Erectile dysfunction and ED Treatment

Levitra Drug Description

Viagra Wiki — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:16:35 +0000

LEVITRA® (vardenafil HCl) Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

LEVITRA® is an oral therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. This monohydrochloride salt of vardenafil is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5).

Vardenafil HCl is designated chemically as piperazine, 1-[[3-(1,4-dihydro-5-methyl-4-oxo-7-propylimidazo[5,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-2-yl)-4-ethoxyphenyl]sulfonyl]-4-ethyl-, monohydrochloride and has the following structural formula:

Vardenafil HCl is a nearly colorless, solid substance with a molecular weight of 579.1 g/mol and a solubility of 0.11 mg/mL in water. LEVITRA is formulated as orange, round, film-coated tablets with “BAYER” cross debossed on one side and “2.5″, “5″, “10″, and “20″ on the other side corresponding to 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg of vardenafil, respectively. In addition to the active ingredient, vardenafil HCl, each tablet contains microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, yellow ferric oxide, and red ferric oxide.

Cialis Drug Description

Viagra Wiki — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:01:13 +0000

CIALIS®
(tadalafil) Tablets for Oral Administration

DRUG DESCRIPTION

CIALIS (tadalafil), an oral treatment for erectile dysfunction, is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). Tadalafil has the empirical formula C₂₂H₁₉N₃O₄ representing a molecular weight of 389.41. The structural formula is:

The chemical designation is pyrazino[1?,2?:1,6]pyrido[3,4-b]indole-1,4-dione, 6-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2,3,6,7,12,12a- hexahydro-2-methyl-, (6R,12aR)-. It is a crystalline solid that is practically insoluble in water and very slightly soluble in ethanol.

CIALIS is available as film-coated, almond-shaped tablets for oral administration. Each tablet contains 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 mg of tadalafil and the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, iron oxide, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.

INDICATIONS

Erectile Dysfunction

CIALIS is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Erectile Dysfunction

CIALIS for Use as Needed

The recommended starting dose of CIALIS for use as needed in most patients is 10 mg, taken prior to anticipated sexual activity.
The dose may be increased to 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg, based on individual efficacy and tolerability. The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day in most patients.
CIALIS for use as needed was shown to improve erectile function compared to placebo up to 36 hours following dosing. Therefore, when advising patients on optimal use of CIALIS, this should be taken into consideration.

CIALIS for Once Daily Use

The recommended starting dose of CIALIS for once daily use is 2.5 mg, taken at approximately the same time every day, without regard to timing of sexual activity.
The CIALIS dose for once daily use may be increased to 5 mg, based on individual efficacy and tolerability.

Use with Food

CIALIS may be taken without regard to food.

Use in Special Populations

Renal Insufficiency

CIALIS for Use as Needed

Mild (creatinine clearance 51 to 80 mL/min): No dose adjustment is required.
Moderate (creatinine clearance 31 to 50 mL/min): A starting dose of 5 mg not more than once per day is recommended, and the maximum dose should be limited to 10 mg not more than once in every 48 hours.
Severe (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min and on hemodialysis): The maximum recommended dose is 5 mg not more than once in every 72 hours [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].

CIALIS for Once Daily Use

Mild (creatinine clearance 51 to 80 mL/min): No dose adjustment is required.
Moderate (creatinine clearance 31 to 50 mL/min): No dose adjustment is required.
Severe (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min and on hemodialysis): CIALIS for once daily use is not recommended [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].

Hepatic Impairment

CIALIS for Use as Needed

Mild or moderate (Child Pugh Class A or B): The dose of CIALIS should not exceed 10 mg once per day. The use of CIALIS once per day has not been extensively evaluated in patients with hepatic insufficiency and therefore, caution is advised.
Severe (Child Pugh Class C): The use of CIALIS is not recommended [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].

CIALIS for Once Daily Use

Mild or moderate (Child Pugh Class A or B): CIALIS for once daily use has not been extensively evaluated in patients with hepatic insufficiency. Therefore, caution is advised if CIALIS for once daily use is prescribed to these patients.
Severe (Child Pugh Class C): The use of CIALIS is not recommended [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS and Use In Specific Populations].

Geriatrics

No dose adjustment is required in patients > 65 years of age.

Concomitant Medications

Nitrites

Concomitant use of nitrates in any form is contraindicated [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. Alpha Blockers
When CIALIS is coadministered with an alpha blocker, patients should be stable on alpha-blocker therapy prior to initiating treatment with CIALIS, and CIALIS should be initiated at the lowest recommended dose [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

CYP3A4 Inhibitors

CIALIS for Use as Needed – For patients taking concomitant potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, such as ketoconazole or ritonavir, the maximum recommended dose of CIALIS is 10 mg, not to exceed once every 72 hours [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].

CIALIS for Once Daily Use – For patients taking concomitant potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, such as ketoconazole or ritonavir, the dose should not exceed 2.5 mg [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].

HOW SUPPLIED

Dosage Forms And Strengths

Four strengths of film-coated, almond-shaped tablets (not scored) are available in different sizes and different shades of yellow: 2.5-mg tablets debossed with “C 2 1/2″

5-mg tablets debossed with “C 5″

10-mg tablets debossed with “C 10″

20-mg tablets debossed with “C 20″

CIALIS (tadalafil) is supplied as follows:

Four strengths of film-coated, almond-shaped tablets (not scored) are available in different sizes and different shades of yellow, and supplied in the following package sizes:

2.5 mg tablets debossed with “C 2 1/2″

Blisters of 2 x 15……………………. NDC 0002-4465-34

5-mg tablets debossed with “C 5″

Bottles of 30……………………. NDC 0002-4462-30
Blisters of 2 x 15……………………. NDC 0002-4462-34

10-mg tablets debossed with “C 10″

Bottles of 30……………………. NDC 0002-4463-30

20-mg tablets debossed with “C 20″

Bottles of 30……………………. NDC 0002-4464-30

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Keep out of reach of children.

