Several manufacturers worldwide are presently marketing Viagra, the brand name for Sildenafil, as a generic drug.

The first considerable Erectile Dysfunction (ED) drug on the market, Viagra, is virtually identical to sildenafil, which Pfizer makes.

It hasn’t been around for very long, generic Viagra.

Even though Pfizer’s patent on the popular ED medication ran up in 2020, the business started producing and selling generic Sildenafil in 2017.

In 2020, client options grew as soon as other businesses were legally allowed to sell Sildenafil tablets.

Explaining Generic Viagra

The active ingredient of Sildenafil citrate, also referred to as “generic Viagra,” is the same as that of Viagra.

There are trace amounts of inactive compounds in Viagra. These elements help the pill’s metabolism in the body and give it form.

One of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction is excessive production of the phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzyme, which reduces blood flow to the male reproductive organ and prevents or weakens an erection (ED).

As a PDE5 inhibitor, sildenafil reduces the effects of PDE5 and allows for more unrestricted blood flow, which increases the probability of getting an erection.

Generic Viagra Uses

The major use of sildenafil is as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, or the inability to get or keep an erection. 

While taking sildenafil, it’s essential to know its effects will wear off after a few hours.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH), or elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries and the right side of the heart, is another treatment for which sildenafil is approved. 

Sildenafil is used for pulmonary hypertension under the trade name Revatio.

Typically, sildenafil is sold under its generic name. Besides Viagra and Revatio, there are no other brand names for the medication.

The way PDE5 inhibitors work

For ED, sildenafil is effective. It reduces erectile dysfunction symptoms. Similarly, sildenafil merely assists in maintaining healthy blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries; it does not cure ED.

The class of medications known as PDE5 inhibitors includes sildenafil. These drugs inhibit the phosphodiesterase enzymes that break down cyclic guanosine monophosphate.

Smooth muscle tissue, like the blood vessel smooth muscle tissue that enables the penis to become erect, is relaxed by this chemical.

By enabling the arteries to loosen up and more easily fill with blood, sildenafil improves blood flow.

Sildenafil is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, and most users reach their maximum dose in under an hour. 

Generic Viagra is a PDE5 inhibitor and can lower blood pressure similarly to other PDE5 inhibitors. 

Consult your doctor before using Sildenafil if you take medication to control your blood pressure or have a history of low blood pressure.

Sildenafil does not increase erections or sexual desire. The need for sexual stimulation still exists. Most healthy people can get erections with the use of sildenafil.

A reputable source’s 2007 study found that Sildenafil is normally safe for long-term use.

Dose and efficiency of generic Viagra

20 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 150 mg pills and liquids are available for generic Viagra (Sildenafil). 

It is typically taken once daily. The recommended dosage is 50 mg. However, your doctor may start you on a lower dose to see if that is enough.

Sildenafil should be used to treat erectile dysfunction, ideally one hour before sexual activity. Sildenafil, however, could start working as early as 30 minutes before sexual activity. It could still work 3 or 4 hours after engaging in sexual activity.

The effects of sildenafil often wear off within four hours. It is recommended that Sildenafil only be used once a day.

Brand-name versus Generic Viagra

Competitors of Pfizer often provide Sildenafil as a little white tablet in place of Viagra, sometimes known as the “blue pill.” 

The effectiveness of the tablet and how it works in the body are unaffected by how it looks.

Although generic Viagra and Sildenafil are similarly secure and efficient, their prices differ.

Each tablet of Viagra costs between $60 and $70. 

Generic Sildenafil tablets can cost anywhere from $7 and $18 per tablet, depending on the dosage and brand.

Who manufactures generic Viagra?

Pfizer, a pharmaceutical company, unintentionally discovered Sildenafil’s benefits for erectile dysfunction.

Researchers looked into the medication’s efficacy in treating angina, chest pain linked to heart disease, and hypertension. 

They found that the medication was very effective in causing erections. 

First recommended for men with erectile dysfunction in 1998, Viagra received FDA approval that same year (ED).

Greenstone, a Pfizer affiliate, released the first generic form of Viagra on the market. Worldwide manufacturers of Sildenafil pills include:

  • Mylan
  • Teva Pharmaceuticals
  • Aurobindo
  • Cambia
  • Bristol Labs

Conclusion

Generic Viagra, also known as sildenafil, is the same drug as Viagra. The misuse of these prescribed drugs can be harmful to one’s health.

Because of this, care should be taken when obtaining and ingesting them.