New SUPER-Viagra pill is stronger and could have fewer side effects, scientists find
LITTLE BLUE THRILL New SUPER-Viagra pill is stronger and could have fewer side effects, scientists find
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SCIENTISTS are developing a new super-Viagra that is stronger than the little blue pill at just a tenth of the dose.
Experimental drug simenafil was tested on 706 men by a team at the Peking University First Hospital in China.
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NHS prescriptions for erection pills are at record highs (stock image)
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Results showed that 12 weeks of treatment improved men's erectile function by an average of 12.3 per cent.
The scientists said original Viagra, known as sildenafil, caused an approximately 11.8 per cent improvement in studies and other brands are less effective.
The real catch is that the dose is tiny in comparison, they added – just 5mg compared to a standard 50mg dose of Viagra.
This could make it cheaper or reduce the risk of side effects.
The drugs are called PDE5 inhibitors and work by blocking an enzyme that restricts blood flow to the penis, causing it to relax and function normally for sex.
Unwanted side effects might include headaches, sickness, hot flushes, indigestion, a stuffy nose or feeling dizzy.
'Effective at low doses'
Writing in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, study author Dr Hui Jiang said: 'Owing to these adverse events, novel and alternative therapies are needed for patients with erectile dysfunction.
'The results so far show oral simenafil was effective and well-tolerated in male patients.
'Therefore, we believe that it will provide an additional reliable treatment option.
'Overall, the evaluation indicated that simenafil was as effective as other PDE5 inhibitors even at very low doses.
'It showed that intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function, sexual desire and overall satisfaction increased.'
Erectile dysfunction is common and becomes more likely with age, illness and weight gain.
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
At least half of men are expected to suffer once they get into middle and old age.
NHS doctors last year prescribed record amounts of bedroom-boosting drugs like Viagra, dishing out 4.7million prescriptions at a cost of £17.6million.
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