New drug keeps impotence sufferers up all night
Title: New drug keeps impotence sufferers up all night , By: Goldie, Stephen, Student BMJ, 09666494, Mar2003, Vol. 11
Section: news
In the United Kingdom, men with erectile dysfunction now have a choice of drug treatment after the launch of Cialis (tadalafil). Erectile dysfunction is thought to be a very common condition, affecting an estimated 2.3 million men in Britain.
Cialis is in competition with Viagra (sildenafil), which comes as a blue diamond shaped tablet. The new drug emulates the distinctive shape but is yellow in colour. Manufacturers Eli Lilly have priced the drug to be comparable to Viagra. The main benefit of the new drug is that it can be taken 30 minutes to 12 hours before anticipated sexual activity and its effect may last for up to 24 hours, allowing a more natural intimacy. Viagra is taken immediately before intercourse and has been criticised for its lack of “spontaneity.”
Cialis works by relaxing smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum, thereby allowing blood to engorge the penis and produce an erection. In order to achieve the desired effect the patient must also have sexual stimulation.
In 80% of cases erectile dysfunction has a physiological cause, commonly diabetes mellitus, nerve damage, or hypertension. Some cases are due to a varying degree of psychological issues.
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By Stephen Goldie, Glasgow
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Source: Student BMJ, Mar2003, Vol. 11, p49, 1p
