Latest Viagra News and Research: Sex Pill Alternative Uses of Viagra

Viagra is being tested on pregnant women as Pfizer, Viagra’s manufacturer, is working overtime to increase the $1.6 billion market for the famous drug. The little blue pill, which originally underwent trials for a treatment of angina, is being tested as a solution for high blood pressure in pregnant women and those suffering from preeclampsia (a serious condition attached with premature deliveries of babies).

Overview of sildenafil citrate

Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a medication that has been licensed to treat Erectile Dysfunction and impotence. Erectile dysfunction is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Impotence is defined as the inconsistent ability or inability to achieve erection, or a tendency to sustain erections for only brief amount of time.

Research by Pfizer

There are media reports that Pfizer could file for approval for use of the drug as a treatment for pregnancy related issues in 2007/2008. This would have the potential of adding hundreds of millions of dollars to their sales. The worldwide patent for Viagra expires between 2011 and 2013 so the company is interested in increasing sales while it has the chance. Scientists at Pfizer and other institutions are researching the use of the drug in wide array of medical conditions such as strokes, pelvic pain and heart failure.

Trials are being implemented at the Rambam Healthcare Campus in Israel on women in weeks 24 - 33 of pregnancy who are suffering from high blood pressure or preeclampsia. Doctors are of the opinion that Viagra will play a role in widening the blood vessels that deliver vital nutrition between the mother and the fetus. If successful, this will make the babies less likely to be born premature and underdeveloped.

High blood pressure, commonly known as hypertension, is the most important health issue in pregnancy. According to one study, hypertension causes complications in 2% - 3% of all pregnancies.

Preeclampsia arises in approximately 5% of all pregnancies and according to some research it is twice as likely in first time mothers. This disorder kills 76,000 women and newborns annually. Even worse, the cause of preeclampsia has yet to be understood; initial signs are that there is some sort of link between the condition and high blood pressure.

Researchers in California have come up with entirely new applications for Viagra. They are testing Viagra for use by both high performance athletes and soldiers after FDA giving approval to Viagra in treating pulmonary hypertension because pulmonary hypertension is caused by exertion in oxygen-poor environments.