Sildenafil vs Eropid - Which is Best?

Table of Contents

• What is Sildenafil?
• What is Eropid?
• Do Sildenafil and Eropid have similar side effects?
• Which is More Expensive?
• Is Sildenafil more effective than Eropid?
• Can I take Sildenafil and Eropid together?

What is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil falls under a medication class called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors and contains an active ingredient called sildenafil citrate. It works by blocking the action of the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) enzyme. This increases the amount of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the body. cGMP is a chemical that relaxes the smooth muscle and blood vessels in the penis. Increased levels of cGMP improve blood flow to the penis and result in an erection.

Sildenafil was manufactured by Pfizer and approved for medical use in 1998. It is sold as generic or branded versions. A prescription from a GP is required to take Sildenafil or it can be purchased at a pharmacy following a discussion with a pharmacist. Sildenafil tablets come in different strengths including 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. The starting dosage for erectile dysfunction is one Sildenafil 50 mg tablet as needed, taken approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. [2]

What is Eropid?

Eropid is a branded version of Sildenafil. Until 2018, Sildenafil was only available through a prescription. This newer version is available over the counter at pharmacies without a prescription. [3] 

Eropid also contains Sildenafil citrate as the active ingredient, but it only comes in 50 mg tablets. To improve erection dysfunction, it is recommended to take one Eropid 50 mg tablet as needed on an empty stomach, approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. Taking food with Eropid may slow down the drug’s effect.

Do Sildenafil and Eropid Have Similar Side Effects?

Sildenafil and Eropid contain sildenafil citrate so they have similar side effects, although not every user will be affected by them. 

Side Effects of Sildenafil and Eropid:

• Headaches (read more about viagra headaches)
• Nausea
• Facial flushing
• Indigestion
• Stuffy nose
• Dizziness 
• Visual disturbances or blurred vision
• Vomiting
• Skin rash
• Heart palpitations
• High or low blood pressure
• Muscle aches
• Drowsiness
• Vertigo
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Numbness or tingling of the hands, legs or feet

Side effects can vary, please read the product information leaflet to see a full list. If serious effects such as swelling of the lips, mouth or throat, difficulty breathing, chest pain, painful erections, or prolonged erections that last more than 4 hours occur, stop medication and seek medical help immediately. It is possible that some users can have an allergic reaction to sildenafil citrate or other inactive ingredients found in Sildenafil or Eropid tablets.

Which One is More Expensive?

The cost can vary between Sildenafil and Eropid, depending on the manufacturer, strength, quantity and pharmacy. 

As of September 2024, leading online pharmacies charge from £5 to £16 for a 4-tablet box of Sildenafil 25 mg. At Chemist Click, a 4-tablet box of Sildenafil 25 mg is £5.89. For the starting dose, the average cost is £13 to £28 for an 8-tablet box of Sildenafil 50 mg. At Chemist Click, an 8-tablet box of Sildenafil 50 mg is £13.89.

As of September 2024, leading online pharmacies charge £9 to £13.50 for a 4-tablet box of Eropid 50 mg and £14 to £24 for an 8-tablet box. At Chemist Click, a 4-tablet box of Eropid 50 mg costs £13.49 and an 8-tablet box of Eropid 50 mg costs £23.99. 

Typically, branded medication is more expensive than generic or non-branded versions. In this case, Eropid is slightly more expensive than Sildenafil.

Is Sildenafil More Effective Than Eropid?

Sildenafil or Eropid does not increase libido, sexual stimulation or arousal is needed for either medication to work successfully. It can take 30 to 60 minutes for Sildenafil or Eropid to kick in and the effects last for an average of 4 hours.

There is not enough research to show the efficacy of Eropid yet. On the other hand, Sildenafil is widely studied as it has been on the market longer than Eropid. One study evaluated the efficacy of Sildenafil. 225 men with erectile dysfunction were treated with Sildenafil 100 mg or a placebo for 32 weeks. The study found that 69% of all attempts at sexual intercourse were successful for the men receiving Sildenafil, compared to 22% for those receiving a placebo. [4] 

Can I Take Sildenafil and Eropid Together?

As Sildenafil and Eropid tablets contain Sildenafil citrate, they cannot be taken together. One tablet of Sildenafil or Eropid should be taken each day. Taking more than one tablet will result in an increased risk of side effects and complications such as painful or prolonged erections.

If you are unsure whether to take Sildenafil or Eropid, it can vary from person to person. If you’re looking for a cost-effective and easily accessible option, Eropid is available over the counter at pharmacies. Meanwhile, if you haven’t taken medication for erectile dysfunction before, you may feel more reassured by visiting your doctor and getting Sildenafil prescribed to you.

Sources

1. Cleveland Clinic (2023). Erectile Dysfunction. Retrieved 27th September, from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10035-erectile-dysfunction
2. NHS (2022). Sildenafil (Viagra). Retrieved 27th September 2024, from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/
3. Somex Pharma. (n.d.). What is Eropid? Retrieved 27th September 2024, from: https://www.somexpharma.co.uk/eropid
4. Goldstein I, Lue TF, Padma-Nathan H, Rosen RC, Steers WD, Wicker PA. (1998). Oral sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil Study Group. Retrieved 27th September 2024, from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9580646/

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.