Femalegra is the brand name for sildenafil citrate. It is indicated for use by women having sexual problems.
Women’s sexuality has been largely ignored throughout the course of history. Sildenafil is well known as a miracle drug for men, but studies suggest that it can be equally efficacious in women as well.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through all the information you need to be aware of before using Femalegra including how it works, when to stop taking the drug, and what to do if you encounter side effects.
Let’s get started.
What is Femalegra?
Femalegra has the same component as viagra which is sildenafil.
This drug induces vasodilatation and facilitates smooth muscle cell relaxation, thereby boosting blood flow to the genital organs. During sexual excitement, there is increased blood flow in the clitoris and labia minora in women. Additionally, vaginal lubrication is also further enhanced by this drug.
Although Femalegra has been used by women to improve their sexual experiences, the use of this drug in women is still off-label as it is not FDA approved to treat sexual disorders in women.
Femalegra is manufactured by Sunrise Remedies, a pharmaceutical company based in India.
What’s The Dose Of Femalegra?
Since the use of this drug for female sexual disorders is still off-label, various doses have been described in different literature.
- Sexual dysfunction induced by antidepressant medication: 50 to 100 mg
- Premenopausal women affected by sexual arousal disorder: 25 to 50 mg
- Women with sexual arousal disorder: 100 mg
It is vital that you talk to your doctor before starting this drug. Different needs require different doses and it is never advisable to start this drug on your own.
How Long Does it Take for Femalegra to Kick In?
The effects of Femalegra begin to show about 30 to 60 minutes after taking it.
Female sexuality is quite a complex subject and the drug alone might not be quite effective for enhancing libido. Furthermore, unlike in men, the drug might take some time to show any real benefit.
It is crucial to take other steps to increase your libido, such as consuming a balanced diet, exercising frequently, and practicing foreplay before having sex.
How Long Does Femalegra Last?
Once you take Femalegra, the effects may last for about 3 hours. In some people, Femalegra might have a longer duration of action.
How Much Does Femalegra Cost?
Femalegra costs about 0.8 USD per tablet. The pricing depends upon different vendors and when purchased in packs, will cost 72 USD for 90 tablets.
The History of Femalegra
The main constituent of Femalegra is sildenafil, which was initially developed to be used in cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure. While the drug was still being studied, researchers found that the drug induced penile erections. Later, it was marketed as a miracle drug for erectile dysfunction.
Of late, researchers have also looked at the potential benefits of Femalegra in women. Users report increased sexual drive and pleasure during sexual activities.
Who Can Take Femalegra?
Femalegra has been used off-label in many cases of sexual dysfunction such as:
- Sexual dysfunction induced by antidepressant medication have shown good response to using Femalegra prior to sexual activity.
- In pre and postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction, improvements in vaginal lubrication have been observed in several studies.
- Current studies have shown some use of Femalegra as supplementation for women undergoing infertility treatments.
If you are suffering from sexual disorders and want to try Femalegra, consult a doctor first to find out if you are a suitable candidate for it.
Is Femalegra Safe?
Because Femalegra is not approved for use in sexual dysfunction, its safety profile cannot be accurately mapped. Although it is generally seen to be safe, there are a few particular situations where it may become harmful, and there are a few well-known adverse effects to be aware of.
Common side effects of Femalegra
- Headaches
- Flushing
- Indigestion
- Vision Loss
- Nasal Obstruction
- Back Pain
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Rash
- Muscle Pain
Rare but severe side effects of Femalegra
The key factor causing Femalegra to be classified as a prescription-only medicine is the possible risk it may present to some individuals.
In order to lessen the possibility of a harmful interaction, doctors will consider the risks associated with using Femalegra and double-check your prescriptions.
Hypersensitivities & Allergic Reactions
After taking Femalegra, some consumers may develop an allergic reaction that may result in rash. Rarely, the reaction may be severe enough to even cause breathing difficulties.
Cardiovascular Disease
Patients with undiagnosed heart disease may notice a worsening of their symptoms, which could be fatal. During sexual activity, blood pressure changes and greater physical effort can put stress on the cardiovascular system and cause unwanted effects.
Vision loss
Rarely, sildenafil may cause vision problems. If not treated at once, this illness that involves a reduction in blood flow to the optic nerve can result in permanent vision loss.
Potential Drug Interactions With Femalegra
Before prescribing Femalegra, your doctor will consider all of your present prescriptions. Before you start, you might need to switch certain drugs.
Nitrates
Femalegra may intensify the hypotensive effects of nitrate drugs, making users dizzy or faint. Nitrates are often used to treat angina, coronary artery disease, and high blood pressure.
Alpha-Blockers
Vasodilators such as Femalegra and alpha-blockers can lower blood pressure below normal ranges. Combining the two medications can be dangerous so it needs to be done carefully and under the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner.
Antihypertensives
Due to their similar effects, Femalegra and blood pressure-lowering drugs may cause blood pressure to drop very low and result in fainting spells.
Alcohol
When Femalegra is used with alcohol, serious adverse effects such as low blood pressure, lightheadedness, headaches, and an accelerated heart rate may occur.
Antacids
Antacids like magnesium hydroxide can significantly decrease Femalegra’s absorption in the body, which subsequently decreases the drug’s efficacy.
