Reviewed by David Saiz, PharmD, October 10, 2023
Medication Key Ingredients Action Correct Dosage Cost Should Not Be Mixed Side Effects Guidelines
In the world of modern pharmaceuticals, very few names have as much weight to them as Viagra. This powerful and robust drug, originally developed to help hypertension and angina patients, has turned out to be a game-changer for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).
However, the true revolution in ED treatment began when generic version hit the market in 2017, removing the hefty price tag associated with the brand-name version. Sildenafil immediately became a much sought-after cost-effective alternative, offering the same incredible benefits only at a fraction of the original drug’s cost.
How to Tell If You Need This Medication?
Before placing an order for Sildenafil, it is crucial to assess whether this medication is right for the patient and meets their unique healthcare needs. Erectile dysfunction is a common sexual health disorder that affects men of various ages. Viagra may be an appropriate solution for men experiencing the following symptoms:
- Consistent inability to develop erections. it means difficulty getting a satisfactory erection even when a man is sexually aroused and receives proper sexual stimulation.
- Difficulty maintaining an erection. Sildenafil might be a suitable choice of medicine if a man can get an erection but fails to keep it firm enough to engage in sexual intercourse.
- Reduced rigidity of the erect penis. the situation where an erection is present and stays on for the duration of the intercourse, but the reproductive organ is not as firm as it should be for sex.
- Decreased interest in sex. when a man is not as interested in having sex as he used to be, it may be one of the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. However, it can also point to several other possible conditions, among them depression is the most common.
- Psychological distress. experiencing continuous anxiety or frustration related to sexual performance can affect a man’s quality of life and should be a good reason to talk to a doctor.
Facing some of the above challenges occasionally does not necessarily indicate the presence of ED or a need for an ED drug like Sildenafil. However, with these symptoms becoming more frequent, one should see their physician and undergo a thorough health checkup to see if generic Sildenafil is appropriate. A qualified healthcare professional will determine the drug’s suitability, advise on the correct dosage, and provide a valid prescription so that the patient can safely purchase this medication from a trusted physical or online pharmacy.
Key Ingredients and What They Do
Viagra pills usually include several components – Sildenafil Citrate and inactive ingredients that support and promote the action of the primary drug. Sildenafil is an active compound of Viagra that plays a key role in mitigating bothersome symptoms of male erectile dysfunction. It works by inhibiting the activity of the PDE5 enzyme and thus promoting increased blood flow to the penis, enabling robust erections. In addition to Sildenafil, the tablet contains various inactive ingredients to help the drug’s formation, stability, and absorption. Depending on the medication’s form, these may include microcrystalline cellulose, calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, lactose, etc. Most individuals generally tolerate these ingredients well, and allergic reactions are rare.
Mechanism of Action Explained
Like its brand-name counterpart, generic version contains Sildenafil as its active ingredient. This compound is in the class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. They work by regulating blood flow in the penile area and suppressing the erectile-disruptive effects of PDE5 enzymes. During sexual arousal, the body releases a chemical messenger called nitric oxide (NO) to send a signal to the blood vessels in the penis, telling them to relax and let more blood flow into the penile tissues, which ultimately causes an erection to happen. In men with ED, an enzyme called PDE5 prematurely breaks down nitric oxide, thus disrupting the erection process. Sildenafil temporarily blocks PDE5, allowing NO to work effectively and maintain an erection. It is important to point out that neither Sildenafil nor other brand-name or generic PDE5 medications can help produce or keep an erection by themselves. Men taking ED medicines need to be sexually aroused and possibly receive additional sexual stimulation for the effects of the drug to kick in.
How Much Viagra Should First-Time Patients Take?
Only a licensed healthcare provider can determine the overall suitability of Sildenafil and recommend the correct dosage that will be both safe in terms of possible side effects and effective in achieving the desired results. To ensure a favorable Sildenafil experience, patients must never neglect a proper medical consultation with their doctor.
The typical starting dose of Sildenafil is 50mg, taken once a day, 30 to 60 minutes before planned sexual activity. The prescribing physician may see fit to adjust this dose considering the person’s age, medical history, and physical parameters. Some individuals may require a higher dose of 100mg, while others may find a lower dose of 25mg effective enough.
It is essential to take Sildenafil on an empty stomach or with a very light meal – fatty foods can seriously delay the onset of its action. Also important is to avoid mixing this medication with alcohol or grapefruit juice, as such combinations can significantly increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Cost
One of the most appealing aspects of Sildenafil is its budget-friendly price compared to the brand-name version. In Canada, and – more specifically – in online Canadian pharmacies, the price gap between the two options is particularly noticeable. A single pill of brand-name medication by Pfizer can cost substantially more than its generic counterpart. The price of a pack of branded drug containing 8 tablets 50mg will cost between $73.07 and $171.99, while the same quantity of Sildenafil 50mg will be available at $35.81-$38. This difference becomes even more apparent when considering a month’s supply. Customers who wish to make their ED medication even more affordable can consider ordering larger quantities of Sildenafil, as many online Canadian pharmacies offer discounts for bulk purchases. Additionally, exploring online pharmacies for special sales might be another way toward cost savings.
Which Drugs Should Not Be Mixed with This Drug?
Sildenafil can interact in an unsafe manner with active ingredients found in a number of other prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, sometimes causing adverse effects or simply nulling each other’s action. Some examples of drugs that may interact with generic Sildenafil include nitrates used for chest pain, alpha-blockers for treating high BP or prostate conditions, CYP3A4 inhibitors, GC stimulators, other ED drugs, as well as certain antibiotics and antifungals. Patients must always keep their prescribing physician informed about which prescription medications, OTC solutions, herbal products, and dietary supplements they are taking to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions or compromised treatment outcomes.
Possible Common and Rare Side Effects
Common side effects associated with the use of Sildenafil include headaches, facial flushing, indigestion, nasal stuffiness, dizziness, nausea, pain in the lower back, muscle aches, skin rash, and changes in color vision. These symptoms are not dangerous and tend to disappear with time, soon after the person stops taking the drug, and its effects wear off.
Among the more serious but rare side effects of Sildenafil that require the patient to seek immediate medical attention are cardiovascular problems (chest pain, irregular heartbeat, heart attack), a sudden drop in blood pressure accompanied by severe dizziness and fainting, sudden loss of vision or hearing, priapism (prolonged or painful erections), and allergic reactions.
USAGE GUIDELINES FOR THIS INFORMATION
Please keep in mind that this is not the full description of the product, so some of the minor details could have been left out. Even though we try to provide you with accurate information, we cannot guarantee that this product will be suitable for you. Under no circumstances should this information be used instead of professional medical consultation. Speaking to your doctor is vital for getting an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.