Viagra is a well-known FDA-approved medication for erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil is an active ingredient in viagra; it is a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction. Viagra is the brand name of sildenafil.
Currently, viagra is being sold as a generic drug by many drug manufacturers worldwide; it is known as Generic Viagra or Sildenafil.
Both viagra and generic drugs have the same active ingredients and do the same action. This article helps you understand the difference and how to choose viagra.
What is Viagra?
Sildenafil was discovered and patented by pharmaceutical company Pfizer(1). Initially, it was used to treat chest pain, but it didn't show good results, and it was also recommended for pulmonary hypertension. During the clinical trials, the participants experienced an easier time getting erections. Hence, this led to the discovery of viagra for erectile dysfunction.
Pfizer applied for a patent for viagra in 1996 and was approved by FDA; in 2012, the patent expired in other countries, and many other drug manufacturers started producing generic viagra (2). Around 27 million men worldwide were recommended viagra by the end of 2005.
Viagra is a brand name of sildenafil. The drug viagra comes in three doses: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. Viagra is used between 30 min to 4 hours before sexual activity, although it can start its effects and help achieve an erection within 12minutes. Viagra reaches peak levels in your body after 30-120 minutes (3). The effect of the drug can stay up to 4 to 5 hours in your body; this depends on your age, health conditions, and diet.
Sildenafil is now available as a generic medication; this was started in 2017 December. Now in the pharmacies, you can get generic viagra.
What is Generic viagra?
Generic viagra is a medicine with the same active ingredient and exact dosage as the branded drug viagra, but it is not sold under the brand name. These generic drugs have the same properties, functioning similarly to branded drugs. In the case of generic drugs, active ingredients are the same as branded drugs, but the inactive ingredients such as preservatives and color may vary.
Generic drugs should get an FDA approval before it gets into the market. Hence generic viagra is FDA approved for erectile dysfunction; only two things might vary from viagra, i.e., sildenafil active ingredient might not be from Pfizer and may cost a lot less compared to a branded one.
Studies suggest that the effects of generic viagra may not be as instantaneous when compare to brand name viagra (4) (5).
What Is Sildenafil?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to keep an erection; this might be due to several reasons such as age, health problems, and lifestyle. Sildenafil is the best-known medication for erectile dysfunction. It is taken before intercourse, and its effects last only a few hours.
Revatio, a brand name of sildenafil, is an approved drug for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH); it is elevated blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs and in the right side of the heart (6).
Generic viagra is known as sildenafil; it does the same action as viagra. Viagra is a blue pill, whereas generic viagra is a white pill, and it costs a lot less than the branded ones.
In the United States, sildenafil is a prescribed drug. In few other countries like the United kingdom, sildenafil is an over-the-counter drug.
How Does Sildenafil Work?
Sildenafil does not cure erectile dysfunction, but it helps to treat the symptoms. Similarly, sildenafil does not cure pulmonary hypertension; it just helps to control blood pressure.
Sildenafil belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These drugs inhibit the action of PDEs, which degrade cGMP. It is a molecule that is required to smooth the muscle tissue in your body, such as blood vessels, allowing the penis to become erect (7).
Sildenafil is said to improve blood circulation, help the arteries relax, and fill enough blood easily. Sildenafil can be absorbed quickly and can reach the maximum concentration within a few hours for most users.
It is always recommended to take advice from your doctor before you use sildenafil. If you are taking any medicines for blood pressure, there are chances that PDE5 inhibitors can cause a drop in your blood pressure (8).
However, sildenafil will not increase your sexual desire, or it will not trigger an erection on its own. You will require sexual stimulation for sildenafil to work. Studies suggest that it is safe to use sildenafil for the long term. It helps to make an erection easier in healthy people (9).
Few Facts About Generic Viagra
1. They are many generic viagra manufacturers
Since the time generic viagra has been launched, many companies manufacture it. You should be cautious while choosing a generic drug; make sure it is an FDA-approved drug.
2. Generic viagra will cost you less
Sildenafil costs you much less when compared to the branded viagra. However, both have the same functionality and action.
3. Sildenafil is available in different doses.
Just like branded viagra, sildenafil is also sold in three different dosages, namely 25mg, 75mg, and 100mg. Consult your physician, and based on their recommendation, you can choose your dosage.
4. There different versions of sildenafil
Revatio and viagra are the versions of sildenafil; they are used for two different purposes. Revatio is administered to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension; viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction in men.
Generally, Revatio equivalent generic sildenafil tablets are sold at the dosage of 20mg, while viagras generic sildenafil tablets are sold at the dosage of 25mg.
5. Buy genuine FDA approved sildenafil
According to the studies made by Pfizer, 80% of the online sites were selling fake viagra. The team found that viagra, which was sold online, had some additives like blue ink, rat poison, and floor wax hidden in the fake drug. This would definitely cause harmful effects on your body. Hence, always check the authorized online sites for FDA-approved medicines (10).
Side Effects of Sildenafil
Sildenafil may cause you some side effects, which are minor and temporary. The most common side effects are headaches, heartburn, diarrhea, insomnia, tingling in the limbs, muscle aches, and sensitivity to light.
Some people experience some serious side effects such as blurry vision or sudden and severe loss of vision, diminished hearing, ringing in ears, fainting, shortness of breath, chest pain, an erection that is painful or lasts longer than four hours. If you experience any such side effects, consult your doctor immediately.
Interactions of sildenafil
- If you are taking any blood pressure or heart medicines, do not mix with viagra or sildenafil. It may cause changes in your blood pressure.
- Do not combine with other ED medicines; it may overdose you, and you cause low blood pressure.
- Never mix up sildenafil with alcohol; this may lead to low blood pressure.
Which is the best choice for you?
Viagra and generic Viagra have the same active ingredient. They help to treat erectile dysfunction in the same way. They also have similar side effects. If you are facing priapism, a persistent and painful erection that lasts more than 4 hours, consult your doctor immediately.
It's always advised to consult your doctor and discuss your problem before you start taking any medication. Your doctor will suggest the dosage; you can also ask for generic medicines.
Final words
Viagra or a Generic viagra or sildenafil; all have the same active ingredient and help to treat erectile dysfunction. Since it has few side effects, it’s recommended to take a doctor's advice before you use it.