ED Medication Choice Quiz
Viagra Professional is a well‑known prescription treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). This article breaks down what makes it different from other PDE5 inhibitors, how to pick the right pill, and what safety issues to watch.
TL;DR - Quick Takeaways
- Viagra Professional contains sildenafil 100mg; onset 30‑60min, effect up to 5hours.
- Vardenafil (Levitra) works a bit faster (15‑30min) but has similar duration.
- Tadalafil (Cialis) lasts up to 36hours, useful for “on‑the‑go” timing.
- Avanafil (Stendra) starts in 15min with fewer visual side effects.
- Generic sildenafil matches Viagra Professional’s profile at a lower cost.
What Is Viagra Professional?
Viagra Professional is a prescription medication that delivers 100mg of sildenafil citrate per tablet. It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998 and quickly set the standard for oral ED treatment.
Sildenafil belongs to the PDE5 inhibitors, a class that blocks the phosphodiesterase‑5 enzyme, allowing blood vessels in the penis to stay relaxed longer during sexual stimulation.
How Sildenafil Works
When a man is sexually aroused, nitric oxide releases cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP softens smooth muscle, increasing blood flow. PDE5 normally breaks down cGMP. By inhibiting PDE5, sildenafil keeps cGMP levels high, sustaining an erection.
This mechanism is shared across all major ED drugs, but each drug differs in how quickly it blocks PDE5, how long it stays active, and how it’s metabolized by the liver.
Key Attributes of Viagra Professional
- Typical dose: 50mg-100mg taken about an hour before activity.
- Onset of action: 30-60minutes.
- Duration: Up to 5hours of usable erection.
- Side‑effects: Headache, flushing, dyspepsia, visual tint.
- Contra‑indications: Use with nitrates, severe heart disease, or uncontrolled hypertension.
Alternative PDE5 Inhibitors
While Viagra Professional is the brand‑name flagship, several other drugs offer slightly different profiles. Below is a snapshot of the most common alternatives.
| Drug (Active Ingredient) | Typical Dose | Onset | Duration | FDA Approval Year | Common Side‑effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra Professional (Sildenafil) | 50‑100mg | 30‑60min | 4‑5hrs | 1998 | Headache, flushing, visual changes |
| Levitra (Vardenafil) | 10‑20mg | 15‑30min | 4‑5hrs | 2003 | Dizziness, nasal congestion |
| Cialis (Tadalafil) | 10‑20mg | 30‑45min | Up to 36hrs | 2003 | Back pain, muscle aches |
| Stendra (Avanafil) | 50‑200mg | 15min | 6‑12hrs | 2012 | Headache, rash |
| Generic Sildenafil | 50‑100mg | 30‑60min | 4‑5hrs | 1999 (post‑brand) | Similar to brand |
Choosing the Right Option for You
Decision‑making comes down to three practical factors:
- Timing needs. If spontaneity matters, avanafil or vardenafil’s faster onset may win.
- Duration preferences. Tadalafil’s 36‑hour window works for couples who want flexibility.
- Cost considerations. Generic sildenafil often costs a fraction of the brand.
Another hidden factor is Erectile dysfunction severity. Men with mild to moderate ED typically respond well to any PDE5 inhibitor, while severe cases sometimes need higher doses or combination therapy.
Safety, Interactions, and Contra‑indications
All PDE5 inhibitors share core safety warnings:
- Never combine with nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin). The combo can cause a dangerous blood‑pressure drop.
- Patients with recent heart attack, stroke, or uncontrolled arrhythmia should consult a cardiologist before use.
- Moderate alcohol is OK, but binge drinking may blunt effectiveness.
Specific nuances:
- Viagra Professional can affect colour perception; patients driving at night should test vision first.
- Avanafil tends to cause fewer visual disturbances, making it a good choice for people sensitive to colour changes.
- Tadalafil occasionally leads to back pain - a sign to lower the dose or switch.
Practical Tips for Getting the Best Result
- Take the pill on an empty stomach for faster absorption; fatty meals can delay onset by up to 2hours.
- Start with the lowest effective dose. Many men find 50mg of sildenafil sufficient.
- Keep a short diary of timing, dose, and side‑effects. Patterns help your doctor fine‑tune the regimen.
- Store tablets at room temperature, away from moisture.
Where to Go Next
After you’ve weighed onset, duration, cost, and safety, the next step is a brief tele‑health or in‑person consultation. Bring your symptom diary and a list of current medications - especially anything containing nitrates.
Remember, ED is often a signal from the body about cardiovascular health. A full check‑up can reveal underlying issues that need attention beyond medication.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does Viagra Professional start working?
Most men feel an effect within 30‑60minutes after swallowing the tablet, especially on an empty stomach. Peak effectiveness is usually around the one‑hour mark.
Is generic sildenafil as effective as the brand?
Yes. Generic sildenafil contains the same active ingredient, dose, and formulation as Viagra Professional. Clinical studies confirm comparable efficacy and safety, but the price is typically 60‑80% lower.
Can I take Viagra Professional with alcohol?
A small amount of alcohol (one‑two drinks) usually won’t interfere. Heavy drinking can reduce blood flow to the penis and delay the drug’s onset, so it’s best to keep alcohol moderate.
What makes tadalafil different from Viagra Professional?
Tadalafil’s biggest advantage is its long half‑life, giving a therapeutic window of up to 36hours. This lets men be spontaneous without timing a dose. However, the longer exposure can increase the chance of side‑effects like back pain.
Are there any foods to avoid when taking PDE5 inhibitors?
High‑fat meals can slow absorption of sildenafil and vardenafil, delaying the onset by up to two hours. Tadalafil and avanafil are less affected, but a light snack is still advisable for consistent results.
What should I do if I experience a painful erection lasting more than four hours?
Seek emergency medical care immediately. This condition, called priapism, can cause permanent damage if not treated promptly. Do not wait for the medication to wear off.
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