FDA warns against “Cave Diver”

P.Naina Mohamed

Pharmacologist

 

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Introduction

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers not to purchase or use “Cave Diver,” a product promoted and sold for sexual enhancement on various websites including www.bonanza.com and in some retail stores, on 10th June 2013.

FDA laboratory analysis confirmed that “Cave Diver” contains sildenafil.

Possible Mechanism of Action

Cave Diver

Contains Sildenafil

Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE 5)

Inhibition of Breakdown of cGMP

Increase the concentration of cGMP in smooth muscle of corpus cavernosum and penile arteries

Smooth muscle relaxation

Increase the blood flow to corpus cavernosum

Penile Erection

Interaction with Nitrates

Undeclared ingredient (Sildenafil)

Interact with prescription drugs like nitrates (Nitroglycerin)

Excessive dilation of smooth muscle of blood vessels

Lower blood pressure to dangerous levels

Hypotension

Heart Attack

Other Interactions

Undeclared ingredient (Sildenafil)

Interacts with Alpha adrenergic blockers, other antihypertensives or CYP3A4 enzyme

inhibitors like Ketoconazole, Erythromycin, Ritonavir

Lower blood pressure

Hypotension

Conclusion

FDA warns the Consumers should stop using this product immediately and throw it away. 

FDA advises the Consumers who have experienced any negative side effects should consult a health care professional as soon as possible. 

FDA announces to the public of a growing trend of dietary supplements or conventional foods with hidden drugs and chemicals.  These products are typically promoted for sexual enhancement, weight loss, and body building, and are often represented as being “all natural.” 

FDA claims that they are unable to test and identify all products marketed as dietary supplements on the market that have potentially harmful hidden ingredients. 

FDA advises the Consumers to exercise caution before purchasing any product in the above categories.

References

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/MedicationHealthFraud/ucm355916.htm

Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 12e Laurence L. Brunton, Bruce A. Chabner, Björn C. Knollmann

Harrison's Online Featuring the complete contents of Harrison's Principles ofInternal Medicine, 18e Dan L. Longo, Anthony S. Fauci, Dennis L. Kasper, Stephen L. Hauser, J. Larry Jameson, Joseph Loscalzo, Eds.

Hurst's The Heart, 13eValentin Fuster, Richard A. Walsh, Robert A. Harrington

Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 12e Bertram G. Katzung, Susan B. Masters, Anthony J. Trevor

Clinician's Pocket Reference, 11eLeonard G. Gomella, Steven A. Haist

References

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a699015.html

http://www.rxlist.com/viagra-drug/clinical-pharmacology.htm

http://www.medicinenet.com/sildenafil/article.htm

http://www.pfizer.com/files/products/uspi_viagra.pdf