Suhagra (sildenafil) is a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (commonly called a PDE5 inhibitor) used to temporarily correct erectile dysfunction (ED) in men.

The medication is a vasodilator, which improves blood flow to the penis and other areas in the body. Improving blood flow is an effective treatment for the majority of ED, though it may not work when a physical obstruction or physical damage is causing the condition.

The active ingredient in Suhagra, sildenafil, is the same as that found in Viagra. As a generic equivalent to Viagra, Suhagra is much less costly than the brand-name version. Otherwise the two products are largely the same:

• Both products contain the active ingredient sildenafil.
• Both products produce the same benefits and same side effects.
• Viagra is available in broader range of dosage strengths.
• Suhagra is considerably less expensive than Viagra.
• Viagra is manufactured by Pfizer.
• Suhagra is manufactured by Cipla.

As is the case with all sildenafil products, Suhagra should not be taken by young men under 18 years of age or women of any age.

Using Suhagra

Men familiar with Viagra will quickly recognize the similarities with Suhagra. Suhagra comes in tablets, which should be taken about 30 minutes prior to intimacy, with or without food as desired. Effects last 4 to 6 hours. Stimulation is required for an erection to form. Only one dose should be taken in a 24 hour period.

In other words:

• Take one tablet 30 minutes prior to intimacy.
• Do not exceed 100 mg in 24 hours.

One drawback to Suhagra versus Viagra is dosage strength; Suhagra may not be the best choice for men who haven't used sildenafil products before. Men are typically started on 50 mg sildenafil, which is then increased if needed or reduced if side effects are experienced. Suhagra is available only in 100 mg doses, which are a bit high. While many men do end up taking 100 mg doses, starting that high is not wise for the very elderly or men who have certain other medical conditions.

Men who haven't used sildenafil before should also be aware that, for unknown reasons, the medication doesn't always work well the first few times it's taken. Give it a few tries, assuming no side effects, before deciding it's useless.

Other ED Options

Suhagra is just one of many Viagra alternatives, and there are also similar treatments in other formulations as well as other ED treatments that don't rely on sildenafil. Some of the more popular options include:

• Viagra Oral Jelly, which contains sildenafil but comes in a fast-acting jelly formula. Effects are felt in about 15 minutes and last 3 or 4 hours.
• Tadalafil, better known as Cialis, is also a PDE5 inhibitor available in tablets, which work in about 30 minutes, or a jelly, which works in about 15 minutes. Effects last an impressive 24 to 36 hours.
• Vardenafil, better known as Levitra, is still another PDE5 inhibitor. Available in tablets, it starts working in about 30 minutes and effects last 4 or 5 hours.
• Alprostadil, better known as Vitaros, is a prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), so not a PDE5 inhibitor. It can be applied to the penis as a cream, a penile suppository, or by injection. It begins working in about 5 minutes and effects last 1 or 2 hours.

There are numerous other ED treatments available, many of which are sold at Kiwi Drug. Patients are welcome to contact us for help finding a suitable product.

Warnings & Side Effects

Men with a history of the following should be sure to discuss risks and warning signs with a doctor before taking Suhagra:

• Significantly low or high blood pressure
• Heart, liver or kidney problems
• Any blood cell or bleeding disorder
• Any vision or hearing disorders
• Penile implants or physical abnormalities

Similarly, if taking certain other medications, discuss risks with a doctor:

• Other ED treatments
• Nitrates
• Protease inhibitors
• Alpha-blockers
• High blood pressure treatments
• Antibiotics
• Antifungal medications
• Guanylate cyclase stimulators

While the above are medications of greatest concern, to be on the safe side double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medication along with Suhagra, including over-the-counter varieties.