What is the difference between Viagra, Sildenafil, and other similar medications? Is any of these drugs safer than the others? Should men take all three? Is one more effective than the others? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this detailed article.
Key Facts About Viagra And Sildenafil
Viagra (vardenafil) and Sildenafil (sildenafil citrate) are both oral medications that increase blood flow to the penis and improve erectile function. Both medications have been proven effective in treating men with erectile dysfunction (impotence). Based on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) studies and clinical trials, here are some key facts about these medications.
Similarities
Based on the structural formula and chemical compositions, Viagra and Sildenafil are very similar medications. Both are PDE5 inhibitors, which stands for phosphodiesterase type 5. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which is a crucial natural chemical in the body. As a result of these similarities, both medications are interchangeable and can be used for the same purpose.
However, even though they are structurally similar, Viagra and Sildenafil are significantly different in the way they are processed and metabolized by the body. This is because Viagra is a prodrug and needs to be metabolized by the liver into vardenafil before it can be used. On the other hand, Sildenafil is a chemically modified citrate and does not require any additional processing before it can be absorbed by the body.
Key Facts About Viagra
Like other prodrugs, Viagra is activated by enzymes in the body and therefore works differently than Sildenafil. In fact, the only significant difference between the two medications is that Viagra is actually more potent than Sildenafil. This means that a smaller dose of Viagra will produce the same or better effects as a higher dose of Sildenafil. Additionally, because it is a prodrug, Viagra needs to be metabolized by the liver before it can work effectively. After ingestion, the active form of Viagra, vardenafil, crosses the blood-brain barrier and attaches to specific receptors in the corpus cavernosum of the penis. These receptors are the same as those targeted by Sildenafil, but a lower dose of Viagra is required to produce the same effect as a higher dose of Sildenafil. This is why Viagra is often considered a ‘workhorse’ of sorts among ED medications.
Key Facts About Sildenafil
Sildenafil is relatively non-toxic and has a low side effect profile. In fact, it is used as a food additive in some countries and has been approved by the FDA for use in humans. In addition to similar effects as Viagra, Sildenafil is now referred to as a ‘third generation’ PDE5 inhibitor. This indicates that it works differently than the first and second generation inhibitors and that it has a more favorable side effect profile.
Sildenafil is a selective PDE5 inhibitor that is specific to the inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 5. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which is a crucial natural chemical in the body. As a result of these effects, Sildenafil improves the blood circulation in the penis and encourages the formation of blood vessels, which results in increased erectile function and performance.
Are They Safe?
While both medications are safe to take as prescribed, they can be fatal if taken in excess. Men with uncontrolled high blood pressure and those who are already taking nitrates or inhibitors of the CYP3A4 liver enzyme should not take Viagra without first consulting their doctor. Similarly, Sildenafil should not be used by men with certain heart conditions or those who are taking drugs that are metabolized by the liver. An overdose of either drug can lead to acute kidney injury and even death. Additionally, since both medications work by increasing blood flow to the penis, they can increase the risk of severe blood loss during sexual activity or surgery. Finally, both drugs are highly additive and can potentially cause sexual dysfunction or damage to the male reproductive system in the case of prolonged use. This is why it is critical to follow the instructions given by your doctor closely and avoid taking either drug without prescription.
Do They Have The Same Effect?
Based on the studies conducted so far, both medications appear to work effectively for the treatment of patients with erectile dysfunction. However, the current research on this subject is still ongoing and additional studies will be required to verify these initial findings. So far, the available data indicates that both drugs work by increasing blood flow to the penis and encouraging the formation of new blood vessels. This encourages the growth of new tissue and eventually results in improved erectile function and performance for men with erection disorders.
Since both Sildenafil and Viagra are PDE5 inhibitors that work by increasing blood flow to the penis and improving erectile function and performance, it is clear that they will produce similar effects if used for the same purpose. However, since they are two distinct medications with two unique absorption profiles, it is also important to consider the characteristics and limitations of each drug when used for the treatment of specific conditions.