Garlic or Viagra®?

Chiara Cabrele and Oliver Reiser; translated by Sean R. Stevens

No other medication is responsible for so many fatalities due to careless misuse than Viagra®, although it seems as though it is quickly establishing itself as a lifestyle drug.  How would it be then, with garlic as an alternative? © Chemistry-in-context 2007-2008.

 

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Viagra® – the problematic side

Undoubtedly, Viagra® is a medication that takes care of erectile dysfunction brilliantly.  But, just as with all medications, Viagra® can have undesirable side-effects.  The possible incompatibility with other medications should be especially heeded; furthermore, as Viagra is a medication that deals with the circulation of blood throughout the body, the heart and cardiovascular system are at certain risk.  So, although many are interested in the effects of Viagra®, it should not be forgotten that one is dealing with a medication that has a powerful effect on the human body.  I would therefore suggest against a frivolous, non medicinal use of Viagra® – just as doping is banned in sports.

Viagra® –Many experience a blue surprise!

There are many different phosphorediesterases in the human body, each performing a different task.  In order to achieve the desired erectile affect, Viagra® has to block the so-called phosphorediesterase 5, but, to a small extent, it can also interact with phospherdiesterase 6, which governs our visual accuracy.  Therefore, a visual impairment, where by everything is seen with a slight blue tint, can be a side effect of taking Viagra®.  Because of this, pilots are not allowed to take Viagra within 12 hours of flying.

Viagra® –Not for the weak at heart!

More problematic than this blue surprise is the danger of people with heart problems suffering a heart attack.  Especially patients that have to take nitro glycerine or other blood-pressure lowering medication, which relax smooth muscle as well, are not advised to take Viagra, as the effect of the medications can be increased.  A through check-up by a doctor before taking Viagra® is therefore suggested.

Viagra® – Lifestyle drug or illicit doping?

The carelessness of many people starts right here:  the prospect of a renewed or even record-breaking potency causes many men to seek a way of getting Viagra® without the necessary, required doctor’s prescription.  The internet makes it simple to procure the little blue pill without a prescription with countless offers, some of which might offer ineffective imitations or even dangerous phonies.  Viagra® can also be addictive:  men that take the blue miracle-pill as a lifestyle drug without medicinal need are at risk of not being able to maintain an erection without the use of Viagra®.

> > > Part 3: Animation of Viagra® mode of action

> > >Part 4: Garlic – Ancient Viagra®?