Viagra Description

Viagra Wiki — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:47:41 +0000

VIAGRA®

(sildenafil citrate) Tablets

VIAGRA®, an oral therapy for erectile dysfunction, is the citrate salt of sildenafil, a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5).

Sildenafil citrate is designated chemically as 1-[[3-(6,7-dihydro-1-methyl-7-oxo-3-propyl-1H- pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)-4-ethoxyphenyl]sulfonyl]-4-methylpiperazine citrate and has the following structural formula

Sildenafil citrate is a white to off-white crystalline powder with a solubility of 3.5 mg/mL in water and a molecular weight of 666.7. VIAGRA (sildenafil citrate) is formulated as blue, film-coated rounded-diamond-shaped tablets equivalent to 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg of sildenafil for oral administration. In addition to the active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, lactose, triacetin, and FD & C Blue #2 aluminum lake.

INDICATIONS

VIAGRA is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

For most patients, the recommended dose is 50 mg taken, as needed, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. However, VIAGRA may be taken anywhere from 4 hours to 0.5 hour before sexual activity. Based on effectiveness and toleration, the dose may be increased to a maximum recommended dose of 100 mg or decreased to 25 mg. The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once per day.

The following factors are associated with increased plasma levels of sildenafil: age > 65 (40% increase in AUC), hepatic impairment (e.g., cirrhosis, 80%), severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min, 100%), and concomitant use of potent cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors [ketoconazole, itraconazole, erythromycin (182%), saquinavir (210%)]. Since higher plasma levels may increase both the efficacy and incidence of adverse events, a starting dose of 25 mg should be considered in these patients.

Ritonavir greatly increased the systemic level of sildenafil in a study of healthy, non-HIV infected volunteers (11-fold increase in AUC, see DRUG INTERACTIONS.) Based on these pharmacokinetic data, it is recommended not to exceed a maximum single dose of 25 mg of VIAGRA in a 48 hour period.

VIAGRA was shown to potentiate the hypotensive effects of nitrates and its administration in patients who use nitric oxide donors or nitrates in any form is therefore contraindicated.

When VIAGRA is co-administered with an alpha-blocker, patients should be stable on alpha- blocker therapy prior to initiating VIAGRA treatment and VIAGRA should be initiated at the lowest dose (see DRUG INTERACTIONS).

HOW SUPPLIED

VIAGRA® (sildenafil citrate) is supplied as blue, film-coated, rounded-diamond-shaped tablets containing sildenafil citrate equivalent to the nominally indicated amount of sildenafil as follows:

	25 mg	50 mg	100 mg
Obverse	VGR25	VGR50	VGR100
Reverse	PFIZER	PFIZER	PFIZER
Bottle of 30	NDC-0069-4200-30	NDC-0069-4210-30	NDC-0069-4220-30
Bottle of 100	N/A	NDC-0069-4210-66	NDC-0069-4220-66

Recommended Storage: Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15-30°C (59-86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Distributed by Pfizer Labs, Division of Pfizer Inc, NY, NY 10017. Revised February 2008. FDA rev date: 2/25/2008

ED Glossary B

Viagra Wiki — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:40:18 +0000

bacteria:
	Single-celled microorganisms that can exist independently (free-living) or dependently upon another organism for life (parasite). They can cause infection and are usually treated with antibiotics.

bacterial:
	Of or pertaining to a bacteria.

bacterial prostatitis:
	Swelling of the prostate caused by bacteria.

balanitis:
	Inflammation of the head of the penis.

balanitis xerotica obliterans:
	Also known as BXO. Chronic skin condition that causes scarring and thickening of the skin of the penis.

balanoposthitis:
	Inflammation of glans and foreskin.

balloon angioplasty:
	The surgical repair or reconstruction of narrowed or obstructed arteries where an inflatable balloon attached to the tip of a catheter is passed to the diseased site and inflated to enlarge the passage.

balloon dilation:
	A treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate enlargement. A tiny balloon is inflated inside the urethra to make it wider so urine can flow more freely from the bladder.

balloon urethroplasty:
	A thin tube with a balloon is inserted into the opening of the penis and guided to the narrow portion of the urethra where the balloon is inflated to widen the urethra and restore the flow of urine.

bedside commode:
	A portable toilet used by individuals who have difficulty walking to standard facilities.

behavioral techniques:
	Methods of changing a person’s symptoms or behavior for the treatment of abnormal urination patterns. Includes modifying bladder habits by methods such as bladder training or timed urination.

benign:
	Not malignant; not cancerous.

benign prostatic hyperplasia:
	Also known as BPH. An enlarged prostate not caused by cancer. BPH can cause problems with urination because the prostate squeezes the urethra at the opening of the bladder.

benign tumor:
	Tumor that is non-cancerous. Generally do not spread to other organs or come back when they are removed.

