Viagra History

Viagra (Sildenafil) (compound UK-92,480) was synthesized by a group of pharmaceutical chemists working at Pfizer's Sandwich, Kent research facility. Viagra was initially studied for use in hypertension (high blood pressure) and angina pectoris (a form of ischaemic cardiovascular disease)(buy viagra). Phase I clinical trials under the direction of Ian Osterloh suggested that the drug had little effect on angina, but that it could induce marked penile erections. Pfizer therefore decided to market it for erectile dysfunction, rather than for angina. Viagra was patented in 1996, approved for use in erectile dysfunction by the Food and Drug Administration on March 27, 1998, becoming the first pill approved to treat erectile dysfunction in the United States, and offered for sale in the United States later that year. It soon became a great success: annual sales of Viagra in the period 1999–2001 exceeded $1 billion. The British press portrayed Peter Dunn and Albert Wood as the inventors of viagra (buy viagra online), a claim which Pfizer disputes. Their names are on the manufacturing patent application drug, but Pfizer claims this is only for convenience.Even though viagra (sildenafil) is only available by prescription from a doctor (viagra buy), it was advertised directly to consumers on US TV (famously being endorsed by former United States Senator Bob Dole and football star Pelé). Numerous sites on the Internet offer Viagra for sale after an "online consultation", a mere web questionnaire. The "Viagra" name has become so well known that many fake aphrodisiacs now call themselves "herbal Viagra" or are presented as blue tablets imitating the shape and colour of Pfizer's product. Viagra (where to buy viagra) is also informally known as "Vitamin V", "the Blue Pill", as well as various other nicknames.In February 2007, it was announced that Boots the Chemist would trial over the counter sales of Viagra in stores in Manchester, England. Men aged between 30 and 65 would be eligible to buy four tablets after a consultation with a pharmacist.Pfizer's worldwide patents on viagra (sildenafil citrate, buy generic viagra) will expire in 2011–2013. The UK patent held by Pfizer on the use of PDE5 inhibitors as treatment of impotence was invalidated in 2000 because of obviousness; this decision was upheld on appeal in 2002.

Viagra Mechanism of Action

Part of the physiological process of erection involves the parasympathetic nervous system causing the release of nitric oxide (NO) in the corpus cavernosum of the penis. NO binds to the receptors of the enzyme guanylate cyclase which results in increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), leading to smooth muscle relaxation (vasodilation) in the corpus cavernosum, resulting in increased inflow of blood and an erection.

Sildenafil (Viagra - Buy Viagra) is a potent and selective inhibitor of cGMP specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) which is responsible for degradation of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum. The molecular structure of sildenafil (Viagra - Buy Viagra Online) is similar to that of cGMP and acts as a competitive binding agent of PDE5 in the corpus cavernosum, resulting in more cGMP and better erections. Without sexual stimulation, and therefore lack of activation of the NO/cGMP system, sildenafil (Viagra - Viagra Buy) should not cause an erection.

Other drugs that operate by the same mechanism include tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra).Sildenafil (Viagra - Buy Viagra Now Online) is metabolised by hepatic enzymes and excreted by both the liver and kidneys. If taken with a high-fat meal, there may be a delay in absorption of sildenafil (Viagra - Buy Cheap Viagra) and the peak effect might be reduced slightly as the plasma concentration will be lowered.

Area Hospitals Information

Your Area Hospitals - So you have moved or are thinking of moving to a new home in a new area. You have never been to the new area's local hospital. You don't know where they are, and you certainly don't know their speciality.

There does come a time in all of our lives that we must be admitted to a hospital for an emergency or some type of illness. It is a wise idea to become familiar with your local hospitals to simply be prepared should you ever need one.

As you look through a directory of hospitals that are located in your new area, depending upon the size of your area, you will get to see the range of hospitals and the services that they provide. For instance there are children’s hospitals where treatment for patients begins at birth and in some cases before birth. There are various hospitals that deal with the different problems that women go through. There are facilities that can deal with infertility issues, prenatal care and pregnant mothers and their newborns. These excellent facilities help a new mother through the first few difficult months of her baby’s life.

