What is Teva Sildenafil?

Viagra is so well-known that its brand name has become almost a universal term for ED treatment — similar to how the name Ziploc is frequently used to refer to any type of plastic bag. The key component in Viagra is sildenafil, which is the ingredient responsible for its therapeutic effects.

Originally patented by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in 1996, Viagra has garnered immense popularity and has been a leading treatment for erectile dysfunction since its launch in 1998. Its effectiveness, combined with clever marketing, has made it a household name.

However, in 2013, Teva Pharmaceuticals entered the market with their own generic formulation of sildenafil. Following an extensive legal struggle and subsequent approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Pfizer ultimately reached an agreement with Teva, allowing Pfizer to delay the generic's introduction until 2017.

This article aims to provide you with essential information about Teva sildenafil: its mechanism of action, comparisons to Viagra, and important precautions to consider when using this medication.

Sildenafil functions as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. In simpler terms, this means it blocks the PDE5 enzyme that plays a role in certain muscle functions in your penis and heart.

How it works for ED

The PDE5 enzyme can constrict blood flow to blood vessels in the penis's spongy tissue known as corpus cavernosa. This tissue is crucial for achieving an erection during sexual arousal as it fills with blood.

Medications like Teva sildenafil work by inhibiting PDE5, thus preventing it from hindering blood flow into these tissues. This enables the penis to receive sufficient blood flow, facilitating an erection when one is sexually stimulated.

How it works for PAH

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) leads to inflammation of the smooth muscles in the lungs, causing constriction of certain arteries and thereby restricting blood flow.

PDE5 inhibitors such as Teva sildenafil help to dilate these lung arteries, which in turn helps reduce pulmonary blood pressure and improve oxygenation.

Dosage forms

Your healthcare provider can prescribe Teva sildenafil, which is available in various tablet strengths:

Additionally, it can also be prescribed as an oral suspension (liquid form) or administered via injection by a medical professional.

Teva sildenafil is primarily prescribed for men experiencing difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection during sexual activity. This medication is comparable to Viagra in its efficacy, working through the inhibition of PDE5, which may lead to difficulties with erections or premature loss of erections.

One of the notable advantages of Teva sildenafil over Viagra is its cost-effectiveness. As a generic drug, it typically comes at a lower price point, making it accessible for those grappling with erectile dysfunction who find the brand-name Viagra to be financially prohibitive.

While most individuals use Teva sildenafil for treating ED, it also holds an FDA-approved indication for managing pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) as well.

Your doctor may prescribe it for PAH even if you are not exhibiting symptoms of erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, studies indicate that Teva sildenafil may be beneficial for both men and women dealing with PAH, enhancing oxygen transport in the body.

For optimal effectiveness, Teva sildenafil should be taken approximately one hour prior to sexual activity. It is essential to note that sexual arousal is necessary for the medication to facilitate an erection and maintain it effectively. Generally, Teva sildenafil begins to take effect within 30 to 60 minutes of consumption.

It’s worth mentioning that food intake can delay the medication's effectiveness, especially if you eat a substantial meal close to the time of taking the drug. This occurs because the presence of food competes for absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, which may subsequently impact how quickly the sildenafil enters your circulation.

Potential users should be aware: there is fundamentally no distinction between the effects of Viagra and Teva sildenafil.

To clarify, Viagra is marketed under the name sildenafil citrate, while Teva’s formulation simply represents a generic version of the same active ingredient. The primary differentiation lies in the branding, and consequently, Viagra is often accompanied by higher costs due to extensive marketing expenses.

Medically, the nuances between Teva sildenafil and Viagra mostly pertain to their approved uses. Both are indicated for treating erectile dysfunction; however, sildenafil has broader implications, including the treatment of PAH, while Viagra is exclusively approved for ED.

Teva sildenafil pills are white, not blue

Visually, there is also a distinct variance between the two medications. Viagra has gained the reputation of being the “little blue pill,” whereas Teva sildenafil tablets are off-white or white, distinguishing them further in pharmacies.

Prior to commencing Teva sildenafil, consulting your healthcare provider is crucial. They will assess whether you are a suitable candidate for the medication, determine the appropriate dosage for your needs, and offer guidance on how to incorporate it effectively into your daily routine.

Furthermore, considering the pros and cons of this medication is essential, leading us to summarize the key points below.

Teva sildenafil typically lasts around 2 to 3 hours before the effects begin to diminish. However, it may enable maintainable erections for up to 5 hours (or even 18 hours), contingent upon the dosage taken.

Several variables can influence the duration of effectiveness, including:

While severe adverse effects are rare with Teva sildenafil, it may have adverse interactions with other medications and substances. Be on the lookout for some of the more typical contraindications, including:

When starting any new medication, it’s vital to disclose all current prescriptions and supplements to your healthcare provider. This will allow them to appropriately adjust dosages or monitor potential interactions with Teva sildenafil.

Possible side effects and risks associated with Teva sildenafil and similar medications can include:

If you experience any of the following unusual or rare side effects while taking Teva sildenafil, you should reach out to a healthcare professional immediately:

Is Teva sildenafil the same as Viagra?

In short, yes. Teva sildenafil and Viagra are almost identical in nature, sharing the same active ingredient — sildenafil citrate. Viagra, as a brand-name medication, is produced and marketed by Pfizer, while Teva sildenafil is the generic alternative created by Teva Pharmaceuticals.

What does Teva sildenafil do?

Teva sildenafil serves to enhance blood flow and inhibit the PDE5 enzyme, commonly associated with erectile dysfunction. Countless individuals have reported improvement in their ED symptoms while using Teva sildenafil. Moreover, the medication has been validated as a treatment option for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Is it OK to take 100 mg of Teva sildenafil?

The standard dosage for Teva sildenafil is 50 mg. If you find that your symptoms aren’t improving sufficiently with that amount, consult your healthcare provider about possibly increasing the dosage. A maximum dose of 100 mg can be prescribed, but it’s essential not to exceed that limit.

It is crucial that you do not alter your dosage without consulting a healthcare professional first.

How much Teva sildenafil is too much?

The upper limit for taking Teva sildenafil is 100 mg per day, and exceeding this dosage can result in significant side effects such as:

This further highlights the importance of discussing all medications and supplements with your doctor to avoid inadvertently exceeding the safe dosage of 100 mg within a 24-hour timeframe.

Teva sildenafil is recognized as a generic counterpart to the well-known Viagra medication.

With proven efficacy in treating erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension, Teva sildenafil presents a viable alternative for many. Nonetheless, it remains essential to consult a healthcare professional prior to starting any new medication regimen.

Correct administration is vital for achieving the desired effects, and it is imperative to understand potential side effects or interactions that could pose risks to your health.