Bethwith-Wiedemann syndrome:
	A consistent group of findings of unknown causes and characterized by a large tongue, large organs, large body size, umbilical hernia, navel hernia and low blood sugar in the newborn.

bicornate uterus:
	Uterus that has two horns and is shaped like a heart.

bilateral:
	Term describing a condition that affects both sides of the body or two paired organs.

bilateral hyperplasia:
	Abnormal growth on one side.

biofeedback:
	A procedure that uses electrodes to help an individual gain awareness and control of their pelvic muscles.

biofeedback therapy:
	A behavioral technique in which a person learns how to consciously control involuntary responses such as muscle contractions. The person receives a visual, auditory or tactile signal (the feedback) that indicates how well the person’s muscles are responding to the commands of the person’s nervous system. Thi technique is used most often to teach pelvic muscle exercises.

biopsied:
	Tiny piece of a body part that was removed with a needle or during surgery and examined under a microscope to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

biopsies:
	Tiny pieces of body parts are removed with a needle or during surgery and examined under a microscope to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

biopsy:
	A procedure in which a tiny piece of a body part (tissue sample), such as the kidney or bladder, is removed (with a needle or during surgery) for examination under a microscope; to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

bladder:
	The bladder is a thick muscular balloon-shaped pouch in which urine is stored before being discharged through the urethra.

bladder augmentation:
	Operation that uses a piece of the intestine (bowel) to enlarge the bladder.

bladder capacity:
	The amount (maximum volume) of urine that the bladder can hold. Often referred to as bladder volume.

bladder control:
	The ability to control the timing of urination. Also referred to as continence.

bladder diverticula:
	They are pouches in the bladder wall that a person is born with (congenital) or later acquires. A congenital bladder diverticulum represents an area of weakness in the bladder wall through which some of the lining of the bladder is forced out. (A small balloon squeezed in a fist will create a diverticular-like effect between the fingers.) Bladder diverticula may be multiple and they often occur at the entrance of the upper urinary system into the bladder.

bladder exstrophy:
	A congenital birth defect that is the malformation of the bladder and urethra, in which the bladder is turned “inside out” and exposed on the outside of the abdomen. Because the bladder and other structures are exposed to the outside of the body, urine constantly trickles onto the skin causing irritation.

bladder infection:
	Also known as cystitis. Urinary tract infection involving the bladder. Typical symptoms include burning with urination, frequency, urgency and wetting.

bladder instillation:
	Also known as a bladder wash or bath. The bladder is filled with a solution that is held for varying periods of time before being drained through a catheter.

bladder irrigation:
	A continuous flow of fluid through the bladder with the use of a catheter.

bladder neck:
	Area of thickened muscle fiber where the bladder joins the urethra. Acting on signals from the brain, bladder neck muscles can either tighten to hold urine in the bladder or relax to allow urine out and into the urethra. These muscles also tighten during ejaculation to prevent backflow of semen into the bladder.

bladder neck contracture:
	Scarring of tissue at the bladder neck as a complication of surgery. May lead to urinary problems that require further surgery to correct.

bladder prolapse:
	When the bladder slips out of its correct position.

bladder relaxants:
	Medications used to improve urgency and frequency to urinate.

bladder suspension:
	Also called bladder neck suspension. A term for several surgical procedures employed to treat urethral hyper mobility by elevating and securing the bladder to its proper position within the body. Used for stress urinary incontinence.

bladder training:
	A behavioral technique that teaches the patient to urinate on a regular schedule and to empty the bladder completely.

bladder ultrasound:
	Also referred to as bladder scan. A method of measuring the urine that remains in the bladder. This is a test that is used to diagnose incomplete bladder emptying. An ultrasound uses sound waves to measure the urine volume–its painless and doesn’t involve the use of radiation like X-rays.

bladder X-ray:
	The use of an X-ray picture to examine the bladder and urethra. An X-ray is taken during urination while a radiactive substance is in the bladder.

blood transfusion:
	The transfer of blood from a healthy donor into the bloodstream of somebody who has lost blood or has a blood disorder.

blood urea nitrogen:
	Also known as BUN. A waste product in the blood that comes from the breakdown of food protein. The kidneys filter blood to remove urea. As kidney function decreases, the BUN level increases.

bone anchors:
	A type of surgery for stress urinary incontinence that uses “bone anchors” by drilling screws into the pelvic bone to secure and lift (suspend) the bladder in a fixed position.

bone marrow:
	A soft, reddish substance inside some bones that is involved in the production of blood cells.

bone scan:
	A nuclear image of the skeleton.

bovine tuberculosis:
	Contagious disease caused by an infection in the lymph nodes which spreads to other organs like the lungs.

bowel:
	Another word for intestines or colon.

bowel movement:
	The act of passing feces (stool) through the anus.

bowel vaginoplasty:
	Surgical repair or reconstruction of the vagina using portions of the intestines.

BPH:
	Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. An enlarged prostate not caused by cancer. BPH can cause problems with urination because the prostate squeezes the urethra at the opening of the bladder.

brachytherapy:
	Treatment for prostate cancer that involves the placement of tiny radioactive pellets into the prostate by utilizing ultrasound.

bulbar:
	Bulb-shaped.

bulbar urethral stricture:
	Stricture at the widest part of the urethra.

bulbourethral glands:
	Also referred to as Cowper’s glands. A pair of pea-sized glands that lie beneath the prostate gland that secrete an alkaline fluid that forms part of the semen. This fluid neutralizes the acidic environment of the urethra, thereby protecting the sperm.

bulbous urethra:
	Rounded and swollen urethra, the narrow tube that carries urine outside the body from the bladder.

bulking agent:
	Substance injected under the urethra to improve urinary control (continence).

