The Discovery that Changed Men’s Lives: How Viagra was Discovered

You probably know what the little blue pill does, but do you know what it was originally meant for and how Viagra was actually discovered?

The main compound in Viagra is sildenafil.  Sildenafil was originally developed as a treatment for angina pectoris (heart-related chest pain) and for pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs).  It was during the clinical trials for the use of the medication as a heart medication that it was discovered that sildenafil was actually more effective at inducing erections in male patients.

Approved by the FDA in 1998, Viagra was then the first phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor ever to be approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). 

Further information on Viagra can be found at the following link: Learn More

If you have questions about your prescription or non-prescription medication, please contact the team at Canada Online Health by calling toll free 1-800-399-DRUG (3784) or visit their website at https://www.canadaonlinehealth.ca. One of the friendly and discreet pharmacy representatives will be happy to answer your questions.

 This article contains medical information provided to help you better understand this particular medical condition or process, and may contain information about medication often used as part of a treatment plan prescribed by a doctor.  It is not intended to be used as either a diagnosis or recommendation for treatment of your particular medical situation.  If you are unwell, concerned about your physical or mental state, or are experiencing symptoms you should speak with your doctor or primary health care provider. If you are in medical distress please contact emergency services (such as 911).