Generic sildenafil is more commonly known as Sildenafil. The active ingredient used in the preparation of medicines to treat erectile dysfunction is sildenafil citrate. It is found in both branded form (Viagra) and generic form of this tablet.
Being the first manufacturer of sildenafil citrate, Pfizer produced a patent for it in 1996. As the patent held by viagra expired in 2003, the other manufacturers produced their own generic versions of Viagra’s. The brand name viagra 100mg sildenafil is still available in the market, but only by Pfizer.
How do generic and brand-name sildenafil work?
There is no difference in the way both generic and brand name sildenafil works, also they both produce the same outcomes. They increase the flow of blood to the penis in order to get and maintain an erection easier.
Common side effects of using generic or branded sildenafil
After the medicine is taken, it takes around 30-60 minutes to work. And they last for about four hours. Though both these medicines are completely safe for treating erectile dysfunction, they cause a few side effects. Here are some of the common side effects that could occur by using generic or branded sildenafil,
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness
- Abnormal vision
- Flushing
- Blocked, or runny nose
Sildenafil was first made as a heart drug to treat high blood pressure and angina. But, after the clinical trial, it was found that some men were able to get an erection easier. Hence, it became available for ED treatment in 1998.
Also, the dosage is the same for both generic and branded sildenafil. They are available in three doses,
- 25mg
- 50mg
- 100mg
The recommended dosage is usually 50mg. But for those who do not get the required result, increase the dosage and take 100mg after being advised by a doctor. And for men who tried 50mg and suffered from side effects and needed to minimize the dosage take 25mg.
There is no medical difference between generic sildenafil and branded sildenafil. The only difference is the name, manufacturer, and the way this medicine is sold. Both generic and branded sildenafil provides the same outcome, cause the same side effects, and work in the same way.
And the physical difference you might find in this medicine is the packaging. The generic form of sildenafil has a different look when compared to the branded form of sildenafil. Also, it will be cheaper than the branded version.
Here are the non-medical differences between generic and brand-name sildenafil
| Branded Sildenafil | Generic sildenafil |
| Often needs a private prescription | Easily available in various places. |
| Costly than generic sildenafil | Cheaper than branded sildenafil |
| The over-the-counter version is available without a prescription. | Not available over the counter |
The only reason why generic versions of sildenafil are cheaper when compared to branded sildenafil is that generic versions are not linked to any particular manufacturer that owns a brand. There will be no difference in the quality of the medicine produced.
The branded version of sildenafil commands more money as the medication was invented by them and the brand was developed over a long period of time. Also, you can find a slight difference in the physical appearance of the pills. The branded sildenafil has the brand name Pfizer etched into it in tiny letters and generally comes in a diamond-shaped blue pill. Whereas, the generic sildenafil is available in blue or white colors and comes in various shapes. And based on the company that manufactured the pill, there will be different printing.
Sildenafil is not only used to treat erectile dysfunction, it can also be used to treat a rare lung disorder called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This medicine is manufactured by another brand name Revatio. Unlike other sildenafil variations, Revatio comes in increments of 20 mg. And it is sometimes cheaper than viagra.