BUN:
	Also known as blood urea nitrogen. A waste product in the blood that comes from the breakdown of food protein. The kidneys filter blood to remove urea. As kidney function decreases, the BUN level increases.

burch suspension:
	An abdominal surgery that supports the vagina to the pubic bone.

buried penis:
	Also called concealed penis or hidden penis. A normal-sized penis that lays hidden in the pubic fat pad. Often this penis can easily be exposed by gently pulling on it or pressing down on the surrounding fat pad.

buried penis:
	Also referred to as concealed or hidden penis. Condition where the penile shaft is buried below the surface of the pubic skin.

BXO:
	Also known as balanitis xerotica obliterans. Chronic skin condition that causes scarring and thickening of the skin of the penis.

ED Glossary A

Viagra Wiki — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:38:04 +0000

UrologyHealth.org Glossary of Terms (there are 112 terms matching “A”)

abdomen:
	Also referred to as the belly. It is the part of the body that contains all of the internal structures between the chest and the pelvis.

ablation:
	Removal of diseased or unwanted tissue from the body by surgery or other means.

abnormality:
	A variation from a normal structure or function of the body.

abscess:
	An accumulation of pus anywhere in the body.

absorbent products:
	Pads and garments, either disposable or reusable, worn to contain urinary leakage. Absorbent products include shields, guards, undergarment pads, and combination pad-pant systems, diaper-like garments and bed pads.

absorptive hypercalciuria:
	Causes unabsorbed fatty acids to combine with calcium. This causes too much oxalate to be absorbed by the intestines.

acetylcholine:
	A substance that plays an important part in the transmission of nerve impulses in the parasympathetic nervous system. This system controls smooth muscles including those of the bladder and urethra.

ACTH:
	Also known as adrenocorticotropic hormone or corticotrophin. Hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce steroid hormones.

acute:
	Acute often means urgent. An acute disease happens suddenly. It lasts a short time. Acute is the opposite of chronic, or long lasting.

acute bacterial prostatitis:
	The least common form of prostatitis caused by bacteria traveling up the urethra and the backward flow of infected urine into the prostatic ducts.

acute incontinence:
	Urine leakage (incontinence) that comes on suddently, usually caused by a new illness or condition and can often be reversed with appropriate treatment of the condition that caused it.

acute infectious prostatitis:
	Having sudden onset, and requiring immediate medical attention; caused by bacteria.

acute renal failure:
	A condition in which the kidneys suddenly stop working. In most cases, kidneys can recover from almost complete loss of function.

acute tubular necrosis:
	Also referred to as ATN. A severe form of acute kidney (renal) failure that develops in people with severe illnesses or with low blood pressure. Patients may need dialysis. Kidney function often improves if the underlying disease is successfully treated.

adenocarcinoma:
	A cancer that develops in the lining or inner surface of an organ.

adenoma:
	A benign (non-cancerous) tumor that arises in or resembles glandular tissue.

adenomectomy:
	Surgical removal of a gland.

ADH:
	Also known as antidiuretic hormone. A natural body chemical that slows down the production of urine. Some children who wet their beds regularly may lack normal amounts of ADH.

adjuvant:
	A drug or agent added to another drug or agent to enhance its medical effectiveness.

adrenal:
	Glands that reside above the kidneys composed of an inner medulla and an outer cortex.

adrenal adenoma:
	Common, benign (non-cancerous) tumor arising from the cortex (out layer) of the adrenal gland.

adrenal cancer:
	Cancer of the adrenal glands.

adrenal carcinoma:
	Cancer of the adrenal cortex.

adrenal cortex:
	The outer layer of the adrenal gland.

adrenal gland:
	One of a pair of small glands, each of which sits on top of one of the kidneys. These glands produce hormones that help control heart rate, blood pressure, the way the body uses food and other vital functions.

adrenal medulla:
	Inner portion of the adrenal gland.

adrenal tumor:
	Abnormal mass of tissue or growth of cells in the adrenal glands.

adrenalectomy:
	Surgical removal of one or both adrenal glands.

adrenaline:
	Also known as epinephrine. Hormone secreted in the adrenal gland that raises blood pressure, produces a rapid heartbeat and acts a neurotransmitter when the body is subjected to stress or danger.

adrenocortical carcinoma:
	Cancerous tumor of the adrenal cortex.

adrenocorticotropic hormone:
	Also known as ACTH. Hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce steroid hormones.

afferent nerve pathway:
	Nerve pathways carrying sensory impulses.

ailment:
	A mild illness or injury, especially a persistent one.

albuminuria:
	More than normal amounts of a protein called albumin in the urine. Albuminuria may be a sign of kidney disease.

aldosterone:
	An adrenal hormone critical for salt (sodium) balance. Produced by the outer part of the adrenal cortex, its action causes a reabsorption of sodium and secretion of potassium and is critical for the maintenance of blood pressure.

alkaline phosphates:
	Enzymes released into the blood in various disorders.

alkalinity:
	The concentration of alkali, an acid-neutralizing chemical substance, in a solution measured in terms of pH.

allantois:
	A membranous sac that grows from the lower gut and it combines with the chorion to form the umbilical cord and placenta.

allograft:
	An organ or tissue transplant between two humans.

alpha-adrenergic blockers:
	Also known as alpha-blockers. Drugs used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions like an enlarged prostate or stress urinary incontinence.

