Drugs That Changed the World

Love them or hate them, drugs have had a marked impact on human history

Numerous medications have been created and sold throughout history to treat a wide range of illnesses and disorders. Some of these mixtures have achieved extraordinary success in terms of sales and public attention.

In this post, we’ll examine some of the most popular and well-known medications in history in more detail.

Let’s start with Aspirin

One of the most well-known and often used medications in history is aspirin. Aspirin is a painkiller and anti-inflammatory medication that was first created by Bayer in the late 19th century and is still in use today. Numerous ailments, including as headaches, fever, and arthritis, have been treated with it. The accessibility and affordability of aspirin, which is sold over-the-counter in most nations, contribute to its popularity.

Penicillin

Another well-known medication that significantly improved human health is penicillin. It was first of its kind when it was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, as you may recall from secondary school biology courses. It was used to treat a variety of bacterial illnesses, such as syphilis, pneumonia, and strep throat.

Since the discovery of penicillin, numerous additional antibiotics have been created, saving countless lives.

Lipitor

Lipitor, a prescription meant to decrease cholesterol levels, is an additional extensively used treatment. With peak annual sales of over $12 billion, Lipitor was created by renowned pharmaceutical corporation Pfizer in the 1990s and has since grown to become one of the most popular cure ever. Millions of people throughout the world have been prescribed this very effective remedy, which lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Prozac

Another well-known medication with a major effect on mental health is Prozac. Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that was created by Eli Lilly in the 1980s and is used to treat depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It was one of the first SSRIs to receive FDA approval and has since been prescribed to millions of patients worldwide, with the USA being one of its most popular markets.

Viagra

Another medication that significantly affected people’s health, particularly in the area of sexual health, was Viagra. Viagra was created by Pfizer in the late 1990s to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The medicine causes a stronger and longer-lasting erection by boosting blood flow to the penis.

Viagra was the subject of intense debate and scepticism when it was initially made available in 1998. There were doubts regarding the drug’s safety and potential negative effects, and many people were reluctant to acknowledge its efficacy. However, the medicament swiftly rose to the top of all pharmaceutical sales, reaching peak yearly sales of almost $2 billion.

The efficiency of Viagra is one of the reasons for its popularity. According to studies, the medication effectively treats ED in a significant number of men and has few negative effects. Its marketing is a further factor in its success. Massive Viagra marketing initiatives by Pfizer served to dispel ED stigma and increase public understanding of the medicine.

Viagra tablet dosages have been adjusted for usage in treating diseases like pulmonary hypertension in addition to its original use as an ED medication. Additionally, the medicine has been the focus of various investigations and clinical trials, all of which have contributed to further proving its efficacy and safety.

Viagra has not been without controversy despite its effectiveness. There have been worries regarding the safety of the medication, especially when it comes to men who already have underlying medical issues like heart disease. The substance’s use as a recreational drug, particularly among young males, has also raised concerns.