Sildenafil and Viagra are the same medications, and are popular treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Sildenafil (Viagra) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor for treating ED.

Viagra has transformed the lives of millions of men by helping them achieve and maintain erections strong enough for sex.

Is Viagra the same as Sildenafil?

The active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil citrate. Viagra is the popular brand name of Sildenafil manufactured by Pfizer. Sildenafil is sold generically under the same name.

A generic has the same qualities as the branded version and is used in the same way. The only differences may be the binding and inactive ingredients used, the product price, and the manufacturer. Generics are usually much more affordable than branded versions.

Sildenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis. As with most ED treatments, Sildenafil (Viagra) belongs to a class of medication known as PDE-5 inhibitors.

Sexual arousal cause the nerves to send chemical messages to the blood vessels in your penis, leading to an erection.

Sildenafil inhibits PDE-5, which causes increased levels of a substance called cGMP in the spongy tissue of the penis.

This causes the smooth muscle in the wall of the penis to relax, allowing blood to flow into the chambers of the penis.

The bloodflow creates pressure, which makes the penis expand and compress the veins that normally allow blood to drain. Once the blood is trapped, the end result is an erection.

How to take Sildenafil (Viagra)

	Take 1 tablet when needed Approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. However, Viagra may be taken anywhere from 4 hours to 30 minutes before sex.
	Take it with water Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, or as directed by your doctor.
	Get in the mood You will not get an erection just by taking Viagra. You must be sexually aroused for it to work.
	Take your time Viagra usually starts to work within 30-60 minutes
	Maximum dose Do not take Viagra more than once in 24 hours.

Always follow your doctor's instructions and the details provided in your medication's instructions.

Viagra can last for up to four hours however, this doesn't mean you'll be erect throughout this time period.

After you climax, your penis will return to its flaccid state until you can achieve arousal again. If this medication does not have any effect, you should contact your doctor.

You can take Viagra with or without food, but it is better to take it on an empty stomach. If you consume a high-fat meal, you may find that this medicine takes a longer time to take effect.

Alcohol can prevent you from getting an erection, so avoid drinking heavily when taking this medication.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Viagra and affect the way it works. For your safety, avoid the use of Grapefruit products while taking this medicine.

Sildenafil is available in three different strengths:

• 25mg - The lowest dose available, recommended for individuals who are sensitive to higher dosages or are over the age of 65
• 50mg - This is often the recommended starting dose
• 100mg - The strongest dose available and only recommended if the 50mg dosage is ineffective

Taking a dose of more than 100mg once daily will not increase the efficacy. It will, however, increase the risk of side effects.

Sildenafil is generally suitable for any adult male with ED. Although, it may not be appropriate for those who:

• have or have had heart conditions. This includes a heart attack, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, narrowing of the aortic valve, a stroke, or heart failure
• have had heart surgery within the last 6 months
• have pulmonary hypertension
• have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• have a deformed penis
• have had an erection lasting for longer than 4 hours
• have bleeding problems or problems with your blood cells (sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia)
• have a rare eye disease, such as retinitis pigmentosa or severe vision loss
• have or have had stomach ulcers
• have liver or kidney problems

If any of these conditions apply to you, or if you have other medical conditions, contact your doctor to ask about other ED treatments.

Like all prescription drugs, Sildenafil (Viagra) can cause side effects. However, it is usually very well-tolerated and any reactions are mild and not long-lasting.

Sildenafil side effects include:

If any of these side effects become particularly concerning, please stop treatment and contact your doctor.

Sildenafil can interact with some medications. You should not take Sildenafil with medications containing nitrates, as your blood pressure could suddenly drop to an unsafe level. These medicines are often used to treat chest pain (angina).

This also includes recreational drugs such as “poppers” which contain amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite. A sudden drop in blood pressure could cause you to feel dizzy, faint, or have a heart attack or stroke.

Sildenafil interacts adversely with:

• high blood pressure medications including alpha-blockers - these could lead to a drop in blood pressure or fainting
• medicines called guanylate cyclase stimulators
• medicines used to treat HIV
• some oral antifungals and antibiotics
• medicines used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)
• other erectile dysfunction treatments such as Tadalafil (Cialis) or Vardenafil. If you have taken any of these recently, wait at least 24 hours (36 hours for Cialis) before using Sildenafil

Always tell your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements, and vitamins, obtained without a prescription.

Many ED medications provide similar effects. This includes Tadalafil (Cialis), and Avanafil (Stendra). Sildenafil, the generic version of Viagra is a cheaper alternative and works in exactly the same way as the branded version.

Speedy Health offers a comprehensive selection of treatments for ED and related conditions.

Cialis vs Viagra

Tadalafil (Cialis) is an alternative medication used to treat ED, it contains the active ingredient Tadalafil.

Cialis can provide effects that last up to 36 hours, which optimizes it for individuals engaging in more frequent sexual activity. You can take Cialis when required or once a day without regard to the timing of sexual activity.

You can buy Viagra or the more affordable version, Sildenafil, online from Speedy Health. You will need a prescription to make a purchase.

You will first complete a consultation form. Our board-licensed doctors, will then assess your health conditions and decide whether the ED treatment is suitable for you. The consultation is convenient and completely confidential.

If our doctors do not approve, you will not be charged. We will also explain the reasons why the medicine is unsuitable and suggest other treatments.

If our doctors approve, they will issue a prescription to our pharmacy. The pharmacy will dispense and dispatch your discreetly packaged order. The final result is your chosen ED treatment sent straight to your door.