alpha-blockers:
	Also known as alpha-adrenergic blockers. Drugs used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions like an enlarged prostate.

alport syndrome:
	An inherited condition that results in kidney disease. It generally develops during early childhood and is more serious in boys than in girls. The condition can lead to end-stage renal disease as well as hearing and vision problems. The common symptoms of this condition are chronic blood and protein in the urine.

ambiguous genitalia:
	External genitalia which have physical characteristics falling somewhere between normal male and female, either of which may predominate.

amyloidosis:
	A condition in which a protein-like material builds up in one or more organs. This material cannot be broken down and interferes with the normal function of that organ. In kidneys, amyloidosis can lead to proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome and renal failure.

analgesia:
	The inability to feel pain.

analgesic:
	A drug intended to alleviate pain.

analgesic-associated kidney disease:
	Loss of kidney function that results from long-term use of pain-relieving medications.

anaplasia:
	Changes occurring among groups of cancerous cells or within an individual cancer cell.

anaplastic:
	Relating to or characterized by the loss of distinctive cell features.

anatomy:
	The physical structure of an internal structure of an organism or any of its parts.

androgen:
	Male sex hormone.

androgen suppression therapy:
	The goal of hormone therapy is to lower the levels of the male hormones, androgens, that can allow prostate cancer cells to grow.

anemia:
	The condition of having too few red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. People with anemia may be tired and pale, experience shortness of breath and/or may feel their heartbeat change. Anemia is common in people with chronic renal failure or those on dialysis.

anesthesia:
	Loss of sensation in any part of the body induced by a numbing or paralyzing agent. Often used during surgery to put a person to sleep.

anesthesia, general:
	Person is put to sleep with muscle relaxation and no pain sensation over the entire body.

anesthesia, local:
	Loss of sensation only in one part of the body induced by application of an anesthetic agent.

anesthesiologist:
	A physician who supervises the administration of anesthesia during surgery.

anesthetic:
	A substance that causes lack of feeling or awareness.

anesthetic creams:
	Creams that contain a small amount of a numbing chemical, most often benzocaine.

anesthetized:
	Administered an anesthetic.

aneurysm:
	An abnormal widening of a portion of a blood vessel.

angiogram:
	X-ray photograph of a blood vessel.

angiography:
	An X-ray examination of your blood vessels and lymphatics, after the injection of dye.

angiomyolipoma:
	Benign, non-cancerous kidney tumors containing smooth muscle. Often treated by nephrectomy.

aniridia:
	Absence of the iris in the eye from birth or as a result of injury or surgery.

anterior:
	At or near the front.

anti-androgen:
	Hormonal therapy drug that works by attaching itself to proteins on the surface of the cancer cell and blocking testosterone from entering the cancer cell.

antibiotic:
	Drug that kills bacteria or prevents them from multiplying.

antibiotic prophylaxis:
	Daily treatment with antibiotics to prevent infection.

antibodies:
	Proteins that fight infections.

antibody:
	Protein that fights infections.

anticholinergic:
	Blocking impulses from the part of the nervous system that controls heartbeat, blood pressure and other responses to stress. A drug that interferes with the effects of acetylcholine. These drugs assist with bladder storage by increasing bladder contractions and are used to treat urge incontinence.

anticoagulant:
	A substance that hinders clotting of blood.

antidepressants:
	Medications used to treat depression and other related conditions.

antidiuretic hormone:
	Also known as ADH. A natural body chemical that slows down the production of urine. Some children who wet their beds regularly may lack normal amounts of ADH.

antihistamine:
	Drug that blocks cell receptors for histamine, either to prevent allergic effects like sneezing and itching or to reduce the rate of certain secretions in the stomach.

antihypertensive:
	Preventing or reducing abnormally high blood pressure.

antimicrobial medications:
	An agent that kills microorganisms or suppresses their multiplication or growth.

antispasmodics:
	Capable of preventing or relieving spasms.

antiviral:
	Capable of eliminating or inactivating viruses.

anuria:
	A condition in which the body stops making urine.

anus:
	Opening at the end of the digestive tract where feces (stool) leave the body. The final two inches of the rectum.

anxiety:
	A feeling of apprehension, often characterized by feelings of stress.

aorta:
	The largest artery in the body.

aortoiliac occlusive disease:
	Refers to disorders of the two major blood vessels that feed the lower half of the body–the aorta and the iliac artery.

aortorenal bypass grafts:
	Transplant tissues used in aortorenal bypass surgery as a treatment for renal artery disease.

apical:
	Used to describe the top of something.

appendicitis:
	Swelling of the appendix causing severe pain.

appendix epididymis or testis:
	Small embryologic remnants that are attached to the upper pole of the epididymis and testicle. They serve no function but can twist causing pain and swelling in the scrotum.

arterial:
	Relating to, affecting or used in arteries.

arterial embolization:
	A blockage or obstruction of foreign substance or a blood clot, in an artery.

arteries:
	Blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to various parts of the body.

arteriography:
	A test to examine the arteries.

arteriovenous fistula:
	Surgical connection of an artery directly to a vein, usually in the forearm, created in patients who will need hemodialysis (see dialysis). The AV fistula causes the vein to grow thicker, allowing the repeated needle insertions required for hemodialysis.

artery:
	Blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to various parts of the body.

artificial insemination:
	The clinical insertion of sperm in the woman’s uterus.

artificial sphincter:
	Device used for treatment of urinary incontinence. Consists of three components: a pump, balloon reservoir and a cuff that encircles the urethra and prevents urine from leaking out.

