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It’s easy to see why anyone new to erectile dysfunction medication gets confused. There are many options available that are set at different price points.
However, two of the most popular treatments recommended by doctors are Viagra and sildenafil. When faced with either of these erectile dysfunction medications, which should you choose?
That’s what we aim to answer today.
You’re going to learn what sildenafil and Viagra are, their similarities, differences, and what other pills you might want to consider.
With all of that said, let’s go right ahead and explore both erectile dysfunction medications — Viagra and sildenafil.
As you compare, keep top of mind that it’s essential to consult a trusted medical professional specializing in erectile dysfunction prior to engaging in either medication. A men’s health practitioner can review your unique medical history and ensure that a proper diagnosis and treatment plan are followed to minimize severe side effects.
What Is Sildenafil?
Sildenafil (or sildenafil citrate) is one of the medications used to treat erectile dysfunction — something that affects somewhere between 10 and 30 million men in the US.
A study shows that 35% of men aged 60+ and 50% of men aged 70+ will get regular or chronic ED.
Sildenafil is also known by other names such as generic sildenafil or generic Viagra.
As its aliases might imply, sildenafil is one of the many generic drugs available for ED.
When you take sildenafil pills, expect to experience the same effects as you would when taking Viagra. That’s because they have the same active ingredient.
When a doctor asks that you take sildenafil, you’re basically asked to take Viagra.
But as you’ll find out later on, there are a couple of minor differences (and one major one) that you’ll need to know about.
What Is Viagra?
Viagra tablets are meds designed to increase blood flow to the penis so a man can get an erection. They’re very much the same as sildenafil tablets.
Pfizer is the company that manufactures and sells Viagra, otherwise known as the blue pill.
To be clear, sildenafil citrate is the generic version of the popular erectile dysfunction treatment. Viagra is the brand name version.
While there are people who like buying generic medication, others choose to buy brand name Viagra even if they have the same active ingredient. This is possibly because Pfizer is a household name at this point and so they trust the company.
Another possible reason is that Viagra was the name provided by their doctors. They don’t know that there’s a generic version available in the market.
Are Viagra and Sildenafil the Same?
Viagra and sildenafil are exactly the same medication.
Taking either of the two will help with improving blood flow to the penis. They have the same active ingredient which is sildenafil citrate.
You’ll also find that they’re sold in the same dosages:
- 25mg
- 50mg
- 100mg
Users of both drugs will experience the same perks. In a study, 94% of respondents reported satisfaction with the effect of sildenafil.
But that also means the potential side effects are no different from one another.
Their efficacy is also the same. That means both are equally effective and that they both last just as long.
If you have a preexisting condition that prevents you from taking sildenafil citrate, then Viagra is off the list for you as well.
Taking Viagra requires that you take it about an hour before you have sex. Sildenafil works the same way.
What are the Differences Between Viagra and Sildenafil?
Let’s start with the minor differences.
There are cosmetic differences between the two. Of the two, Viagra is the more recognizable ED treatment pill. It’s colored blue and has the Pfizer logo on the pill itself.
Sildenafil ED pills can come in different shapes and colors. It really depends on the manufacturer. So it can get confusing in the beginning for first-time users.
If they keep getting different sildenafil pills every time they purchase, they might assume that they’re getting the wrong meds.
But the biggest difference between the two is the price.
Generic sildenafil is much more affordable than the brand name Viagra.
And remember, they both do the same thing.
So for most people, sildenafil is more than enough to meet their needs. Some would even ask for the generic version when they ask their doctor for prescription medications.
With everything else being the same, the pricing becomes the deciding factor for those suffering from ED, as sildenafil citrate costs a fraction of the amount when compared to Viagra.
Do You Need a Prescription for Viagra or Sildenafil?
Yes, you will need a prescription for Viagra and sildenafil citrate. That goes for all ED treatments.
You need to consult with a doctor because there are so many factors that go into prescribing medicine. Doctors will consider your medical history. They have to know about all the drug interactions that will take place in your body if you’re taking Viagra with other meds like those for diabetes.
On a related note, men over 50 who have diabetes are twice as likely to have ED (about 46%)
They’re the ones who will tell you what dosage you need to get and how much sildenafil to take.
Or they might recommend another drug altogether.
Doctors will know what treatment you should take to get the results that you’re looking for.
However, there is a product called Viagra Connect. It’s very much the same drug as Viagra with the only difference being that Viagra Connect does not require a prescription. It’s an over-the-counter drug essentially.
This product is mostly sold in the UK though. And even then, you might have to discuss your ED with a pharmacist which might not be ideal for some.
ED Medication Alternatives
There are other medications designed to address erectile dysfunction. That means you don’t have to take Viagra or generic sildenafil.
Here’s a short list:
- Cialis (tadalafil)
- Levitra (vardenafil)
- Staxyn (vardenafil)
- Stendra (avanafil)
If you want to forgo oral medications, you can consider ED therapy, low testosterone treatment, HGH treatment, or RestoreWave treatment.
There are also products like penis pumps that can address erectile dysfunction without the need for medicines.
Consult the ED Professionals at Prime Men’s Medical Center in Jacksonville
If you don’t know which medication or ED treatment is right for you, don’t hesitate to contact the male health professionals at Prime Men’s Medical Center located in Jacksonville, Florida.
There you’ll find answers to troubling issues like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and low testosterone.
At Prime Men’s Medical Center, a team of doctors and medical specialists are ready to provide you with assistance at a moment’s notice to help you regain your sexual health long term. Schedule a consultation with us today, your initial consultation and first treatment are completely free.
