Viagra (R) can take effect in as little as 14 minutes in many men, study shows

New York, NY, September 9, 2003 -- A study of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) found that within 14 minutes more than one third of those taking Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) 100 mg achieved an erection that resulted in successful sexual intercourse. Results of the study were published in the current issue of Urology.

“Onset-of-action speed is only one factor to consider when choosing a therapy for ED,” said Dr. Harin Padma-Nathan, clinical professor of urology at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. “But in that context, it’s important for patients and their physicians to note that no published studies show any oral therapy for ED has a faster onset of action than Viagra.”

In the double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 228 men successfully treated with Viagra (100 mg) for ED for at least two months were randomly assigned to receive either Viagra (100 mg) or placebo for four weeks. Study participants averaged 60 years of age, had ED for an average of seven years, and a majority had moderate to severe ED.

Results showed that within 20 minutes, more than half of men taking Viagra had erections that resulted in successful intercourse. The study also found that Viagra was well tolerated, with no patients discontinuing treatment because of side effects. Funding for this study was provided by Pfizer.Viagra is a prescription medication indicated for the treatment of ED. It is important to note that Viagra can be taken with or without food.

Viagra is available only from health care providers and should always be used in accordance with its approved labeling. Viagra is contraindicated in patients who use nitrates in any form at any time.

Before treating ED, physicians should consider the impact of resuming sexual activity and the mild and transient vasodilatory effects of Viagra on blood pressure. Physicians should carefully consider whether patients with underlying cardiovascular disease or other more unusual conditions could be adversely affected by vasodilatory effects, especially in combination with sexual activity.

The most common side effects of Viagra are headaches, flushing and dyspepsia. Adverse events, including visual effects, were generally transient and mild to moderate.

Discovered and developed by Pfizer, Viagra is a breakthrough oral treatment for erectile dysfunction that has been found to be effective and well tolerated in over 130 completed and ongoing clinical studies. Viagra has been approved by regulatory authorities in over 120 countries around the world and is among the most widely prescribed medications, with over 130 million prescriptions written for more than 20 million men worldwide.