With a variety of ED medications available, what is the difference between them all, and what is Generic viagra?
Erectile dysfunction, commonly known as ED, is the inability to get and sustain an erection long enough to enjoy intercourse. According to Cleveland Clinic, about 1 in 10 men will experience ED at some point in their life.
While there are a variety of causes of ED, sexual health is complicated and involves hormone levels, emotions, the brain, nerves and blood vessels. Both physical and psychological problems can potentially impact sexual performance and erectile dysfunction. Although it can alter sexual relationships, Generic Viagra® (sildenafil) is a popular treatment that can help. But what is Generic Viagra?
What is Generic Viagra?
One of the most popular treatments available is Generic Viagra, also known as sildenafil, which is widely available at a more reasonable price tag than the branded version of Viagra. Although the prices differ significantly, sildenafil and Viagra contain the active ingredient sildenafil citrate, making them the same medication that works the same way in treating ED. (1)
Branded Viagra vs. sildenafil
So, what's the difference between the branded Viagra and sildenafil? Branded Viagra was developed by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, and until 2013, they owned the rights to the formula, blocking other companies from creating and marketing similar products. But when the patent expired, it opened up the market for other companies to develop additional drugs to treat ED.
The main difference between them is the price. Branded Viagra can cost about $70 per pill. In contrast, the cost of Generic Viagra, sildenafil, can be less than $10, which is a significant difference and makes treating ED a more realistic option for many men.
The other difference is the color of the pill. Branded Viagra is blue and became famous as the 'little blue pill,' whereas sildenafil is white. Other than those differences, they work the same. (2)
How Does Generic Viagra Work?
Getting an erection is a complex process. When you get sexually excited, your body activates the parasympathetic nervous system. This system triggers the release of a substance called nitric oxide (NO), which makes another substance called cyclic GMP.
Cyclic GMP relaxes the muscles in the blood vessels of your penis, allowing a much greater flow of blood, increasing it by 20 to 40 times.
An enzyme called PDE5 breaks down cyclic GMP, which can reverse the erection. However, PDE5 inhibitors are similar to cyclic GMP, blocking PDE5 from breaking it down. This helps NO's effects and promotes better blood flow, sustaining the erection. Simply put, Generic Viagra sildenafil works by blocking the effects of PDE5, allowing blood to flow freely to the penis, making it easier to get an erection. (3)
However, the leading cause of ED in men is atherosclerosis. In this condition, fatty deposits called plaques build up on artery walls, narrowing the artery. These deposits restrict blood flow to the penis, making it difficult to get an erection.
Sildenafil helps to improve circulation by relaxing the arteries enough to let blood flow through them and to the penis. Once taken, it absorbs into the bloodstream and is effective within 30 minutes to an hour. (4) When engaging in sexual activity, the blood flows into the penis, causing it to harden, allowing for intercourse.
Sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in branded Viagra and sildenafil. This drug increases blood flow to the penis, which enables an erection when stimulated, which is why they work the same way in treating ED.
Benefits of Generic Viagra
Although sildenafil works the same way as Viagra, the term generic can sometimes make you think of off-brand cereals that are supposed to taste the same as the brand name but don't. But Generic Viagra is different. The regulations in place and the active ingredient ensure that sildenafil works the same as Viagra with more benefits. Those benefits include:
- Price: While branded Viagra can cost about $70 per dose, sildenafil is a fraction of the cost and can be even less expensive with discounts and depending on pharmacies.
- Safety: Strict regulations keep Generic Viagra as safe as the name brand with equal results.
- Effectiveness: Since sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in Viagra and sildenafil, they both work the same way and are equally effective.
How to Use Generic Viagra
To get sildenafil, you'll need a prescription from your medical practitioner; the dosage of Generic Viagra can be 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. And although they can be taken as needed, it's not recommended that you exceed more than one dose in 24 hours.
Your prescription dose will be determined by any health issues you may have and how you respond to the medication. Erectile medications are to be utilized as needed and are usually taken 30-60 minutes before sex. (5)
Taking it on an empty stomach or eating a light meal can help accelerate results, while heavy meals delay the effectiveness or render it ineffective. It's also essential to understand the medication itself won't cause an erection without sexual stimulation.
Potential Side Effects
Like many prescription medications, it's common to experience some side effects. Although not usually serious and temporary, they can include (6)(7):
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- Difficulty sleeping
- Body aches
- Numbness
- Flushing
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Sensitivity to light
Additional, more serious side effects of Generic Viagra may include:
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Painful and long-lasting erection (Priapism)
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Ringing in the ears
If you experience severe side effects or allergic reactions, it's essential to immediately call your doctor or head to the emergency room.
Taking more Generic Viagra than recommended can increase the risk of side effects. It can also lead to a serious condition called priapism. This is basically a prolonged erection that lasts longer than 4 hours and can cause permanent damage to your penis. This is a medical emergency, and if you experience this, you need medical attention immediately.
Who Should Avoid Generic Viagra?
While sildenafil is generally safe, men with pre-existing conditions or other health problems should be aware of potential issues with its use. They may include (8):
- Heart issues
- Taking nitrates for chest pain
- High blood pressure
- Alcohol
Various things can cause interactions with Generic Viagra, including grapefruit, which can raise the levels of sildenafil or delay the time it takes to be effective. Drinking alcohol can also interfere with its effects, so it's essential to consult with a medical professional and discuss any medications, supplements, and alcohol use before taking sildenafil or any erectile dysfunction medication.
Although several things can cause erectile dysfunction, avoiding behaviors that can worsen ED and focusing on a healthy lifestyle and good diet are essential. Sildenafil is a popular treatment for ED, but it's not the only one available.
Other PDE5 inhibitors on the market include tadalafil, known as Cialis; vardenafil, also called Levitra; and avanafil, called Stendra.
Before using any erectile dysfunction treatment, it's essential to consult with your medical practitioner to get a prescription for an FDA-approved medication and be sure to purchase from a reputable pharmacy.
Like many things, knock-off versions do exist and may not be safe. They could be incorrectly labeled, not have the active ingredients, and potentially be dangerous and cause serious side effects. (9)
Conclusion
Sildenafil, while a generic form of Viagra, includes the same active ingredient and works the same way Viagra works. They are called PDE5 inhibitors and improve blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and maintain an erection.
Sildenafil is a very effective treatment for ED. Still, despite this, it isn't a miracle pill and only works when you're sexually stimulated. Other options can include testosterone replacement therapy, which can be beneficial when dealing with the symptoms of low testosterone and a hormone imbalance.
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