Generic Viagra: Uses, Working, Side Effects, And, Alternatives

In this article, we’ll discuss Generic Viagra in detail; including its uses, working mechanism, side effects, interactions with other medicines, alternatives, and more.

Overview

In the year 1996, Viagra was patented by Pfizer, a pharmaceutical giant. On March 27, 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Viagra’s use to treat impotence, now called erectile dysfunction. This created history. There was now a solution to a problem that greatly affected men’s self-esteem, and this was reflected in Pfizer’s massive, overwhelming success.

With the expiry of Pfizer’s Viagra patent in 2020, several companies selling generic Viagra entered the market. Generic Viagra just refers to sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. Sildenafil is a prescription drug that treats problems including erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension, commonly called high blood pressure.

Generic Viagra

Here, through the course of this article, we shall discuss more details on generic Viagra to help you get a clearer view of what this drug does.

1. Uses

The details on generic Viagra cannot exclude its uses. Sildenafil belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Following sexual stimulation, sildenafil works by increasing the lateral width of your blood vessels, causing relaxation and allowing the flow of blood into the penis. The result of this is improved erectile function.

However, it is important to note that sildenafil cannot work if there is no sexual stimulation. A very bold claim propagated is that sildenafil increases penis size permanently but that is a fabricated statement. Misuse of sildenafil is common.

Unprescribed recreational use of sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibitors is particularly high among users of illegal drugs. Sildenafil is sometimes used to counteract the effects of illicit, dangerous substances. This is done in an attempt to compensate for the common side effect of these barbiturates- erectile dysfunction.

In addition to this, sildenafil has been ratified to treat mild to moderate cases of pulmonary hypertension and angina. With pulmonary arterial hypertension, the blood pressure in the lungs increases drastically. It makes it difficult for the heart to keep up and often results in arrhythmia or cardiac arrest.

2. Generic Viagra Vs Brand Viagra

Both generic Viagra and Viagra are the same in terms of composition, effects, and dosage. Choosing one between the two just depends on the level of awareness of the consumer. Details on generic Viagra are readily found online, and we have listed many important ones here.

For a person who values brand integrity and wants a tried and tested option, brand Viagra seems like the better choice. However, for a person who understands that the mode of action of the drug is the same regardless of the brand name, generic Viagra is the better choice.

Viagra is way costlier than sildenafil because Pfizer has created a name for itself in the pharmaceutical business, and they profit off that.

Generic Viagra becomes the viable option here for people who don’t want to shell out big bucks for a company label. It means that you pay only for the drug and not for the advertised brand. Millions of dollars are not spent to develop the formula and get a patent approved by the FDA.

3. Working

Sildenafil is a selective inhibitor of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (CGMP) specific phosphodiesterase (PDE5). A penile erection involves relaxation of the corpus cavernosum, a type of spongy tissue in the penis. This is an event mediated by nitrous oxide (NO) and cGMP.

It’s worth noting that Viagra comes in several different strengths, with 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets available. If you’re switching from Pfizer Viagra to a generic form of sildenafil, check that you’re purchasing tablets with the same dosage as prescribed by your doctor.

In addition to the active ingredient that is sildenafil citrate, each tablet contains several inactive ingredients too. These inactive elements increase the metabolism of sildenafil and eliminate certain risks of negative drug interactions. These are some of the most important details on generic Viagra, related to its working and mechanism of action.

Keep in mind that under no instances is sildenafil to be consumed more than once in 24 hours. Improper dosing can lead to severe complications such as hemophilia, cardiac and renal failure, or even death in extreme cases. In cases of overdose, even renal dialysis might not work. This is because sildenafil is highly bound to plasma proteins and is not eliminated in urine.

4. Side Effects

Since it’s easy to buy generic 100mg viagra online these days, it’s important to be aware of its side effects.

There are quite a few side effects of using this drug. They range from relatively mild ones to some severe complications.

• Common side effects

These side effects should gradually dwindle over time as your body grows accustomed to sildenafil. However, if these side effects persist for weeks with the same intensity, consult a doctor. These side effects are:

• • Headache
  • Muscle ache
  • Facial flushing
  • Nasal congestion
  • Indigestion

• Uncommon side effects

These side effects although seen only in about 6-10% of users, can morph into serious afflictions if not treated instantly. They are:

• • Optic problems like blurred vision
  • Late reflex responses
  • Painful erections (priapism)
  • Prolonged high heart rate

• Rare side effects

These side effects are only seen in 1-2% of users. Anyone experiencing these side effects is to be immediately taken to the hospital or given emergency care. The side effects include:

• Hives (itchy red welts on the surface of the skin)
• Presence of blood in semen
• Swelling of the eyelids

Heart attacks and recurring strokes have also been reported rarely on using sildenafil. Most of these men had pre-existing cardiovascular issues before taking this drug. Steer clear of sildenafil if you have renal, hepatic, or any kind of other cardiovascular issues.

5. Interaction With Other Medications

This is one of the most important details on generic Viagra to be aware of. Sildenafil is a vasodilator, so it directly or indirectly affects the working of every other medication the consumer may be on. It becomes exceedingly important to ensure that sildenafil for men does not have a negative interaction with other medications. If not prevented in time, it can cause blood clumping or neurological impairments.

If you take sildenafil with nitrates, your blood pressure could suddenly drop to dangerously low levels. This could bring on bouts of dizziness. If you take sildenafil with certain alpha blockers, this same problem is encountered again. Taking certain antifungal drugs with generic Viagra can also lead to priapism.

Taking certain anti-seizure drugs with sildenafil may lower the level of tadalafil in your blood and prevent it from showing its full efficacy. Nitroglycerin is to be avoided completely when consuming any vasodilating medication.

Moreover, taking other erectile dysfunction medications for erectile dysfunction like Revatio or Cialis alongside Viagra may amplify the side effects of these medications ten-fold. The enormous amount of sildenafil citrate or tadalafil in your system could cause permanent neurological and cardiovascular disorders.

6. Generic Viagra Alternatives

Other oral alternatives to generic Viagra include Vardenafil which is sold under the brand names Levitra and Staxyn. Tadalafil is another immensely popular alternative, containing Cialis. Avanafil is another option, sold under the brand name Stendra.

Non-oral alternatives include penile self-injections. Certain medications, such as alprostadil, papaverine, and phentolamine, can be injected directly into the side or base of the penis. These can help achieve or maintain an erection for up to 40 minutes.

Testosterone patches or injections are advisable for those who inherently have low levels of testosterone in their body. These hormone patches or injections help regulate the amount of testosterone in the system and maintain it at optimal levels.

Vacuum erection devices are hollow tubes also commonly known as penis pumps. They are attached to a hand or battery-operated pump and work by drawing blood into the penis. They help a man to achieve an erection that he can maintain using a tension ring for almost 1-2 hours.

Penile implants are inflatable or bendable rods that are surgically implanted into the erection chambers of the penis. This treatment is only done usually as a last resort, as the surgery is a complex one.

Conclusion

In the majority of cases, erectile dysfunction is not a permanent condition. It is vital to recognize that even though the condition can’t be fully cured, proper treatment can eliminate or reduce the symptoms. There are 2 types of EDs, primary ED & secondary ED, the latter is easily manageable while the former may take some time.

Moreover, with the help of oral, non-oral, and surgical treatment methods for men, this problem can be mitigated even further. The only thing to be wary about is the potential side effects. Keep an eye out for authentic medicine labels and consult a doctor before consuming generic Viagra. This article has ensured you get all the necessary and requisite information about generic Viagra to enable you to make an informed decision.