Sildenafil vs Liberize - Which is Best?

Table of Contents

• What is Sildenafil?
• What is Liberize?
• Does Liberize have fewer side effects than Sildenafil?
• Which medication is more expensive?
• Which is more effective for erectile dysfunction?
• Should I take Sildenafil or Liberize?

What is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil, sold under the brand name ‘Viagra’, is classified as a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor and contains sildenafil citrate as the active ingredient. It works by blocking the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) enzyme, which in turn, increases cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels in the body. cGMP helps to relax the smooth muscle and widen blood vessels in the penis, improving blood flow and causing an erection. 

You need a prescription from a doctor to get Sildenafil or you can purchase it through an online pharmacy following a consultation with a pharmacist. Sildenafil tablets vary in strength: 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. For erectile dysfunction, one Sildenafil 50 mg tablet is to be taken approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. [2]

What is Liberize?

Liberize is a branded version of Sildenafil, manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals. It is available over the counter in pharmacies. Like Sildenafil, it contains Sildenafil citrate as the active ingredient. It is only available in 50 mg tablets. Liberize appears as white, oval-shaped and film-coated tablets with ‘S50’ on one side. It comes in blister packs of 4 or 8 tablets. To improve erectile dysfunction, one Liberize 50mg tablet should be taken with water as needed, approximately 1 hour before engaging in sexual activity. [3] 

Does Liberize Have Fewer Side Effects than Sildenafil?

As Sildenafil and Liberize contain the same active ingredient, they have similar potential side effects. It is important to note that not every user will experience side effects.

Side Effects of Sildenafil and Liberize:

• Headaches (read more about viagra headaches)
• Nausea
• Facial flushing
• Indigestion
• Nasal congestion
• Dizziness 
• Visual disturbances
• Vomiting
• Skin rash
• Eye irritation 
• 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

If you notice any concerning side effects while taking either medication, talk to your doctor. To see a full list of side effects, carefully read the product information leaflet.

If you or another user experiences chest pain, painful erections, erections that last more than 4 hours, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, discontinue the medication immediately and seek medical attention. These side effects indicate that the user has an allergic reaction to Sildenafil or Liberize.

Which Medication is More Expensive?

In general, branded medication tends to be more expensive than non-branded. However, the cost can vary between Sildenafil and Liberize depending on the manufacturer, dosage, strength and pharmacy. 

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

As of September 2024, online leading UK pharmacies charge an average of £14.99 for a 4-tablet box of Liberize 50 mg and an average of £26.99 for an 8-tablet box. 

Which is More Effective for Treating Erectile Dysfunction?

Both Sildenafil and Liberize are effective medications for treating erectile dysfunction. Once either medication is taken, it can start to work in 30 to 60 minutes with sexual arousal or stimulation. In some cases, medication may not work the first or second time and require several attempts before achieving the desired effect. Sildenafil usually lasts for an average of 4 hours and Liberize can last for up to 4 hours before its effects start to wear off.

There is limited research on the efficacy of Liberize. Meanwhile, Sildenafil has been on the market for longer and its efficacy is widely studied. One study investigated the efficacy of Sildenafil at 12 hours post-dose among 34 patients with erectile dysfunction. The study found that 97% and 74% of patients achieved erections that resulted in successful intercourse at 1 hour and 12 hours after taking the medication. [4]

Should I Take Sildenafil or Liberize?

If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction frequently, Sildenafil is often prescribed by doctors as the first-line treatment. Despite this, Sildenafil and Liberize are very similar in terms of active ingredient, dosage and onset of action. If you’re looking for something that is easily accessible, Liberize is available over the counter. If you are looking for a trustworthy and widely studied option, then Sildenafil is the better option for you. Any concerns about taking Sildenafil or Liberize should be discussed with your doctor first.

Sources

1. NHS Inform. (2023). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). Retrieved 26th September 2024, from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/sexual-and-reproductive/erectile-dysfunction-impotence/
2. NHS (2022). Sildenafil (Viagra). Retrieved 26th September 2024, from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/
3. EMC. (2023). Liberize 50 mg Film-coated Tablets. Retrieved 24th September 2024, from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14834/smpc
4. Moncada, Ignacio. (2004). Efficacy of Sildenafil Citrate at 12 Hours after Dosing: Re-exploring the Therapeutic Window. Retrieved 26th September 2024, from: https://www.europeanurology.com/article/S0302-2838(04)00236-2/abstract

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.