AS-RAS:
	Also known as atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. Abnormal narrowing of the renal artery caused by fat deposits in the inner lining.

aspermia:
	The lack of sperm.

asthenospermia:
	A defect in sperm motility.

asymmetry:
	Lack of balance.

asymptomatic prostatic inflammation:
	Inflammation of the prostate without any symptoms. This condition is usually diagnosed on biopsy and does not usually require treatment.

atherosclerosis:
	A process of progressive thickening and hardening of the walls of medium-sized and large arteries as a result of fat deposits on their inner lining.

atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis:
	Also known as AS-RAS. Abnormal narrowing of the renal artery caused by fat deposits in the inner lining.

ATN:
	Also known as acute tubular necrosis. A severe form of acute kidney (renal) failure that develops in people with severe illnesses or with low blood pressure.

atrophy:
	When an organ diminishes in size.

autoimmune:
	A condition in which the body produces antibodies to its own tissue.

autoimmune disease:
	Any disorder in which the body is attacked by its own immune system. Examples are goodpasture syndrome and lupus erythematosus.

autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease:
	Genetic disorder that results in an enlarged organ with many cysts that overtake healthy tissue and eventually causes kidney failure.

AV fistula:
	Also known as arteriovenous fistula. Surgical connection of an artery directly to a vein, usually in the forearm, created in patients who will need hemodialysis (see dialysis). The AV fistula causes the vein to grow thicker, allowing the repeated needle insertions required for hemodialysis.

azoospermia:
	Absence of sperm in the ejaculate fluid.

azotemia:
	Also referred to as azotemic. A higher than normal blood level of urea or other nitrogen-containing compounds in the blood.

How Viagra Works ?

Viagra Wiki — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:19:28 +0000

To understand how to make a penis-specific drug, think about the way blood flows in your body. Your body has just one pump — the heart. But different parts of the body need different amounts of blood at different times.

For example:

If you eat a big meal, your body needs to send more blood to the stomach and intestines to help with digestion.
If you are running in a marathon, your body needs to send more blood to your arm and leg muscles, and it may want to cut most of the blood flowing to the stomach (and other nonessential organs) in order to save oxygen for the legs.

What your body needs, in other words, is a set of valves that it can use to increase and decrease blood flow to certain parts of the body. And your brain needs a way to control those valves so it can turn them on and off when necessary.

The penis is one of the places in the body where the brain needs to be able to turn the blood flow on and off with a valve. To understand how the brain controls this particular valve, let’s start with the basic concept at work: How does the brain control blood flow to different parts of the body?

Turning Valves On and Off
In the human body, the “valves” open and close using muscles in the walls of arteries. When these muscles relax, the arteries open up and blood flow increases. The valves respond to chemical messages that the brain can control.

The mechanism that the body uses to “open a valve” in any part of the body involves four steps:

The brain sends a signal down a particular nerve fiber. This nerve fiber ends in an NANC nerve cell in an artery, somewhere near the point where blood flow needs to change. NANC stands for nonadrenergic-noncholinergic, and what it means is that the NANC nerve cell is able to create nitric oxide.
The NANC nerve endings inject nitric oxide into the blood and surrounding cells.
The nitric oxide stimulates an enzyme called guanylate cyclase in nearby cells, and this enzyme starts producing a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
cGMP tells smooth muscles that line an artery to relax. When they relax, blood flow increases.

This mechanism is a simple little chemical machine, and the brain uses it to increase blood flow in several different parts of the body. But there is one final part to this chemical machine: Another enzyme called phosphodiesterase (PDE) deactivates the cGMP.

The brain sends signals to NANC cells in the artery. The NANC cells release nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide acts as a signaling molecule and stimulates an enzyme called guanylate cyclase in nearby cells. The guanylate cyclase converts a chemical called GTP into another chemical called cGMP. cGMP causes muscles in the walls of the arteries to relax. This relaxation increases blood flow. Meanwhile, PDE is decomposing the cGMP and turning it back into GTP. There is a cycle — guanylate cyclase turns GTP into cGMP, and PDE turns cGMP into GTP. Nitric oxide turns the cycle on.

cGMP is produced as long as the brain is sending messages down the nerve fibers in the artery, which generate nitric oxide and keep the cycle going. When the brain stops sending the signal, all of the cGMP goes away because PDE is deactivating it. This way, the brain can turn valves on and off whenever it wants to.

So how does this relate to an erection?

When the brain gets aroused, it sends a signal to the penis. Nerve cells in the penis’ corpora cavernosa start producing nitric oxide, which leads to the creation of cGMP. The cGMP causes arteries in the corpora cavernosa to dilate, causing lots of blood to flow into the penis. The extra blood flowing in causes the penis to inflate like a balloon. An erection occurs.

When a man suffers from erectile dysfunction, there can be many reasons for the problem. But one of the most common reasons, especially in older men, is that the arteries in the penis aren’t dilating enough when the brain sends the signal. The man is aroused, and the nerves in the penis are producing NO; but the amount of cGMP produced is not enough to maintain an erection.

The way that Viagra goes about solving this problem is quite ingenious, and involves the following question: How can you create a drug that affects only the penile valve?

If you want to create a drug that increases blood flow to the penis, there are at least three ways to do it:

Increase the amount of nitric oxide produced in the penis
Increase the amount of cGMP produced in the penis in response to the nitric oxide
Eliminate the PDE in the penis so that the cGMP builds up instead of getting decomposed by the PDE

Viagra uses method No. 3 — it eliminates the PDE that is decomposing the cGMP, so cGMP builds up in the penis and has a larger effect on the artery walls. The greater the amount of cGMP the greater the blood flow, and the greater the blood flow the greater the degree of the erection.