CYP3A4 Inhibitors
The CYP3A4 enzymes largely metabolize Femalegra in the liver. The rate of degradation for Femalegra can be impacted by taking other medications that are metabolized by this same enzyme. As a result, the drug’s half-life may be prolonged and its bloodstream concentrations may increase.
These include Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, grapefruit juice, etc.
CYP3A4 Inducers
Contrary to CYP3A4 inhibitors, certain drugs boost the activity of this enzyme, causing Femalegra to be metabolized more quickly and to have shorter or milder effects.
These include Rifampicin, Phenytoin and Carbamazepine among others.
Who Should Avoid Using Femalegra?
Not everyone responds well to Femalegra, so you should only get this medication with a valid prescription from your doctor.
Here are a few examples of people who should avoid using Femalegra:
- Patients with severe heart disease or heart valve failure
- Patients with a history of NAION or “crowded” optic disc
- Patients diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa
- Anyone taking any of the contraindicated medications listed in the previous section
- Patients with a history of sildenafil hypersensitivity
- Patients with severe kidney disease
- Patients with certain blood disorders (hemophilia, leukemia, sickle-cell anemia)
How Does Femalegra Work?
Sildenafil, the active component of Femalegra, is a PDE5 inhibitor. PDE5 stands for phosphodiesterase type 5, an enzyme that degrades cyclic-GMP (cGMP), a substance found in smooth muscle tissue.
Nitric oxide stimulates the guanylate cyclase enzyme in smooth muscle cells, converting guanosine triphosphate into cyclic guanosine monophosphate. This chemical (cGMP) then induces vasodilatation, stimulates smooth muscle cell relaxation, and boosts blood flow to the genital organs.
The primary alterations of the genital organs during sexual excitement are the engorgement of the penile corpora cavernosa in males and the clitoris and labia minora in women. Additionally, vaginal lubrication is aided by the ultrafiltration of plasma through capillary vaginal vessels.
Femalegra, by stopping the degradation of cGMP, allows for its prolonged action on the smooth muscle cells.
Medical Research Involving Femalegra
The use of Femalegra is still off-label and more research will be needed for it to be approved for use.
Nine outpatient women who reported sexual dysfunction brought on by antidepressant medication, mostly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, were given sildenafil in an open study. The nine patients, who had either had delayed orgasms or anorgasmia with or without accompanying abnormalities, reported dramatic reversal of sexual dysfunction, frequently after taking the first dosage of 50 mg of sildenafil [1].
A double-blind cross-over studied 53 volunteer women with arousal problems, ages 22 to 28. The study found improved sexual performance while also improving other aspects of sexual activity [2].
To assess the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of oral sildenafil in women with female sexual arousal disorder as a result of SCI (paraplegia/tetraplegia), a double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose study was carried out.
Another study found the number of sexual activities among women taking sildenafil increased during the course of the trial [3].
Femalegra Alternatives
There are other drugs that are FDA approved for female sexual dysfunction and these could be a better alternative than Femalegra.
Here are some of the most prominent Femalegra alternatives:
- Flibanserin (Addyi)
- Bremelanotide (Vyleesi)
Are There Any Natural Alternatives to Femalegra?
For those looking for alternatives to Femalegra, some natural ingredients can be employed to produce effects that are comparable.
Here are some of the most common natural Femalegra options to consider:
Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)
Tribulus is a herb that has long been used to manage sexual dysfunction in men. Studies have found it to be effective for women with sexual disorders as well [4].
Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
This herb may be useful for treating sexual dysfunction as well as a number of other health issues [4].
L-Arginine
L-arginine is a precursor of nitric oxide (NO), which in turn increases levels of cGMP. cGMP increases blood flow to the genital organs thereby helping treat sexual dysfunctions [5].
Where to Buy Femalegra in 2022
In the US and most other nations across the world, Femalegra is a prescription drug. Your doctor will first rule out any underlying health issues and decide whether or not Femalegra is suitable for you. You can then purchase Femalegra from a local pharmacy or online. Buying online can provide users discretion and privacy.
References:
- Nurnberg, H. G., Hensley, P. L., Lauriello, J., Parker, L. M., & Keith, S. J. (1999). Sildenafil for women patients with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. Psychiatric Services, 50(8), 1076-1078.
- Caruso, S., Intelisano, G., Lupo, L., & Agnello, C. (2001). Premenopausal women affected by sexual arousal disorder treated with sildenafil: a double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled study. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 108(6), 623-628.
- Alexander, M. S., Rosen, R. C., Steinberg, S., Symonds, T., Haughie, S., & Hultling, C. (2011). Sildenafil in women with sexual arousal disorder following spinal cord injury. Spinal cord, 49(2), 273-279.
- Sha’ari, N., Woon, L. S. C., Sidi, H., Das, S., Bousman, C. A., & Saini, S. M. (2021). Beneficial effects of natural products on female sexual dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicine, 93, 153760.
- Moody, J. A., Vernet, D., Laidlaw, S., Rajfer, J., & Gonzalez-Cadavid, N. F. (1997). Effects of long-term oral administration of L-arginine on the rat erectile response. The journal of urology, 158(3), 942-947.
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