There are also other types of hospitals that are designed for dealing with certain types of diseases. You will may be able to find hospitals in your area that are able to deal with various conditions

such as cancer, like the Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center in Boston, Mass. In this hospital you will find that the staff can help you through this difficult period of time.

Unlike some other hospitals the Beth Israel Cancer Center has a personalized approach to dealing with their various cancer patients. This hospital can help you make the various decisions that you will need to face during the initial period of discovery making it easier to deal with. You will be able to talk with the doctors and nursing staff about the various treatments that you will be undergoing.

Local area hospitals can be the large ones that you see in cities or they can be small town hospitals. These facts are unimportant in the face of your need for medical attention. With all of the different local hospitals in your area you can be sure that you will find at least one that will be able to treat you.

Since there are various types of local hospitals to be found in every city your real estate agent, the Chamber of Commerce or even your new neighbors will be able to inform newcomers to their city of where they can go to get good medical help. In addition they can inform you of the type of service that you can expect from these local hospitals. You should however see what type of patient care these hospitals can provide without accepting everything that you have been told.

The best way that you can see what each of these local hospitals have in the way of services and patient care without visiting the hospitals themselves is to log on to the internet. Here you can access
the hospitals web site and find out for yourself what the hospital offers. You should make sure that you look at the various relevant links and information that is found on the hospital website. These links for the local hospitals will let you see the latest information and developments that are occurring in the hospital. While this information may not seem all that important, knowing some facts
about these local hospitals will inform you of their suitability if you do need to be admitted to one of these hospitals.

Hospitals are designed to give a superior service to all of the people who are seeking medical attention. To help facilitate this, the various local hospitals have connections to each other. This means that if it becomes necessary, a patient from one hospital can be transferred to another. For more valuable information please visit: http://www.area-hospitals.info

Be wise: know your local area hospitals. It may prove to be one of your most valuable time investments. ~ Ms.CiCi

Ms.CiCi is an accomplished author and world traveler. Her writings expose her wealth of 'secret information' so derived from her travels as well as drawing from her own personal wealth of wisdom. A great lover of nature, a visit to her website is a true delight: http://www.CiCi-Online.Com

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How Doctors Treat Osteoporosis

Fosamax is a bisphosphonate drug used for osteoporosis and several other bone diseases. It is marketed alone as well as in combination with vitamin D under the name Fosavance.

Side-effects GI tract: most prominent are harmless side effects such as mild nausea, dyspepsia, abdominal cramps, flatulence, diarrhea, or obstipation. A severe side effect is an ulceration of the esophagus caused by alendronate, which may require hospitalization and intensive treatment. Gastric and duodenal ulceration.

General: infrequent cases of skin rash, rarely manifesting as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, eye problems (uveitis, scleritis) and generalized muscle, joint, and bone pain (rarely severe) have been seen. In laboratory tests decreased calcium and phosphate values may be obtained but reflect action of the drug and are harmless.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw, a recognised side-effect of bisphosphonates.

Dosage Prophylaxis of osteoporosis in women: 5-10mg daily or 35-70mg weekly.

Therapy of osteoporosis in women and men : 10mg daily or 70mg weekly.

Osteoporosis under corticosteroids: 5mg daily or 35mg weekly in men and premenopausal women or those receiving concomitant HRT. In postmenopausal women not receiving HRT the recommended dose is 10mg daily or 70mg weekly.

Paget's Disease: 40mg daily for 6 months.

The drug is to be taken only upon rising for the day with plenty of water. Stand, walk or sit 30 minutes afterwards to avoid esophageal damage. At least 30 minutes should be waited before meals or other beverages than water are taken in.

Interactions Milk, diet and drugs containing high amounts of calcium, magnesium or aluminium (antacids): the resorption of alendronate is decreased. At least half an hour should pass after intake of alendronate before taking the supplement or drug.