The reason that Viagra uses this technique is because of an interesting quirk of PDE.

It turns out that the human body has at least 11 different kinds of PDE that it produces. Only one of those kinds of PDE — PDE5 — is found primarily in the penis. Once scientists discovered this fact, the creation of Viagra®was relatively simple. All that Pfizer needed to find was a chemical that would selectively block PDE5 and nothing else. With the PDE5 blocked, cGMP could build up in the penis and increase the blood flow there without affecting other parts of the body.

How the Penis Erection ?

Viagra Wiki — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:54:57 +0000

The average male has four to eight spontaneous erections every night while he sleeps. They usually occur during the REM stage, when dreaming is most common.

When a doctor wants to know whether a patient’s difficulty achieving an erection is due to physical or mental reasons, one way to find out is to fit the patient’s penis with a sensor and see whether or not the patient’s dream erections are working properly. If not, the problem is probably physical.

When things are working properly, ejaculation is a three-step process:

The man becomes sexually aroused.
The penis responds by becoming erect.
Stimulation of the penis causes ejaculation.

That sounds simple enough, but in many cases, step two doesn’t happen, making step three difficult or impossible. Although the man is stimulated, the penis doesn’t become erect. To understand why, you need to understand the technology of an erection.

When you want to move nearly any part of your body, you do it using muscles. Whether you are moving your fingers, toes, arms or legs, muscles do the work. Even when you stick your tongue out, you do it using muscles:

You think about moving some part of your body
The appropriate muscles contract
That part of the body moves

Muscles let you move your body voluntarily with precise control.The penis, on the other hand, is completely different. There are no muscle contractions involved in making the penis erect. To become erect, the penis instead uses pressure.

Probably the easiest way to understand how the penis becomes erect is to think about a balloon. If a balloon has no air in it, it’s limp. As you inflate a limp balloon with just a little air, it becomes elongated and rigid.

The penis uses a similar mechanism, but instead of using pressurized air to become rigid, the penis uses pressurized blood. The penis contains two cigar-shaped structures, called corpora cavernosa (singular: corpus cavernosum), that it uses to become erect.

Think of the corpora cavernosa as balloonlike tubes. Arteries bring blood into these two tubes, and veins carry blood away from them. The penis can be either limp or erect, depending on the flow of blood:

In a non-erect state, the arteries that bring blood into the corpora cavernosa are somewhat constricted, while the veins that drain the blood from the penis are open. There is no way for pressure to build inside the penis. In this state, the penis is limp.
When a man becomes aroused, the arteries leading into the penis open up so that pressurized blood can enter the penis quickly. The veins leaving the penis constrict. Pressurized blood is trapped in the corpora cavernosa, and this blood causes the penis to elongate and stiffen. The penis is erect.

If the arteries leading to the penis don’t open up properly, it is difficult or impossible for a man to become erect. This problem is the leading cause of erectile dysfunction (ED).

To solve an erection problem when the cause is poor blood flow, you need to open the arteries. Let’s take a look at how this can be done — and how it was done before Viagra.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatments and drugs

Viagra Wiki — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:42:22 +0000

A variety of options exist for treating erectile dysfunction. They range from medications and simple mechanical devices to surgery and psychological counseling. The cause and severity of your condition are important factors in determining the best treatment or combination of treatments for you.

Oral medications
Oral medications available to treat ED include:

Sildenafil (Viagra)
Tadalafil (Cialis)
Vardenafil (Levitra)

All three medications work in much the same way. Chemically known as phosphodiesterase inhibitors, these drugs enhance the effects of nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes muscles in the penis. This increases the amount of blood flow and allows a natural sequence to occur — an erection in response to sexual stimulation.

These medications don’t automatically produce an erection. Instead they allow an erection to occur after physical and psychological stimulation. Many men experience improvement in erectile function after taking these medications regardless of the cause of their impotence.

These medications share many similarities, but they have differences as well. They vary in dosage, duration of effectiveness and possible side effects. Other distinctions — for example, which drug is best for certain types of men — aren’t yet known. No study has directly compared these three medications.

Not all men benefit
Although these medications can help many people, not all men can or should take them to treat erectile dysfunction. You should not take these medications if:

You take nitrate drugs for angina, such as nitroglycerin (Nitro-Bid, others), isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur) and isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)
You take a blood-thinning (anticoagulant) medication
You take certain types of alpha blockers for enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or high blood pressure

Viagra, Levitra or Cialis may not be a good choice for you if:

You have severe heart disease or heart failure
You’ve had a stroke
You have very low blood pressure (hypotension)
You have uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
You have uncontrolled diabetes

Don’t expect these medications to fix your erectile dysfunction immediately.

Work with your doctor to find the right treatment and dose for you. Dosages may need adjusting. Or you may need to alter when you take the medication.

