One of the more interesting developments in the world of sex is the rise of the over-the-counter (OTC) viagra market. You may know that in the US, sexual health products are generally classified into one of three categories: prescription (Rx), OTC, and natural product. But what does that actually mean?
Let’s breakdown the differences between Rx and OTC products and when you might use which one.
Rx vs OTC
As the name suggests, prescription (Rx) products are drugs that need to be prescribed by a doctor. You can take a look at the list of medications here to get an idea of what kinds of Rx products are available, including viagra. (And if you’re curious, you can also look up any drug in the US Pharmacopeia (USP) database here.) These medications can sometimes have some significant side effects, so you need to consult with your doctor or health-care practitioner before you start using them.
In comparison, OTC products do not need to be prescribed by a doctor. You can purchase them without a prescription and start using them right away, though there are usually some restrictions in place (e.g., can’t buy them if you’re under 18 years of age).
The most popular and well-known OTC products are listed below. (And if you’re curious, you can also find descriptions of each item in the linked resources below.)
- Levitra ((Sildenafil Citrate)): This is a medication commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction and low libido. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis and makes it possible for the penis to become sufficiently engorged for sexual intercourse. (It also happens to be one of the few medications that can be prescribed to men and women alike.)
- Cialis ((Tadalafil)): This is another medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. It works in a similar way to Levitra but has fewer side effects. It is also a longer lasting medication and has a more profound effect on those who take it regularly. (Cialis is also available in a sublingual form. For more information, you can visit this link to the University of Michigan Health System’s website.
- Virtuleet ((Sildenafil Citrate)): This is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is the only drug in this group approved for use by both men and women. (Though it is more commonly prescribed to women, it can be used by men. And for those who are interested in taking it for cosmetic purposes, it is available in a topical form that can be applied directly to the penis or vagina for instant relief of erectile dysfunction. (For more information, you can visit this link to the University of Michigan Health System’s website.)
- Sustiva ((Tiplaurea Alkaloid)): This is an anti-fungal medication. It works by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol (a substance present in the membrane of fungal cells). Inhibition of ergosterol synthesis results in abnormal membrane permeability and eventual fungal cell death. (For more information, you can visit this link to the University of Michigan Health System’s website.)
- Accutane ((Isotretinoin)): This is a medication used to treat severe acne. It has been known to cause birth defects in particular when used during pregnancy. However, the risks far outweigh the benefits and it is not commonly prescribed today. (For more information, you can visit this link to the University of Michigan Health System’s website.)
Rx vs OTC When To Use What
As you might imagine, there are key differences between the two categories, particularly in terms of when you should use them and for what purpose. If you’re wondering, here’s a good rule of thumb:
- Use OTC medications only when you experience a medical condition that is causing you discomfort. (You should not rely on OTC medications for general health or wellness. They are not meant to replace professional medical attention.)
- In the case of Rx medications, it’s always best to consult with your doctor before you start using them, especially if you’re on some type of medication. (They may require some form of interaction or may have some contraindications in combination with other medications you’re taking.)
- The only difference between the two is in the way they are prescribed and for what purposes. If you’re not sure which is right for you, it’s usually best to go with what your doctor recommends (usually Rx).
For more information on the differences between the two, you can find quite a bit of information online. Here are just a few quick links to get you started:
- Wikipedia: (Overview of Generic Viagra) ((Sildenafil Citrate) and (Tadalafil)): This is one of the more popular online encyclopedias and it provides a pretty good overview of both Rx and OTC versions of generic viagra. (You can also read about the evolution of the blue pill here.)
- Healthline: (Over-the-Counter Drugs) ((OTC Medications) and (Rx Medications)): This is a website that provides information on a variety of health topics, including sexual health. It’s probably the largest, most authoritative resource for all things sexual health related. (You can also find information on how to buy female condoms here.)
- Medscape: (Rx vs OTC) and (Side Effects of Levitra): This is basically the US pharmacy version of Wikipedia. Similar to the other two resources above, it provides a good overview of the differences between Rx and OTC medications. (And if you have an account on this site, you can also read a variety of articles on sexual health.)
- Medterra: (Different Types of Viagra): This is a healthcare provider and pharmaceutical manufacturer website that focuses on providing high-quality information about medication. Similar to the other sites above, it breaks down the differences between the two versions of viagra in detail. (You can also find a variety of other information on this site, including general health information.)
Hopefully, this was helpful in clarifying some of the differences between Rx and OTC drugs. As you might imagine, this is a category that is rapidly changing and new information is becoming available all the time. So, make sure you’re always reading the most up-to-date information or checking in with your pharmacist or doctor for the latest updates.