The Wonder Drug For Men

It was originally intended to treat high blood pressure. But when chemists at Pfizer realized it improved blood flow in all parts of the body within 30 to 60 minutes they knew they had something else and probably more valuable. The chemical name is Sildenafil, but Pfizer introduced it under the name of Viagra.

It was patented in 1996 and just two years later the FDA approved it as an oral medication for the treatment of “erectile dysfunction” or simply put - impotence.

Viagra's financial success was immediate. At $8 to $10 a pill, it produced about a billion dollars in sales in the first year. It was advertised heavily on TV and even though it was by prescription only you could get samples on the internet by filling out an "online consultation".

Originally intended for older men, guys in their 30’s and 40’s are being targeted now too. So far, over 20 million Americans have tried it.

The FDA approved Viagara on this date in 1998.