- by Roba Whiteley, MD
- Date – 11 november / 2024
Viagra (Sildenafil) as a drug is used in male patients suffering from sexual disorder known as erectile dysfunction. The purpose of Sildenafil is to relieve the symptoms of this condition, which consist in inability to achieve penile hardness or maintain it during sexual act.
A Quick Look at Sildenafil
Generic Viagra, commonly known as Sildenafil, stands out for its affordability and accessibility while maintaining the same effectiveness as the brand-name version. Here are some unique aspects of generic version that make it a popular choice for treating erectile dysfunction.
Cost Savings. One of the primary reasons people choose generic Sildenafil over the brand-name option is cost. Branded Viagra can cost anywhere from $70 to $90 per pill, whereas generic Sildenafil often ranges between $1 and $10 per dose, depending on factors like dosage, quantity, and pharmacy pricing. This affordability makes Sildenafil more accessible to a broader audience, particularly for those who need long-term treatment.
Variety in Dosage. Sildenafil is available in multiple dosages, typically in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets, allowing healthcare providers to prescribe a dose tailored to individual needs. Some manufacturers also produce variations, such as chewable tablets or gelatin capsules, to suit different preferences. This versatility in forms means that patients have options based on their comfort and how quickly they want the medication to take effect.
Manufacturing and Appearance Differences. Unlike the distinctive blue diamond-shaped pill of branded Viagra, generic Sildenafil tablets vary in appearance. Since multiple companies manufacture the generic version, each producer has the flexibility to design the tablet differently in terms of shape, color, and packaging. However, these variations are purely cosmetic, as all FDA-approved generics must meet stringent standards for ingredient quality, absorption, and effectiveness.
Regulatory Standards. The FDA regulates generic Sildenafil just as rigorously as it does the brand-name product. Generic drugs must undergo bioequivalence testing to ensure they deliver the same therapeutic effects. This means that generic Sildenafil is clinically proven to work as effectively as the branded version, providing peace of mind for users.
Popularity and Demand. Since becoming widely available in 2017, generic Sildenafil has gained immense popularity. Statistics show that over 70% of men prescribed Sildenafil choose the generic version, thanks to its balance of cost and reliability. With millions of prescriptions issued globally, generic Sildenafil has become a trusted solution for managing erectile dysfunction.
Availability. With the rise of telehealth, obtaining generic Sildenafil has become easier and more discreet. Many licensed online pharmacies and telehealth platforms offer virtual consultations with certified healthcare providers, who can prescribe Sildenafil if appropriate. This accessibility means that individuals can consult a provider and receive their medication without leaving home, a convenience that has contributed to Sildenafil’s widespread use.
FAQ
How long does it take for Sildenafil to work?
The effect of Sildenafil starts immediately after the administration of the pill, but becomes noticeable to the user only after a certain period of time. Depending on body features of the patient it is possible to feel complete potency-increasing effect of drug from 14 to 90 minutes after ingestion. With regard to the average duration of sildenafil, it is recommended to take the potency remedy in the appropriate dosage approximately 45-60 minutes before the expected proximity. The onset of action of sildenafil is usually about 30 minutes after administration. Of importance here is to understand that taking tablets alone causes erection. The drug should be taken in combination with a form of sexual stimulation (visual, tactile or otherwise). Without sexual arousal, erection does not arise even after taking the tablet.
Can food influence the effectiveness and onset of the medication?
In clinical studies, a significant association has been found between the onset of Sildenafil effects and the timing and type of food intake. The medication typically works faster when taken on an empty stomach or after a light meal. In contrast, high-calorie or rich foods consumed prior to administration can delay or even reduce the onset of sildenafil’s effects, as dietary fat can partially or fully block the absorption of sildenafil through the gastric mucosa. Approximately one to two hours after ingestion, erectile function may improve. Thus, it’s generally recommended to separate food and medication intake when possible. Additionally, drinking a sufficient amount of water with the medication is advised to prevent dehydration and potential side effects.
What are the side effects of Sildenafil?
The most common side effects that occur after taking Sildenafil:
- headache and dizziness;
- ceaseless nasal congestion;
- redness and itching of the skin;
- minor changes in vision;
- stomach upset.
To avoid unpleasant consequences, a man should carefully read the instructions for use of the drug, as well as consult with your doctor about the optimal dose. In this case, he may not be afraid of unpleasant side effects.
Severe side effects:
- Swelling of lips and face;
- Increased heart rate;
- Pain in arm or chest;
- Painful and/or prolonged erection;
- Hearing loss.
Hearing loss needs to be commented upon, since it was a major issue allegedly associated with sildenafil in 2011 when several cases of sensorineural loss of hearing in one or both ears were reported. Further investigation unearthed 47 cases that might have been linked to brand Sildenafil therapy. There has been no prove that sildenafil is responsible for these events, but it is assumed that sildenafil triggers some mechanisms that have a knock-on effect on the inner ear. One in three cases resulted in irreversible damage, causing FDA to urge practitioners encourage awareness among patients that the treatment should stop immediately upon experiencing the slightest hearing problems. It is important to know though that this side effect is classed by supervising authorities as ‘extremely rare’.
Is it true that Generic for Viagra doesn’t have any negative effects?
It’s true that it does not have any serious negative effects. Headaches, flushing, and indigestion are common but usually harmless and short-lived adverse effects of taking this drug, similar to its brand-name version.
What are the precautions and drug interactions?
Your practitioner should fill you in on safety measures that needs to be observed when you take Sildenafil. Here is a sum-up for the most essential safety instructions:
- Do not take more than one recommended dose during 24 hours;
- Do not share your pills with people who haven’t been approved for Sildenafil therapy;
- Do not self-administrate Sildenafil to yourself;
- Do not take Sildenafil alongside with drugs incompatible with sildenafil;
- Seek medical assistance in case of developing severe side effects;
- Extreme care should be taken when administering Sildenafil in older citizens.
Sildenafil is incompatible with nitrates that can be generated from natural nitrites such as nitric oxide. They are contained in drugs that lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients.