Sildenafil and Viagra are medically identical, and as such are considered equally effective. It is a requirement that the same levels of the active ingredient (bioequivalence) are contained within the generic version as the branded version.
Both Sildenafil and Viagra are used widely to treat ED. Sildenafil was created by British scientists Peter Dunn, Nicholas Terrett and Albert Wood. It began as a heart medication, but after being proven effective in treating ED, it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States as a treatment for the condition in 1998.
The choice between the generic form of the drug, Sildenafil, and the branded version, Viagra, became available in July 2013 when Pfizer lost its UK patent. Since then, the cheaper price point of Sildenafil has led to the greater accessibility of the treatment to more patients.
While there is no medical difference between Sildenafil and Viagra, patients may have a preference for the shape and texture of the pills themselves. The blue diamond design is a feature which has made the Viagra brand recognisable across the world. Sildenafil is typically sold in white or blue pills, and characteristics can vary according to the brand. Some tablets are scored for simple vision, and others are unscored. Some are given smooth finishes while others are more 'chalky'.
The reason for the difference in appearance is due to the bulking agents or fillers of each brand of Sildenafil. There is only a very small amount of active ingredient, Sildenafil, in each tablet and to make the size more manageable for a patient, it is made bigger by the addition of these fillers. Patients can always check the Product Information Leaflet, PIL, supplied with each product for all ingredients, both active and inactive. This is especially important if you are intolerant or allergic to lactose which is very commonly used as a filler. Our Mylan brand of Sildenafil tablets at Webmed Pharmacy are lactose free.
Viagra contains lactose.
In terms of dosage, both Sildenafil and Viagra are available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets.