Sildenafil is cheaper than Viagra

Viagra and sildenafil are prescription medicines that help treat erectile dysfunction. These comprise similar ingredients and function similarly. They improve the blood flow to the penis helping you get a firm erection. They do work in the same way, but these drugs come with different pricing and packaging. Let us compare these two medicines, their benefits, and other details.

Similarities between the two medicines

Viagra and sildenafil have a lot of similarities like

• Have the same active ingredients
• Have the same dosages
• Work in a similar way
• Work for the same period
• The duration they take to begin working
• Same side effects
• Same pack size
• Same restriction on existing health issues or other drug interactions.

Active ingredient

Both these medicines comprise similar active ingredients out of which the main ingredient is sildenafil citrate. Both these medicines are available in distinct strengths that vary from 25mg – 100mg. The regular initial dose is 50mg. You can also find the dose as OTC without the prescription of a medical expert with the name Viagra.

As per the requirement, your dose can be altered from 25mg to as high as 100mg. You can figure out the correct dose for you by consulting your sex expert.

Generic vs. Brand Name:

The cost disparity between Sildenafil and Viagra can be attributed to the distinction between generic and brand-name medications. Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra, offering the same active ingredient and therapeutic effects. Generic drugs are typically more affordable because they don't carry the expenses of extensive research, development, and marketing.

Dosage

Viagra & sildenafil come indifferent doses of 25mg, 50mg,& 100mg. The normal dosing of these two medications starts at 50mg. The dose will have 5mg of sildenafil citrate which is the active ingredient. You will receive a similar outcome from either of these medicines if you are on the same dose. If you are changing from Viagra to sildenafil, make sure you purchase tablets with a similar dose as recommended by your health care expert.

More about Viagra and sildenafil

These two medications help you get a firm erection when you are sexually stimulated. Sildenafil was started in 1998 and was approved by the FDA under the name Viagra as a medicine for erectile dysfunction. The interesting part is that sildenafil was found when a pharmacist at Pfizer was working towards finding a medicine for treating high blood pressure. Fortunately, the microcirculation effects of this medicine seemed to offer an amazing treatment for chest pain. 

But, the outcome wasn’t promising enough to invest time in further research. Sildenafil is used as a treatment for PAH(pulmonary arterial hypertension). It is a type of high blood pressure that can harm the arteries of your lungs. Sildenafil was patented by Pfizer in 1996. After two years the new medicine known as Viagra got FDA approval. Since then it was sold as a prescription drug to treat ED. Viagra was the 1st oral medicine for ED and it gained immense popularity. It was known as the little blue pill due to its blue color & diamond shape. The patent for Viagra (Pfizer’s) expired in the year 2012 for other countries other than the US. It helped other brands to come up with and promote their generic Viagra medicines comprising of sildenafil.

How long do these two medicines last and how soon do they start working?

It takes anywhere between half an hour to sixty minutes before these two medicines start working. Both medicines show their effects for four to six hours based on the dose you are taking and the meals you have taken before.

Side effects

You will see similar side effects of these two medicines as they have the same active ingredient.

• nausea
• headaches
• facial flushing
• stuffy nose
• dizziness
• vision changes like color tinges, blurred vision

The side effects given above are not severe and will disappear automatically within a couple of hours. If these side effects are not manageable or do not disappear, consult your sex expert. Also, if you experience a painful erection that continues for two hours, seek instant medical help.

Both these medications can have drug interactions with other medicines like nitrates, medicines taken for heart disease, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular health problems.

If you use these medications with other medications for the health conditions mentioned above can drop the blood pressure level considerably. If your medical expert has given you other medication, you should tell your sex expert about those medications before you use any of these two ED medications.

Why do these two medicines have different names?

Ideally, two medicines cannot have similar names. These are generic names and brand names. It means Sildenafil holds the generic name whereas Viagra holds the brand name with the active ingredient sildenafil.

Differences – Viagra and sildenafil

• Sildenafil is cheaper than Viagra.
• You will get the tablets in different strengths/.
• The cost will differ with the medical store you are buying from
• Prices also differ on whether you have a doctor’s prescription or not.
• You can buy generic Sildenafil tablets at an affordable price.

FAQs

Q-Which medicine out of the two is best for me?

Both these medications work similarly and comprise a similar active ingredient.

Q-Is sildenafil 100mg similar to Viagra 100mg?

Yes, they are similar as they comprise identical ingredients and work in the same fashion. Also, both medications have a similar effect.

Q-Does sildenafil have more long-lasting effects than Viagra?

No. Both these medicines last for the same duration which is 4-6 hours and can go on for 12 hours. Both medicines will start showing their maximum effects 30 minutes after consuming them.

Q-How to choose between these two medications?

If you are searching for an NHS prescription and wish to save costs on ED medication, you can go for sildenafil. It is not easy to obtain an NHS prescription for Viagra, but you can get its prescription if you are willing to pay its price. If you want to go for OTC ED medications, then Viagra Connect would be the ideal option for you.

Q-How to use it?

You can consume Viagra or generic sildenafil with meals/without food. Try to avoid taking these medications with a heavy meal. If you do not see desired results in your ED issue after taking any of these two medications, stop taking them and consult your sex expert. He may suggest some dose adjustments. Sildenafil is available easily on NHS as it is inexpensive and works the same as Viagra.

When it comes to Viagra packaging, you can see the dosage and brand name on it. You can see the logo of Pfizer logo and blue finishes.

On the other hand, sildenafil packaging comes in purple/burgundy finishes. It will have a generic dosage and name. The tablets come in white/blue in teardrop or round shape.

Helpful tips to prevent ED

Certain changes in your lifestyle can help you improve the blood flow to the overall body and penis. With good blood circulation, you can get a hard erection. The things that can allow you to prevent ED are

• Try to focus on maintaining a healthy weight
• Eat a nutritious diet and eliminate processed and fatty foods from your diet.
• Engage in a regular exercise routine
• Quit smoking
• Do not consume illegal drugs

Talk to your sex expert for your ED problems, so that you get the correct treatment.

Conclusion:

In the quest to overcome erectile dysfunction, the financial aspect should not be a barrier to receiving effective treatment. Sildenafil's cost-effectiveness makes it a compelling choice for men seeking a solution that doesn't strain their budget. Remember, whether you opt for Sildenafil or Viagra, prioritizing your health and well-being remains paramount. Consultation with a healthcare professional can help you navigate this choice, ensuring a path to improved sexual health and overall quality of life.