Nowadays, when it comes to the treatment of erectile dysfunction, there are lots of options. The first one and legendary pill is Viagra. But what about other medications? For instance, one can often hear that it is the same as sildenafil. Is it really so and what do we know about these remedies? Let’s compare them and reveal the truth.
What is Viagra
This medicine was created by Pfizer while doing research for new remedies against high blood pressure. The story, as well as the pill, became iconic and led to the development of a big group of medicines for ED treatment that are effective and helpful.
However, Viagra is a brand name and as an active ingredient, it contains sildenafil citrate. At first, only Pfizer could produce and sell it as the inventor. After the time of patent protection finished, other manufacturers started to produce generics. These are medicines with the same active molecule but other auxiliary ingredients and different names and doses.
What is Sildenafil
This medicine is one of the generic options of Viagra. Basically, it is the same molecule with equivalent action and influence on the body. Generics are always checked for their bioequivalence and they must fully correspond to the brand option.
At the same time, such medicines are always cheaper because they are not directly associated with the brand and are generally less known and popular.
Is Sildenafil and Viagra the Same?
Yes, in terms of pharmacology, these two remedies are fully identical. Due to the same main molecule, they influence the body in the same way, possess equal side effects and are prescribed similarly. However, their manufacturers are different and so is the price.
Furthermore, each manufacturer can add some auxiliary substances on their own. They select the shape and the colour of the pill, adding different colorants, etc. This is important for people prone to allergic reactions and may contribute to some unusual side effects.
Therefore, these two options are similar and have the same purpose but they are not fully identical. They are controlled to provide the same action, but still, individual responses of the patients may differ and that is the reason why so many people prefer brands over generics, even though they have to pay more for the original options.
Generic vs Brand Viagra
Some people believe that only the brand medicine has the required efficacy. Still, the number of generics on the pharmaceutical market is quite big and they all are thoroughly checked. Their manufacturers utilize the patent information to produce copies of the proper quality.
Still, patients sometimes report different reactions to brand and generic medicines. That is why you can ask your doctor for the preferable prescription or compare how different products affect your condition.
Viagra vs Cialis
A few more words should be said about other medicines for ED treatment. As we have already mentioned, Viagra was the first one in this group. Later, scientists continued the investigations in this direction to make it even more powerful and prolong the action.
This aim was achieved after the introduction of Cialis. This medicine contains tadaladfil as an active molecule. This one is able to stay in the bloodstream for up to 36 hours. That is why its overall action is longer. In addition, Cialis can be taken as a daily medication in lower doses.
These medicines have the same mechanism of action and differ only in their duration. Thus, it depends more on the lifestyle and preferences of the patient, which one is going to serve better.
How Sildenafil Works
The idea of this molecule is to help the body to dilute blood vessels and support the proper blood flow to the penis during erection.
The better this process goes, the harder one gets.
The main thing to keep in mind is that this medicine works only together with sexual stimulation and right after arousal. Thus, it supports the natural processes that occur in the body and makes them smoother and stronger. Without stimulation, an erection will not occur, so one does not need to worry about the beginning of the action.
When does Sildenafil (Viagra) start working?
On average, it is recommended to take this pill from 30 minutes to 4 hours prior to the sexual intercourse. The first signs of action are going to be obvious after half an hour and stimulation.
In the case of Viagra Super Active, which contains a higher dose of an active ingredient, it makes the start even a bit earlier.
How long do the effects of Viagra last?
The standard period of action for this medicine is considered nearly 6 hours. For Viagra Super Active, it’ll be a few hours longer. This is usually enough to have good and satisfying sex, that is why so many men prefer this pill and trust in its activity.
Still, one should keep in mind that the total duration of action largely depends on the condition of the patient, other diseases, weight, age, etc. That is why a proper dose should be selected individually by a healthcare provider to ensure the required duration of action.
Viagra Dosage
Different doses of this medicine are available. For instance, the brand option goes as 25 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg. Most of the patients are treated with 50 mg pills. In the beginning, a doctor may recommend the lowest dose to observe its efficiency. Then, if it is not enough, higher doses are prescribed.
As for sildenafil, its most usual dose is 20 mg. However, it can be also prescribed in a dose of up to 100 mg for one intake. This will mean taking several tablets that is not always convenient. This active ingredient also has a dosage form of a liquid solution.
Common Side Effects
Adverse effects are rare for these medicines, especially if they are taken rarely and in a medium dosage. However, sometimes patients experience:
- heartburn;
- digestion issues, such as diarrhea;
- headaches;
- nasal congestion and bleeding;
- flushing;
- muscle aches, numbness or tingling;
- vision problems.
If they appear, one should tell the doctor and decide together on further actions. Thus, it may be advisable to take lower doses or switch to another medicine.
Rare
Serious and rare side effects include:
- priapism (painful persistent erection that lasts for four hours and more and does not cease on its own),
- blurred vision or even its full loss;
- lightheadedness and dizziness due to very low blood pressure.
These effects are life-threatening and quite dangerous and require special treatment. Thus, if they appear, one must immediately seek medical help.
Summary
Altogether, one can admit that the area of ED treatment is quite versatile and provides lots of medicines. Among them are brands and their generic versions such as Viagra and Sildenafil. They are the same according to the active molecule but still have certain differences.
Rely on a healthcare provider in the selection of such medicines and follow the recommendations on the dosage. This is important for any drug and guarantees only positive effects without any problems and adverse effects.
FAQ
Is sildenafil as good as Viagra?
Yes, the brand Viagra also contains this active molecule. So, they have a similar impact on the body and provide the same effects.
What is the best pill to stay hard?
This depends on the individual characteristics of the patient. Thus, Viagra is considered one of the best options but its generics are also good and powerful.
Does sildenafil give you a hard on?
Yes, this medicine was designed to make erection stronger and longer. Its action lasts for nearly 6 hours and guarantees a pleasant sexual experience.
Is it OK to take 100mg of sildenafil?
Yes, this dose is the maximum one. Therefore, it should be recommended by the doctor in case smaller doses are ineffective.