Highly active vitamin D analogues or fluorides: no data is available. Concomitant treatment should be avoided.

The additional beneficial effect of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) with estrogens/progestins or raloxifene in postmenopausal women remains to be elucidated, but no interactions have been seen. The combination is therefore possible.

Intravenous ranitidine increases the oral bioavailability of alendronate. No clinical consequences are known.

The combination of NSAIDS and alendroate increases the risk of gastric ulcers. Both these drugs have the potential to irritate the upper gastro-intestinal mucosa.

Does Merck have a patent on this drug?

Yes, but the patent is set to expire in 2008 and Merck has lost a series of appeals to block a generic version of the drug from being certified by the US FDA.

Disclaimer: The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to your doctor to learn more about Fosamax.

[Copyright © 2007, Heather Colman. Find more of Heather's articles at eBook Palace. Her articles are available for syndication. Reprinting individual articles is permissible provided no changes are made.]

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Using Methadone To Reduce The Withdrawal Symptoms In Heroin Addicts

As a narcotic analgesic, Methadone is a synthetic pain reliever used to treat various conditions and relieve pain, as well as treating the addiction of heroin in users. Methadone is comparable to the characteristics and effects of morphine; in fact, it is extremely similar in the way it acts, as well.

The major difference is that Methadone is introduced gradually and its action is mild upon onset. This prevents the patient from feeling euphoric or high when taking the medication.

The dosage will be determined based on various aspects including their tolerance level and their weight. For example, as the patient’s cravings for heroin decreases the dosage of Methadone is decreased as well. However, even though Methadone is used to treat addictions, some addicts choose to use the drug as a way to get their fix. As a result, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has defined Methadone as a Schedule II drug.

There are three forms of Methadone, injection, tablets, and oral solutions. It is made with the active ingredient called Methadone hydrochloride. Dosage is set again by weight and addiction to heroin, however, no person should exceed the maximum daily recommendation of 100 milligrams. The drug is used to curb the effects of withdrawal symptoms that occur when a user quits using heroin.

There are several side effects that can come with using Methadone. It is important that your physician monitors the use of Methadone closely and that any changes be reported immediately to him or her for evaluation. Some short-term side effects of this drug could include vomiting, restlessness, slowed breathing, nausea, pupil contraction, itchy skin, constipation, severe sweating, sexual dysfunction, and even death.

Methadone could also have long-term use side effects that include respiration or lung problems. Women could also have specific side effects that may lead to lapsing menstrual cycles or changes. Furthermore, women could experience complications in pregnancy if the dosage levels are reduced while the woman is pregnant.

In general, the risks of these side effects can be reduced by keeping in close contact with a physician and having them monitor the use. Illegal uses of Methadone have been identified as causes for death among abusers. Because people have no real idea of the effects of Methadone, overdosing by abusers is on the rise.

If not carefully monitored by a physician a Methadone patient could become addicted to the drug, which would lead to tolerance and addiction. This would all subsequently lead to withdrawal symptoms when the dose is decreased or stopped. Be sure to keep all appointments with your doctor, while taking Methadone and report any changes immediately.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Methadone.

[Copyright © 2007, Heather Colman. Find more of Heather's articles at eBook Palace. Her articles are available for syndication. Reprinting individual articles is permissible provided no changes are made.]

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Why The FDA Banned Ephedra

The FDA is not always thorough in their approval of drugs or herbs! They don't always make sure that pharmaceutical and herbal supplement companies perform thorough studies. They often let them rush to put their products on the market. Consequently this results in the banning of products later on. Such was the case with Ephedra.

Ephedra is a botanical that has many uses and purposes in the medicinal field. There are more uses for ephedra available today, however, science has not yet developed it into its full potential. Science, herbs and medication do go hand in hand when combined properly. To eliminate any of these would be a major mistake. To invest in further development is a wise thing to consider especially when the future of our health is at stake.

