Product Description
- The branded version
- The branded version of Sildenafil
- For Male Erectile Dysfunction
- Only to be taken as and when required, 30-60 minutes prior to sexual activity
- Not to be used with other erectile dysfunction treatments
Further Information
Viagra is the original branded version of the drug, Sildenafil, and is used to treat erectile dysfunction. The patent for Viagra ended in 2013 meaning that the original manufacturer of Viagra, Pfizer, no longer owns the sole rights to manufacture, although they retain the brand name. By choosing Viagra, the active ingredient is still Sildenafil, the main difference is the cost and the unique appearance of the medication.
Viagra belongs to the family of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. It alleviates erectile dysfunction by stimulating blood flow to the penis allowing for firmer, longer-lasting erections.
Dosage
- There are three strengths of Viagra currently available; 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets.
- The starting dose for Viagra is typically 50mg to be taken 30-60 minutes before the onset of sexual activity and most patients find this dose to be effective. Should this dose be ineffective for patients, the dose can be increased to 100mg. Alternatively, the dose may be reduced to 25mg if the 50mg is felt too strong.
- Although not essential, it is recommended that Viagra be taken on an empty stomach to achieve maximum efficacy. When taken with food, the drug’s absorption decreases, which may delay the desired effect.
- The effects of Viagra can last between four and six hours when taken correctly.
- Viagra should not be taken by anyone under the age of eighteen or by those who experience no trouble in achieving an erection.
Viagra vs Cialis
Bodies respond differently to different medications and you may find that Viagra (Sildenafil) does not suit your needs. If this is the case, there are alternative erectile dysfunction medications available. You may find that your body reacts more positively with one of these medicines instead.
Both drugs can be very effective in treating erectile dysfunction if used correctly. However, Viagra (Sildenafil) has proven to be more time restrictive than Cialis (Tadalafil). Where Sildenafil will work for up to six hours, Tadalafil’s effects can stay in the system for up to thirty-six hours meaning that with sexual stimulation you will still be able to achieve an erection in this time.
One of our clinicians can help you decide which might be more suitable for you, simply give us a call or drop us a message and we will be happy to help.
Viagra (brand) vs Sildenafil (generic)
Patients should notice no difference between these two medicines other than price and appearance. The active ingredient within is Sildenafil. Viagra is simply the older branded version of Sildenafil therefore clinically they are the same. The brand Viagra is typically a blue-coloured diamond-shaped tablet which some patients are familiar with. There any numerous manufacturers of generic Sildenafil, the tablets tend to be blue in colour however the shape, colour and sizes do sometimes differ. It is, for this reason, some patients sometimes want to stick to an identifiable tablet they are familiar with.
Side Effects of using Viagra
As with all medications, Viagra can have unpleasant side effects even when taken correctly. The most common of these are:
- Muscle pain
- Nasal congestion
- diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Nosebleeds
- Headaches
- Flushing
- back pain
These side effects are not cause for great concern and should last only a short time. However, if you experience any of the following uncommon side effects then you should seek medical attention immediately:
- Priapism – a painful erection that will not go down. This condition can permanently damage the penis so if your erection lasts for more than four hours, contact your nearest medical centre or out-of-hours service for help.
- Any severity of vision loss – A sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes can be a sign of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, a serious eye condition. Stop using Sildenafil immediately and seek medical help straight away if you experience this.
- Any severity of hearing loss – Some patients may experience tinnitus (a ringing in the ears) or dizziness after using Sildenafil as well as partial or complete hearing loss. Should you experience any of these, consult your doctor.
