Reviewed by David Saiz, PharmD, October 10, 2023
Active Ingredient Mechanism of Action Drug Interactions Side Effects
Active Ingredient
Generic Viagra usually include several components – sildenafil citrate and inactive ingredients that support and promote the action of the primary drug:
Sildenafil citrate is an active compound of generic Viagra that plays a key role in mitigating bothersome symptoms of male erectile dysfunction. It works by inhibiting the activity of the PDE5 enzyme and thus promoting increased blood flow to the penis, enabling robust erections.
In addition to sildenafil citrate, Viagra contains various inactive ingredients to help the drug’s formation, stability, and absorption. Depending on the medication’s form, these may include microcrystalline cellulose, calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, lactose, etc. Most individuals generally tolerate these ingredients well, and allergic reactions are rare.
Mechanism of Action of Generic Viagra
Like its brand-name counterpart, generic Viagra contains sildenafil citrate as its active ingredient. This compound is in the class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. They work by regulating blood flow in the penile area and suppressing the erectile-disruptive effects of PDE5 enzymes.
During sexual arousal, the body releases a chemical messenger called nitric oxide (NO) to send a signal to the blood vessels in the penis, telling them to relax and let more blood flow into the penile tissues, which ultimately causes an erection to happen. In men with ED, an enzyme called PDE5 prematurely breaks down nitric oxide, thus disrupting the erection process. Generic Viagra temporarily blocks PDE5, allowing NO to work effectively and maintain an erection.
It is important to point out that neither generic Viagra nor other brand-name or generic PDE5 medications can help produce or keep an erection by themselves. Men taking ED medicines need to be sexually aroused and possibly receive additional sexual stimulation for the effects of the drug to kick in.
Which Drugs Should Not Be Mixed with Generic Viagra?
Sildenafil citrate in generic Viagra can interact in an unsafe manner with active ingredients found in a number of other prescription and over-the-counter medications, sometimes causing adverse effects or simply nulling each other’s action. Some examples of drugs that may interact with generic Viagra include nitrates used for chest pain, alpha-blockers for treating high BP or prostate conditions, CYP3A4 inhibitors, GC stimulators, other ED drugs, as well as certain antibiotics and antifungals.
Patients must always keep their prescribing physician informed about which prescription medications, OTC solutions, herbal products, and dietary supplements they are taking to avoid potentially dangerous drug interactions or compromised treatment outcomes.
Possible Common and Rare Side Effects of Generic Viagra
Common side effects associated with the use of generic Viagra include headaches, facial flushing, indigestion, nasal stuffiness, dizziness, nausea, pain in the lower back, muscle aches, skin rash, and changes in color vision. These symptoms are not dangerous and tend to disappear with time, soon after the person stops taking the drug, and its effects wear off.
Among the more serious but rare side effects of generic Viagra that require the patient to seek immediate medical attention are cardiovascular problems (chest pain, irregular heartbeat, heart attack), a sudden drop in blood pressure accompanied by severe dizziness and fainting, sudden loss of vision or hearing, priapism (prolonged or painful erections), and allergic reactions.
USAGE GUIDELINES FOR THIS INFORMATION
Please keep in mind that this is not the full description of the product, so some of the minor details could have been left out. Even though we try to provide you with accurate information, we cannot guarantee that this product will be suitable for you. Under no circumstances should this information be used instead of professional medical consultation. Speaking to your doctor is vital for getting an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.