ASSURANS 20

Most men know Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra or Cenforce) in 50 mg or 100 mg doses for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the product ASSURANS contains Sildenafil 20 mg.

As a urologist-consultant, I must clarify: ASSURANS 20 mg is a dosage that was originally approved and is primarily used to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). This is a serious condition involving high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs.

However, low-dose sildenafil has also found its use in modern urology, and this text will explain how and for what purpose it is used.

How ASSURANS works: The dual mechanism of Sildenafil

The active ingredient in ASSURANS, Sildenafil, is a PDE5 inhibitor. This enzyme is found not only in the penis but also in the blood vessels of the lungs.

1. For PAH: By blocking PDE5 in the lungs, Sildenafil relaxes these blood vessels, lowers the pressure within them, and eases the workload on the heart.

2. In Urology: The same smooth-muscle-relaxing mechanism works in the pelvic region. This improves blood flow not only to the penis but also to the prostate gland and bladder.

Indications for use: PAH and urology

ASSURANS 20 mg has two main applications:

1. Primary Indication (Prescribed by a Cardiologist): Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).

2. Urological Applications (Often "off-label"):

   • BPH: For the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, or enlarged prostate). The drug helps relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder, making urination easier.

   • Daily ED Therapy: Used for continuous, "background" support of erectile function in men with mild to moderate ED who prefer spontaneity over taking an "on-demand" pill.

Instructions for use for ASSURANS 20 mg

ATTENTION! The dosing for ASSURANS 20 mg is radically different from the 100 mg dose!

• For PAH: The standard dose is 1 tablet (20 mg) 3 times a day, with 6-8 hours between doses. This is prescribed exclusively by a cardiologist or pulmonologist.

• For BPH or Daily ED Therapy (Off-label): The usual dose is 1 tablet (20 mg) 1 time a day, taken at the same time each day, regardless of sexual activity.

ASSURANS 20 mg is not an "on-demand" pill to be taken an hour before sex. It is a medication for long-term, daily therapy to maintain a consistent level of the drug in the blood.

Contraindications to ASSURANS (Sildenafil 20 mg)

Contraindications are standard for any Sildenafil product, regardless of the dose. ASSURANS is strictly contraindicated:

• With Nitrates: Any nitric oxide donors (e.g., Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide mononitrate) used for angina (chest pain). This combination is FATALLY DANGEROUS!

• In cases of severe heart, liver, or kidney failure.

• Following a recent heart attack or stroke.

• If you have an allergy to Sildenafil.

• If you have ever had vision loss from NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy).

Side effects

When taking ASSURANS, side effects are identical to other forms of Sildenafil, but due to the low single dose (20 mg), they may be less pronounced:

• Headache.

• "Flushing" (redness of the face).

• Nasal congestion.

• Dyspepsia (indigestion).

• Changes in color vision (rare).

ASSURANS 20: A doctor answers common questions

Question: Can I take 5 ASSURANS tablets (5 x 20 mg = 100 mg) for sex? Answer: Pharmaceutically, yes, that would be 100 mg of Sildenafil. Economically, it is impractical. For "on-demand" situational use, there are products specifically dosed at 100 mg (like Cenforce 100) which are designed for that purpose.

Question: Does ASSURANS 20 cure BPH (enlarged prostate)? Answer: No, it does not cure the BPH itself (it doesn't shrink the prostate). It treats the symptoms by relaxing the muscles, making urination easier. It is a symptomatic therapy.

Question: What is better for daily use: ASSURANS 20 mg or Tadalafil 5 mg? Answer: Both drugs are used for daily therapy for ED and BPH. Tadalafil 5 mg (Cialis) has a much longer half-life (36 hours) compared to Sildenafil (4-6 hours). The choice of a daily medication should be made by your urologist.

Conclusion: ASSURANS 20 mg is a specific, low-dose Sildenafil preparation most often used for continuous therapy for PAH or BPH symptoms, rather than for the on-demand treatment of erectile dysfunction.