Before taking any medication — including Viagra, Levitra or Cialis — make sure to discuss with your doctor:

Potential benefits and side effects of the medication you are considering
Any illnesses or serious health problems you have now or have had in the past
Any prescription or over-the-counter medications you take (including herbal remedies)

Prostaglandin E (alprostadil)
Two treatments involve using a drug called alprostadil. Alprostadil is a synthetic version of the hormone prostaglandin E. The hormone helps relax muscle tissue in the penis, which enhances the blood flow needed for an erection. There are two ways to use alprostadil:

Needle-injection therapy. With this method, you use a fine needle to inject alprostadil (Caverject, Edex) into the base or side of your penis. This generally produces an erection in five to 20 minutes that lasts about an hour. Because the injection goes directly into the spongy cylinders that fill with blood, alprostadil is an effective treatment for many men. And because the needle used is so fine, pain from the injection site is usually minor. Other side effects may include bleeding from the injection, prolonged erection and formation of fibrous tissue at the injection site. The cost per injection can be expensive. Injecting a mixture of alprostadil and other prescribed drugs may be a less expensive and more effective option. These other drugs may include papaverine and phentolamine.
Self-administered intraurethral therapy (Muse). This treatment involves using a disposable applicator to insert a tiny alprostadil suppository, about half the size of a grain of rice, into the tip of your penis. The suppository, placed about two inches into your urethra, is absorbed by erectile tissue in your penis, increasing the blood flow that causes an erection. Although needles aren’t involved, you may still find this method painful or uncomfortable. Side effects may include pain, minor bleeding in the urethra, dizziness and formation of fibrous tissue.

Hormone replacement therapy
For the small number of men who have testosterone deficiency, testosterone replacement therapy may be an option.

Penis pumps
This treatment involves the use of a hollow tube with a hand-powered or battery-powered pump. The tube is placed over the penis, and then the pump is used to suck out the air. This creates a vacuum that pulls blood into the penis. Once you achieve an adequate erection, you slip a tension ring around the base of your penis to maintain the erection. You then remove the vacuum device. The erection typically lasts long enough for a couple to have sex. You remove the tension ring after intercourse.

Vascular surgery
This treatment is usually reserved for men whose blood flow has been blocked by an injury to the penis or pelvic area. Surgery may also be used to correct erectile dysfunction caused by vascular blockages. The goal of this treatment is to correct a blockage of blood flow to the penis so that erections can occur naturally. But the long-term success of this surgery is unclear.

Penile implants
This treatment involves surgically placing a device into the two sides of the penis, allowing erection to occur as often and for as long as desired. The inflatable device allows you to control when and how long you have an erection, the semirigid rods keep the penis in a rigid state all the time. These implants consist of either an inflatable device or semirigid rods made from silicone or polyurethane. This treatment is often expensive and is usually not recommended until other methods have been considered or tried first. As with any surgery, there is a small risk of complications such as infection.

Psychological counseling and sex therapy
If stress, anxiety or depression is the cause of your erectile dysfunction, your doctor may suggest that you, or you and your partner, visit a psychologist or counselor with experience in treating sexual problems (sex therapist). Even if it is caused by something physical, erectile dysfunction can create stress and relationship tension. Counseling can help, especially when your partner participates.

Erectile Dysfunction Tests and diagnosis

Viagra Wiki — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:37:23 +0000

Your doctor will ask questions about how and when your symptoms developed, what medications you take and any other physical conditions you might have. Your doctor will also want to discuss recent physical or emotional changes.

If your doctor suspects that physical causes are involved, he or she will likely want to take blood tests to check your level of male hormones and for other potential medical problems, such as diabetes. Your doctor may also want to try eliminating or replacing certain prescription drugs you’re taking one at a time to see whether any are responsible for erectile dysfunction.

More specialized tests may include:

Ultrasound. This test can check blood flow to your penis. It involves using a wand-like device (transducer) held over the blood vessels that supply the penis. The transducer emits sound waves that pass through body tissues and reflect back, producing an image to let your doctor see if your blood flow is impaired. The test often is done before and after injection of medication into the side of the penis to see if there’s an improvement in blood flow.
Neurological evaluation. Your doctor usually assesses possible nerve damage by conducting a physical examination to test for normal touch sensation in your genital area.
Dynamic infusion cavernosometry and cavernosography (DICC). This procedure involves injecting a dye into penile blood vessels to permit your doctor to view any possible abnormalities in blood pressure and flow into and out of your penis. It’s generally done with local anesthesia by a urologist who specializes in erectile dysfunction.
Nocturnal tumescence test. If your doctor suspects that mainly nonphysical causes are to blame, he or she may ask whether you obtain erections during masturbation, with a partner or while you sleep. Most men experience many erections, without remembering them, during sleep. A simple test that involves wrapping a special perforated tape around your penis before going to sleep can confirm whether you have erections while you’re sleeping. If the tape is separated in the morning, your penis was erect at some time during the night. Tests of this type confirm that there is not a physical abnormality causing erectile dysfunction, and that the cause is likely psychological.

Common causes of erectile dysfunction

Viagra Wiki — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:08:33 +0000

Common causes of erectile dysfunction include:

Heart disease
Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome

Other causes of erectile dysfunction include:

Certain prescription medications
Tobacco use
Alcoholism and other forms of drug abuse
Treatments for prostate cancer
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis
Hormonal disorders such as low testosterone (hypogonadism)
Peyronie’s disease
Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord

In some cases, erectile dysfunction is one of the first signs of an underlying medical problem.

Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction
The brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, beginning with feelings of sexual excitement. A number of things can interfere with sexual feelings and lead to — or worsen — erectile dysfunction. These can include:

Depression
Anxiety
Stress
Fatigue
Poor communication or conflict with your partner

The physical and psychological causes of erectile dysfunction interact. For instance, a minor physical problem that slows sexual response may cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can worsen erectile dysfunction.