Sildenafil Citrate vs Viagra
So you’re looking into buying Viagra or Sildenafil Citrate for treating your erectile dysfunction. Or, perhaps, you’ve already bought one and are wondering which of the two you should be using. If so, you’re in the right place. We’re going to shed some light on the differences between these two pharmacy world super-stars so that you can make the right decision for your needs.
Sildenafil Citrate
Sildenafil Citrate is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor developed by Pfizer. It was approved for sale in the United States in April 2014 and became available at a discounted rate for Medicare Part D participants. It’s also known as Revatio, Reedsafe SR, and Reeseed.
As the name implies, Sildenafil Citrate inhibits the action of phosphodiesterase type 5, an enzyme which breaks down cGMP inside the cells. The breakdown of cGMP is normally responsible for the loss of an erection. By increasing the level of cGMP within the cells, Sildenafil Citrate helps keep the blood vessels in the penis expanded, allowing for unimpeded blood flow during sex. In other words, this drug allows you to maintain an erection for as long as you want.
According to research, taking Sildenafil Citrate an hour or so before bedtime has shown to increase the chances of getting a good night’s sleep and also reduces the likelihood of disturbing sleep during the night thereby improving the overall quality of life for those suffering from sleep apnea or other breathing problems. This particular active ingredient is also safe for people with certain hepatic impairments and those who take nitrates. It’s also well-tolerated by people who take other medications for heart disease. Side effects are usually mild and include headache, flushing, upset stomach, and upset liver.
Viagra
Coming in to the market around the same time as Sildenafil Citrate, Viagra was also developed by Pfizer. It’s known officially as sildenafil citrate and is part of a family of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors. The main difference between Viagra and Sildenafil Citrate is that the first one was authorized for use in Canada and Europe back in 1997 and is, therefore, a tad more expensive.
As the name implies, Viagra is a psychoactive drug which causes an erection to happen in the presence of an orgasm. It works by increasing the flow of blood to the penis and, therefore, expands the cells which contain the coagulant substance called erythrocytes. The result is that veins in the penis become more visible, making it easier for the practitioner to insert his penis into the vagina during sex. The advantage of Viagra is that it’s a one-stop-shop for dealing with erectile dysfunction, meaning that it can be used to treat an erection that occurs during sleep or sex, as well as those that occur in the presence of orgasm. So, in other words, this drug can be used to combat all three types of erectile dysfunction.
According to the company’s website, Viagra is also approved for use in the treatment of heart failure and low blood pressure, as well as for prevention of cardiovascular disease. The most common side effects of Viagra include headache, flushing, upset stomach, and diarrhea. However, these are usually mild and go away after a couple of days. There are also cases where people have had a severe allergic reaction to Viagra, resulting in rashes, hives, swelling, and, in some cases, death.
Key Differences
Aside from the fact that Viagra was first released in North America, the differences between these two super-stars are numerous. First off, Sildenafil Citrate is the generic version of the brand name drug. It’s also more affordable, being sold for $0.99 for a 120-tablet order as opposed to the usually $4.29 charged by most vendors for a single bottle of Viagra. Also, while Sildenafil Citrate comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee, Viagra doesn’t. Finally, whereas Pfizer tends to stay away from promoting its drugs as “proven for women,” Viagra is more explicit about its endorsement of sexual wellness for women. On its website, the company states: “Since pharmacologically similar drugs have been found to have different effects in men and women, the potential for serious side effects is greater when prescribing these drugs to people who are not of the same sex.”
The bottom line is that Sildenafil Citrate is a more affordable alternative for people seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction, which is a common issue particularly among older men. So, while both drugs are effective in treating the condition, those on a tight budget may want to consider trying this alternative first.