Any medicine, scientific drug, natural or man made or herb that causes a rapid heartbeat is a risky substance for the body. This is the primary reason the FDA placed a ban on Ephedra in the first place. Now that we have established some basics, let's take a further look at what the FDA did regarding Ephedra and why?

Lets look at Ephedra through the eyes of the Consumer Advisory Board and the US Food and Drug Administration, FDA. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises consumers to stop using any dietary supplements containing ephedra. In order to protect consumers, the FDA published a final ruling on April 12, 2004 that bans the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids. This was the active ingredient in Ephedra.

After careful review of evidence about the risks and benefits of Ephedra in supplements, the FDA did find that these particular supplements present an unreasonable risk of illness and or injury to the consumers. The information showed little evidence of Ephedra's effectiveness, except in short-term weightloss use. This evidence also confirmed that this substance raises blood pressure and stresses the heart. The increased risk of heart problems and the risk of strokes negates any benefits of short-term weightloss.

This information is correct and very much on target to help and prevent heart as well as nervous system conditions. So we can see how the FDA does intervene and take action against botanicals that can have harmful effects on the body when consumed, especially in high quantities.

Ephedra and its uses need to be reconsidered. What its purpose is. What it can safely be used for. And most importantly, what it should not be used for. These issues and more are currently being addressed with research.

Disclaimer - The information presented here should not be interpreted as or substituted for medical advice. Please talk to a qualified professional for more information about Ephedra.

[Copyright © 2007, Heather Colman. Find more of Heather's articles at eBook Palace. Her articles are available for syndication. Reprinting individual articles is permissible provided no changes are made.]

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What You Should Consider Before Taking Ambien

Ambien, a prescription drug, is the brand name for zolpidem that is used to help treat insomnia. Ambien is a sleeping pill in a specific classification of drugs known as hypnotics or sedatives.

Studies show that insomnia is caused by an imbalance of chemicals in your brain. Ambien works to induce relaxation and sleep in the patient. It is usually prescribed to those who have sleep problems such as inability to sleep, waking too early or waking several times during the night.

Generally, Ambien is only prescribed for use seven to ten days. Long-term use is not recommended. The use of Ambien should be closely monitored by a physician.

There are some things to take into consideration when taking Ambien. First, it is important that the drug be taken exactly as your doctor has directed. It should also be taken with a full glass of water and only take right before bedtime.

Since the drug works relatively fast, it is important that you do not take it until just before you get into bed for the night. It quickly makes you drowsy and you could hurt yourself by falling.

Ambien should also be taken only if you are able to devote at least eight hours to sleep. Otherwise, you will still be drowsy upon waking and will be defeating the purpose of taking the medication.

If you are taking Ambien for prolonged periods, such as over two weeks, you should not abruptly stop taking it. If you do, you may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms.

If you have a history of kidney or liver disease or have any type of respiratory disease such as bronchitis, asthma or emphysema, you should let your doctor know prior to taking Ambien.

Some of the side effects that could occur when taking Ambien follow in the next paragraph. For those who are 60 years old or older, you carry a higher risk of experiencing these side effects.

Some potential side effects of Ambien include drowsiness, headache, clumsiness or dizziness. You could experience nausea, diarrhea, vomiting or constipation as well. Depression, pain or aches in the muscle, abnormal or vivid dreams or memory loss could also occur as a result taking Ambien.

More serious side affects could include an allergic reaction resulting in breathing difficulties, swelling of the face, tongue or lips or closing of the throat. Abnormal behavior, confusion or hallucinations are also serious side effects of Ambien.

When taking Ambien, it should not be mixed with any other drugs, prescription or over the counter drugs that could cause drowsiness.

Disclaimer: Ambien is extremely habit forming and should be used with extreme caution. Talk to your physician before stopping this medication.

[Copyright © 2007, Heather Colman. Find more of Heather's articles at eBook Palace. Her articles are available for syndication. Reprinting individual articles is permissible provided no changes are made.]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Heather_Colman