Out of the four globally accepted phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) inhibitors to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), Viagra was the first to hit the market in 1998. Thereafter, the popularity of the drug skyrocketed globally. In 2001, Malaysian men were reported to be the highest per capita users of Viagra.
But did you know that the generic version of Viagra (sildenafil) works just as well as its branded cousin? So let’s compare the two and find out more.
What is Viagra?
Viagra is an ED drug that contains the active ingredient sildenafil. It is a PDE5 inhibitor that relaxes smooth muscles and enhances blood flow toward the penis to help men achieve harder and longer-lasting erections.
Viagra was patented and first sold by Pfizer in 1998. Not long after its release, this “little blue pill” quickly made a name in the medical field for its potency and convenience.
What is sildenafil?
Sildenafil—or sildenafil citrate in full—is the active component in Viagra. Its initial purpose was to treat high blood pressure by dilating the heart’s blood vessels. However, researchers soon found that this compound effectively helped men with impotence, leading to its famed populace as a form of ED treatment.
Although Pfizer was the only company to manufacture sildenafil for ED for years, generic versions of Viagra only became available in 2020 following the patent’s expiration. Now, sildenafil is accessible to the public with the same benefits as before, but at a much lower price.
Viagra vs sildenafil dosage
Viagra is available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. The recommended starting dose of sildenafil citrate for ED is 50mg, taken on demand approximately 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity. After that, your doctor may adjust your dosage based on your body’s tolerance and reaction.
Since Viagra and sildenafil contain the same active ingredient, their marketed concentrations are also similar. Sildenafil ranging from 25mg to 100mg, can be found on the market. According to a review comparing the efficacy of ED drugs, the starting dosage of sildenafil (50mg) is the most potent among all other PDE5 inhibitors of various strengths.
Viagra vs sildenafil effectiveness
Viagra and sildenafil possess the same bioavailability. In other words, they take the same amount of time to work and last the same amount of time.
Your food intake, dosage, and age affect how long sildenafil can last in your body. Although rapidly absorbed on an empty stomach, a high-fat meal reduces the effectiveness of these medications. This is because fat hinders the absorption process of the drug into your bloodstream.
They also tend to have stronger effects on people of advanced ages. This is why men over 65 are usually prescribed a lower starting dose of 25mg.
Viagra vs sildenafil side effects
Viagra and sildenafil have the same safety profile and are both well-tolerated. Most men do not complain of adverse effects, and if any, the side effects of these drugs are generally mild.
Below are the most common side effects you may experience with these drugs:
- Facial flushing
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Indigestion
- Muscle and backache
- Abnormal vision
Do not take Viagra or sildenafil if you’re on nitrate drugs or other medication to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. The interaction of these drugs may cause a sudden and severe decrease in blood pressure.
How long do Viagra and sildenafil take to start working?
Viagra and sildenafil take 30 to 60 minutes to work in your body.
Thus, you may start feeling the effects 30 minutes after ingestion. Nonetheless, it might take up to an hour to experience the full impact of these drugs.
Is sildenafil exactly the same as Viagra?
Sildenafil and Viagra share the many similarities listed below.
- They are PDE5 inhibitors.
- They contain the same active ingredient—sildenafil citrate.
- They work by allowing more blood to reach the penis.
- They come in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets.
- They take 30 to 60 minutes to work in your body.
- Their effects can last up to 4 hours.
- They share common possible side effects.
- They’re recommended to be taken on an empty stomach.
- You’ll need a doctor’s prescription to purchase them.
Even though generic sildenafil may seem indistinguishable from Viagra, a key difference is their prices. As a patented product, Viagra is at least triple the price of its generic counterparts.
To put things into perspective, Viagra at 50mg is typically sold at around RM40 per dose. However, you can get your hands on the same amount of generic sildenafil (e.g., Iqnyde) at only RM10.
Which is better: Viagra or sildenafil?
Viagra and sildenafil are identical regarding onset and duration of action, interaction with food, and side effects. So what makes one better than the other?
Their prices vary drastically: Viagra is sold at a much higher price than generic sildenafil brands like Iqnyde. However, Iqnyde offers the same benefits and results as Viagra without the additional cost of marketing, initial research and development, and branding.
Other medications for erectile dysfunction
The European and US urological guidelines have considered PDE5 inhibitors the first line of treatment for ED. Some other ED medications under this same classification as Viagra and sildenafil include:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help with ED by increasing serotonin levels in the nervous system. An example of this treatment is Dapoxetine (Priligy), an oral medication commonly prescribed for ED and premature ejaculation (PE).
Conclusion
Now that you know how Viagra differs from generic sildenafil, you should have no problem deciding the best one for yourself.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice.
Book a consultation with andSons Malaysia’s medical team to learn more about sexual health conditions and available treatments here.
