What Are the Different Brands of Sildenafil?

Table of Contents

• What is Sildenafil?
• The Different Brands of Sildenafil
• Viagra
• Viagra Connect
• Eropid
• Aronix
• Liberize
• Are All Brands of Sildenafil The Same?
• Which Brand Is Best for Sildenafil?

What is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil or generic Viagra, is a popular medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It is available on prescription and you can also buy it from online pharmacies. It comes mainly as standard tablets.

Sildenafil is part of a medication class called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It contains an active ingredient called sildenafil citrate. It blocks the action of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5), an enzyme in the body that regulates the amount of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP is responsible for relaxing the smooth muscle and blood vessels in the penis. By blocking PDE5, this causes cGMP levels to rise. As the blood vessels relax, it increases blood flow in the penis and results in an erection. [3] 

The Different Brands of Sildenafil

Sildenafil is sold in generic versions and under brand names. The different brands of Sildenafil include:

Viagra

When Sildenafil was first introduced to the market by Pfizer, it was sold under the brand name, Viagra. It is available on prescription from most pharmacies. Sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in Viagra. For erectile dysfunction, the starting dose is one 50 mg tablet once a day as needed, to be taken approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity. It also comes in 25 mg and 100 mg tablets. Similar to generic Sildenafil, the effects of Viagra can last for an average of 4 hours. Viagra has a high efficacy rate of over 80% in men. Today, it is known as the ‘blue pill’ or the ‘little blue pill’.

Viagra Connect

In 2017, Pfizer manufactured the first over-the-counter (OTC) oral treatment for erectile dysfunction under the brand name, Viagra Connect. An OTC alternative to prescription Viagra was created to provide an easy-access solution for men. By making Viagra available without a prescription, it also allowed men to effectively treat the condition without having to purchase counterfeit medications online.

Viagra Connect is available over the counter in 50mg tablets at most pharmacies. The usual dosage is one tablet taken 1 hour before sexual activity. Like prescription Viagra, it also contains sildenafil citrate and the effects can last up to 4 hours. [4].

Eropid

As erectile dysfunction awareness grew, more men started to seek OTC treatments and so other brands entered the market. Eropid is another OTC version of Sildenafil, manufactured by Somex Pharma. [5]

It is known for being a cost-effective version of Viagra Connect but works in the same way. Like Viagra Connect, it contains sildenafil citrate as the active ingredient and comes in 50mg tablets. The recommended dosage for erectile dysfunction is one Eropid tablet to be taken 1 hour before sexual activity on an empty stomach. The effects of Eropid can also last for up to 4 hours.

Aronix

Aronix is a third OTC version of Sildenafil. It belongs to Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, a leading multinational pharmaceutical company. Each packet of Aronix comes with 4 or 8 film-coated tablets, containing 50 mg of sildenafil citrate. Each tablet is round and blue-coloured with the letters 'SC' on one side and the number '50' on the other side. Similar to other OTC versions, one tablet is to be taken orally as needed, around 1 hour before sexual activity. It can take between 30 minutes and 60 minutes for the effects to start. [6]

Liberize

Liberize is a fourth OTC version of Sildenafil, manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals. It comes in the form of white, oval-shaped and film-coated 50mg sildenafil citrate tablets with ‘S50’ on one side. Liberize is available in blister packs of 4 or 8 tablets. To treat erectile dysfunction, one Liberize tablet should be taken with water as needed, approximately one hour before engaging in sexual activity. [7]

Are All Brands of Sildenafil The Same?

Technically, not all brands of Sildenafil are the same. Each brand has a different manufacturer, packaging, pill appearance, quantity, cost and formulation. Inactive ingredients can also differ between brands. For instance, prescription Viagra contains hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171) and lactose monohydrate, whereas Eropid contains colloidal silicon, cellulose powder and calcium phosphate.

However, each brand of Sildenafil does have similarities. First, all brands are suitable for males over 18 years old with erectile dysfunction. Secondly, they are classified as PDE5 inhibitors as they all contain sildenafil citrate as the active ingredient. Thirdly, they all work in the same way by improving blood flow to the penis, allowing male users to achieve and maintain an erection. In addition, sexual arousal or stimulation is required for any brand or version of Sildenafil to work.

Which Brand Is Best for Sildenafil?

There is no simple answer as to which brand of Sildenafil is the best for treating erectile dysfunction in men. Generic Viagra and Viagra have been on the market longer than new OTC versions, meaning they are widely studied and more research is available on them. In saying that, not one brand of Sildenafil works for everyone, men may have to try different brands or strengths to achieve the desired effect. 

The best brand of Sildenafil is the one that works for you. Personal preferences and costs come to mind when deciding between brands of Sildenafil. Some may stick with a leading trustworthy brand like Viagra or Viagra Connect, while others choose the cheapest option like Eropid, Aronix or Liberize. Whatever brand of Sildenafil you decide to take, make sure to read the product information leaflet beforehand and consult with your doctor if you have any concerns. 

Sources 

1. Gurtner K, Saltzman A, Hebert K, Laborde E. (2017). Erectile Dysfunction: A Review of Historical Treatments With a Focus on the Development of the Inflatable Penile Prosthesis. Retrieved 24th September 2024, from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5675239/
2. Huang SA, Lie JD. (2013). Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors In the Management of Erectile Dysfunction. Retrieved 23rd September 2024, from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3776492/
3. Jackson G, Gillies H, Osterloh I. (2005). Past, present, and future: a 7-year update of Viagra (sildenafil citrate). Retrieved 24th September 2024, from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15924597/
4. Viagra Connect. (2023). Frequently asked questions about Viagra Connect. Retrieved 20th September 2024, from: https://www.viagraconnect.co.uk/en-gb/using-viagra-connect/viagra-connect-faq
5. Somex Pharma. (n.d). What is Eropid? Retrieved 24th September 2024, from: https://www.somexpharma.co.uk/eropid
6. Aronix. (2023). Aronix. Retrieved 24th September 2024, from: https://www.aronix.co.uk/aronix
7. EMC. (2023). Liberize 50 mg Film-coated Tablets. Retrieved 24th September 2024, from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14834/smpc

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.