Sildenafil vs Viagra; Which is more effective?

Sildenafil and Viagra are two extremely popular medications for ED (Erectile Dysfunction), but people often do not appreciate the difference between the two. Although Viagra is the more recognisable branded version and Sildenafil is the generic, cheaper alternative, both contain the same active ingredient – sildenafil citrate. As the active ingredient in a medication is what brings about the desired physiological effect, both drugs are equally as effective, despite price differences.

Sildenafil vs Viagra Price Comparison

You can see a summary of the approximate price differences (£, UK) between the two in the table below. We stock 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets for both Sildenafil and Viagra.

Both forms are available to order from online pharmacies and can be obtained via prescription by online doctors.

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Appearance of Viagra and Sildenafil

Brand name Viagra is known for having blue, diamond shaped tablets. As Sildenafil is generic and is produced unbranded by different manufacturers, the tablets are variable in appearance. Sildenafil tablets can be several different colours such as white, blue or green, and different shapes – usually round or oval-shaped.

Effectiveness of Viagra vs Sildenafil

As shown in studies of Viagra (which also apply to Sildenafil), 50mg has been shown to be effective in around 74% of men who suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED). This increases to 82% for the higher dose (100mg). It is also more effective when taken on an empty stomach as it takes less time to reach peak concentration than if taken with food (half an hour vs one hour), but lasts around 4-6 hours either way.

It should be noted that the higher the dose, the more likely you are to experience side effects. You may wish to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before requesting a higher dose, such as sildenafil 100mg – UK prescribers can offer 200mg, though this is rare.

It is also worth noting that Viagra (sildenafil) does not produce an erection by itself, but rather allows the user to get and maintain an erection more easily upon sexual stimulation.

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How does Viagra (Sildenafil) work?

Sildenafil citrate, the active ingredient in both medications, works by causing blood vessels in the penis to widen, allowing blood to enter and an erection to occur.

Blood vessels elsewhere in the body can also be affected, resulting in a decrease in blood pressure. This decrease in blood pressure can cause some of the side effects listed below, such as headache and flushes. Side effects like these which arise due to changes in blood pressure/flow are more common in people with a heart condition e.g. heart disease.

For this reason, Viagra (Sildenafil) isn’t just used as an ED medication. It is sometimes used for people with pulmonary hypertension, a type of high blood pressure which affects the lungs. This is because blood can be redirected from blood vessels in the lungs to more dilated blood vessels elsewhere in the body.

Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of sildenafil, which occur in around 1% of people include:

• Visual disturbances – blurred vision, light sensitivity, and other visual disturbances
• Headaches – usually migraine (throbbing pain on one side of the head), but also less commonly cluster headache (sudden pain felt behind or around one eye, which may radiate to other parts of the head). If you have an existing headache disorder, you may be more vulnerable.
• Nausea – typically mild and fast-resolving.
• Flushes – reddening of the face due to dilated blood vessels in the skin
• A stuffy nose – due to dilation of blood vessels in the nose, also tends to resolve quickly on its own.
• Indigestion – occurs due to Viagra causing relaxation of smooth muscle in the stomach. Taking Viagra with food may help provide relief.

More serious side effects which occur in less than 0.1% of people include:

• Allergic reactions – may present as rash, swelling of throat/face, wheezing etc.
• A painful, prolonged erection which lasts for longer than 2 hours (priapism) – can lead to serious complications.
• Chest pain – could be a heart attack, may suggest an underlying heart condition. Do not use nitrates to alleviate chest pain while on sildenafil, as it may lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

If you experience any of the above, stop taking the medication and call your doctor or an emergency number immediately.

Summary

• Sildenafil and Viagra are essentially the same drug, but Viagra is the branded version and Sildenafil is the generic version.
• Generic sildenafil tends to be cheaper than Viagra, and has a different appearance, but is just as effective.
• Both drugs have the same side effects, but these are rare and usually minor.

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