Several physical and psychological issues can cause erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence in men. As estimated, around 30 million men in the United States are affected routinely by impotence. When something is this common, there are often many potential treatment options. One of the most effective treatment options for erectile dysfunction is prescription medications, including Fildena and Viagra, both of which contain sildenafil citrate.
Although Viagra and Fildena are two similar medications, they have some notable differences, too, in certain factors.
The comparative evaluation between these two ED medications can offer valuable insights to people seeking effective ED treatment.
Some Interesting Facts About Sildenafil Citrate
- According to Goldstein, clinical professor of surgery at the University of California San Diego and director of San Diego Sexual Medicine, taking sildenafil citrate helps to reduce the intensity of progression of erectile dysfunction [1].
- Some men take Viagra under the belief that this medication will boost their sexual drive, but Sildenafil citrate does not boost sex drive, according to the National Institute of Health [2].
- Viagra prevents heart muscle thickening and early-stage heart failure, according to research published in the open-access journal BMC Medicine [3].
- Sildenafil citrate is also a promising treatment option for pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries to our lungs) [4].
A Quick Comparison Between Viagra And Fildena
Let’s take a glance at some of the differences between the two PDE5 inhibitors in the table below.
Factors | Fildena | Viagra |
Manufacturer | Fortune Healthcare | Pfizer Inc. |
Active compound | Sildenafil citrate | Sildenafil citrate |
Market availability | Available since 2013 | Available since 1998 |
Onset of action | 30 minutes within consumption. | 30 minutes within consumption. |
Insurance coverage | Typically, insurance plans do not cover it. | Covered by insurance plans. |
Prescription | Required | Required |
Main Differences Between Fildena And Viagra
Some of the key differences between Fildena and Viagra are mentioned below –
Dosage Strengths – The available dosage strengths of Fildena range from 25 mg to 200 mg, whereas Viagra is available in dosage strengths of 25, 50, and 100 mg.
Insurance coverage – Fildena is typically not covered by any insurance plans, while insurance plans often cover Viagra.
Availability – Both Fildena and Viagra are widely available in both local and online pharmacies. Viagra is also available under other names, such as Cenforce Professional, Aurogra, and Malegra, to name a few.
Color and shape – Fildena is purple in color and triangular in shape, whereas Viagra is blue in color and is a diamond-shaped pill.
Market availability – Viagra has been available in the market since 1998, whereas Fildena has been available in the market since 2013.
Cost – The cost of Fildena for a pack of 50 pills is $45, whereas Viagra is quite expensive, with a two-tablet strip costing around $10, equating to $5 per pill [5].
Similarities Between Fildena And Viagra
In this section, let’s discuss some of the notable similarities between the two erectile dysfunction medications.
Since Fildena and Viagra are composed of the same active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, they have identical mechanisms of action, side effects, and drug interactions.
Mechanism of Action –
To get and keep an erection, an adequate amount of blood flow into the penis is essential. Fildena and Aurogra 100 mg work by reducing or blocking the action of an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase type 5. This enzyme breaks down a molecule called cGMP or cyclic guanosine monophosphate, which is essential for relaxing body muscles.
Fildena and Viagra raise the level of cGMP in the penile area by blocking or reducing the action of the PDE5 enzyme. This causes the muscles in the abdomen to relax, which is an important part of treating conditions like impotence.
This thus helps improve the blood flow, resulting in a better and firmer erection.
Side Effects –
Common side effects of both Viagra and Fildena include – dizziness, diarrhea, runny nose, headaches, muscle pain, and stuffy nose.
In rare cases, sildenafil citrate can cause – anxiety, cough, nausea, abnormal dreams, trembling, increased secretion of saliva, and worsening of asthma.
Note – This is not a complete list of all the possible side effects of Fildena and Viagra. If you experience any negative effects after taking Viagra or Fildena, seek immediate medical help [6].
Drug Interactions –
Fildena and Cenforce 150 mg can interact with 333 medications. Some of the medications that can interact with Viagra or Fildena are butabarbital, codeine, nitric oxide, tadalafil, methadone, clarithromycin, voriconazole, erythromycin, oxycodone, amprenavir, ketoconazole, and others.
Before taking any medications while taking Fildena or Viagra, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first [7].
Precautionary Measure – Things To Remember
- People below the age of 18 should not take Viagra or Fildena.
- Sildenafil tablets do not provide protection from sexually transmitted diseases; therefore, make sure to use protective measures while using Fildena or Viagra.
- Avoid the intake of grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or alcohol while taking sildenafil citrate because it can worsen the side effects of the drug.
- Viagra and Fildena are not recommended for people with kidney and liver disorders, heart disorders, or low blood pressure. Therefore, discuss your medical history with a provider before taking these medicines.
- Do not exceed the recommended dosage of these medications.
- Follow all the instructions of your doctor while taking Fildena or Viagra.
Which Is Better, Fildena Or Viagra?
Based on our findings, both Fildena and Viagra are well-tolerated treatment options for erectile dysfunction. The cost of Viagra is often covered by insurance plans, whereas Fildena is not. However, Fildena is more affordable than Viagra.
Conclusion
Viagra and Fildena are both well-known treatments for erectile dysfunction, which are effective and safe. Which of the two you use depends mainly on which is best for your personal needs.
Before using any of the two, make sure to consult your doctor and take these medicines under his guidance.
FAQs
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References
- Are There Benefits to Taking Viagra Daily, healthline
- Viagra Goes Generic: 5 Interesting Facts About the “Little Blue Pill,” LiveScience
- Is chronic inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 5 cardioprotective and safe? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, BMC medicine
- Sildenafil in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, NLM
- Fildena vs. Viagra: Understanding The Key Differences, medzpills
- What Is Sildenafil? Side Effects, Usage, Dosage, & More, KHealth.
- Sildenafil interactions and drugs