ED Medication Selector
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Medication Comparison
Key differences between common ED medications
| Medication | Duration | Onset | Price | Regulatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fildena | 4-6 hrs | 30-60 min | £0.30-£0.45 | Not FDA-approved |
| Generic Sildenafil | 4-5 hrs | 30-60 min | £0.35-£0.60 | Regulated in EU |
| Cialis | Up to 36 hrs | 15-30 min | £1.40-£2.00 | FDA-approved |
| Stendra | 4-6 hrs | 10-15 min | £1.30-£2.10 | FDA-approved (2020) |
When you need a reliable solution for erectile dysfunction (ED), the market is packed with pills that promise quick results. Fildena is a tablet that contains 100 mg of sildenafil citrate, marketed as a cheaper generic alternative to the brand‑name Viagra. But is it really the best pick, or do other options give you more bang for your buck?
What is Fildena?
Fildena is a sildenafil‑based medication sold online in many countries as a low‑cost ED treatment. It uses the same active ingredient as the well‑known brand, so the physiological effect is identical: it blocks the phosphodiesterase‑5 (PDE5) enzyme, allowing more blood to flow into the penis during sexual stimulation.
How does sildenafil work?
Sildenafil is a selective PDE5 inhibitor that relaxes smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum. By preventing the breakdown of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), it maintains the erection‑supporting signal that sexual arousal triggers. The result is an erection that can last anywhere from a couple of hours to six, depending on dose and individual response.
Popular alternatives to Fildena
- Viagra is the original brand‑name product that introduced sildenafil to the market in 1998. It’s FDA‑approved, widely prescribed, and typically costs more than generic versions.
- Generic Sildenafil refers to any non‑branded tablet containing the same 50 mg or 100 mg dose of sildenafil. Prices vary by manufacturer, but the efficacy mirrors the brand.
- Cialis contains tadalafil, a longer‑acting PDE5 inhibitor that can last up to 36 hours. It’s favoured by men who prefer spontaneity over timing a pill.
- Levitra offers vardenafil, a sildenafil‑like drug with a slightly faster onset (about 15‑30 minutes).
- Stendra is the newest entrant, delivering avanafil, which can work in as little as 10 minutes.
- Natural supplements (e.g., L‑arginine, ginseng) claim to improve blood flow without prescription, but clinical evidence is mixed.
Side‑by‑side comparison
| Medication | Typical Dose | Onset | Duration | Average UK Price (per tablet) | Regulatory Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fildena | 100 mg | 30‑60 min | 4‑6 hrs | £0.30‑£0.45 | Not FDA‑approved, sold under local regulations |
| Viagra (brand) | 50‑100 mg | 30‑60 min | 4‑5 hrs | £1.20‑£1.80 | FDA‑approved, widely prescribed |
| Generic Sildenafil | 50‑100 mg | 30‑60 min | 4‑5 hrs | £0.35‑£0.60 | Regulated in most EU countries |
| Cialis | 10‑20 mg | 15‑30 min | Up to 36 hrs | £1.40‑£2.00 | FDA‑approved |
| Levitra | 10‑20 mg | 15‑30 min | 4‑5 hrs | £1.10‑£1.70 | FDA‑approved |
| Stendra | 20‑100 mg | 10‑15 min | 4‑6 hrs | £1.30‑£2.10 | FDA‑approved (2020) |
Pros and cons of each option
- Fildena
- Pros: very low price, same active ingredient as Viagra, easy to buy online.
- Cons: not FDA‑approved, quality control can vary by supplier, limited clinical data outside the brand name.
- Viagra
- Pros: trusted brand, strict manufacturing standards, widely covered by insurance.
- Cons: higher cost, prescription required in many regions.
- Generic Sildenafil
- Pros: same efficacy as Viagra at a fraction of the price, many reputable manufacturers.
- Cons: still requires a prescription in most EU countries, price can vary.
- Cialis
- Pros: long window of effectiveness, can be taken less precisely.
- Cons: more expensive, may cause lingering headache for some users.
- Levitra
- Pros: fast onset, works well for men who find Viagra less effective.
- Cons: similar price to Viagra, may cause visual disturbances.
- Stendra
- Pros: quickest onset on the market, lower dose needed for some men.
- Cons: newest drug, long‑term safety data still being compiled, price is premium.
How to pick the right ED medication
- Assess your budget. If cost is the main driver, Fildena or generic sildenafil give the most savings.
- Consider timing flexibility. If you dislike planning the exact moment, Cialis’ 36‑hour window may be worth the extra spend.
- Check health conditions. Men on nitrates or with severe heart disease should avoid all PDE5 inhibitors; consult a doctor first.
- Review side‑effect tolerance. Visual changes point to sildenafil‑type drugs, while headaches are common with tadalafil.
- Look at regulatory status. For peace of mind, FDA‑approved or EMA‑approved products like Viagra or generic sildenafil offer proven manufacturing standards.
By mapping your priorities against the table above, you can zero in on the medication that balances price, convenience, and safety for you.
Safety, interactions, and common concerns
All PDE5 inhibitors share a core set of warnings:
- Do not combine with nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) - the combo can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
- Alcohol in large amounts may reduce effectiveness and increase side‑effects like dizziness.
- Men with uncontrolled hypertension, recent stroke, or severe heart failure should seek medical advice before using any of these pills.
- Common side effects (headache, flushing, nasal congestion) usually fade after a few days.
Fildena, being a generic, adheres to the same safety profile as sildenafil. The key difference lies in the manufacturing oversight. Purchasing from reputable pharmacies that require a prescription reduces the risk of counterfeit batches.
Bottom line
If you want a proven molecule at the lowest possible price and you can verify the seller’s credibility, Fildena is a solid pick. If you need more regulatory assurance, prefer a longer window, or have specific side‑effect sensitivities, alternatives like Cialis or Stendra might serve you better. Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
Is Fildena legally sold in the UK?
Fildena is not licensed by the MHRA, so it can only be purchased from overseas online pharmacies. Buyers should verify the seller’s reputation and ensure the product is genuine.
How does the cost of Fildena compare to generic sildenafil?
Both contain the same active ingredient, but Fildena often undercuts generic brands by 10‑20 %, especially when bought in bulk.
Can I take Fildena with alcohol?
A moderate drink won’t cancel the effect, but heavy alcohol can delay onset and increase flushing. Keep it light.
What’s the fastest‑acting ED pill?
Stendra (avanafil) can work in as little as 10 minutes, making it the quickest approved option on the market.
Are there any natural alternatives that work?
Supplements like L‑arginine or Korean red ginseng may help some men, but the evidence isn’t as strong as for prescription PDE5 inhibitors.
