenafil citrate is sold for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
- Vasodilation: The widening of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure.
Side Effects
Common side effects of sildenafil citrate include headaches, heartburn, and flushed skin. Rare but serious side effects include a prolonged erection that can lead to damage to the penis, vision problems, and hearing loss.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sildenafil citrate
- Wikipedia's article - Sildenafil citrate
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