ED Medication Comparison Tool
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Full Comparison Table:
| Drug | Active Ingredient | Onset (min) | Duration (hrs) | Price (4-pack £) | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penegra | Sildenafil | 30-60 | 4-5 | 45-55 | Headache, flushing, visual changes |
| Viagra | Sildenafil | 30-60 | 4-5 | 50-60 | Headache, flushing, dyspepsia |
| Cialis | Tadalafil | 30-120 | Up to 36 | 55-65 | Muscle aches, back pain, headache |
| Levitra | Vardenafil | 15-30 | 4-5 | 48-58 | Dizziness, nasal congestion |
| Stendra | Avanafil | ≈15 | 4-6 | 60-70 | Headache, nausea |
| Generic Sildenafil | Sildenafil | 30-60 | 4-5 | 12-20 | Similar to Penegra |
Quick Take
- Penegra is a branded sildenafil tablet approved in the UK for erectile dysfunction.
- Its onset is 30-60 minutes, duration up to 5 hours, and typical dose 25‑100mg.
- Common alternatives include Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra and unbranded generic sildenafil.
- Cost, duration and side‑effect profile differ enough to matter for personal choice.
- Speak with a pharmacist or doctor to match the drug to your health profile and lifestyle.
When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction (ED), the market is crowded with brand‑name pills, generic versions and newer compounds. If you’ve heard the name Penegra and wonder how it stacks up, this guide walks you through the science, the pricing and the real‑world pros and cons of the most popular alternatives. By the end you’ll know exactly which option fits your needs.
What is Penegra?
Penegra is a prescription‑only tablet that contains sildenafil citrate, the same active ingredient found in Viagra. It was first registered in the UK in 2009 and is marketed by Tiger Pharmaceutical. The drug belongs to the phosphodiesterase‑type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor class, which relaxes smooth muscle in the penis to allow increased blood flow during sexual stimulation.
Typical dosing starts at 25mg, with the option to increase to 50mg or 100mg based on effectiveness and tolerability. Users usually take Penegra about an hour before intercourse, and the effect can last up to five hours, though individual response varies.
How Sildenafil Works
Sildenafil inhibits the enzyme PDE5, which normally breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in the corpus cavernosum. By blocking PDE5, sildenafil allows cGMP to accumulate, leading to smooth‑muscle relaxation and increased blood flow. The result is an erection that can be sustained with sexual arousal.
This mechanism is shared by several other ED drugs, but each varies in how quickly it acts, how long it lasts and which secondary enzymes it touches, influencing side‑effects and drug interactions.
Major Alternatives to Penegra
Below are the most commonly prescribed alternatives, each with its own brand identity and dosing nuances.
- Viagra the original brand‑name sildenafil tablet, launched in 1998
- Cialis contains tadalafil, offering a longer 36‑hour window
- Levitra uses vardenafil, known for a slightly quicker onset
- Stendra contains avanafil, marketed for a rapid 15‑minute effect
- Generic sildenafil unbranded versions of the same active ingredient as Penegra
Side‑Effect Profile Comparison
All PDE5 inhibitors share common side‑effects such as headache, flushing, nasal congestion and dyspepsia. However, the frequency and intensity can shift between drugs:
- Sildenafil (Penegra/Viagra) - headache (13%), flushing (10%), visual disturbances (2%).
- Tadalafil (Cialis) - muscle aches (7%), back pain (6%), headache (10%).
- Vardenafil (Levitra) - dizziness (5%), nasal congestion (8%).
- Avanafil (Stendra) - mild headache (4%), nausea (3%).
People with cardiovascular issues should discuss any PDE5 use with a clinician, as the drugs can interact with nitrates and certain antihypertensives.
Cost and Availability
Cost is often the deciding factor. Branded products carry a premium, while generic sildenafil offers the most affordable route.
In the UK, a 4‑pack of Penegra 50mg typically retails for £45‑£55, whereas generic sildenafil of the same strength can be found for £12‑£20. Cialis, being a longer‑acting brand, runs about £55‑£65 per 4‑pack, with a generic tadalafil version dropping to £15‑£25.
Side‑by‑Side Comparison Table
| Drug | Active Ingredient | Typical Dose (mg) | Onset | Duration | Average UK Price (4‑pack) | Common Side‑Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penegra | Sildenafil | 25‑100 | 30‑60min | 4‑5h | £45‑£55 | Headache, flushing, visual changes |
| Viagra | Sildenafil | 25‑100 | 30‑60min | 4‑5h | £50‑£60 | Headache, flushing, dyspepsia |
| Cialis | Tadalafil | 10‑20 | 30‑120min | Up to 36h | £55‑£65 | Muscle aches, back pain, headache |
| Levitra | Vardenafil | 10‑20 | 15‑30min | 4‑5h | £48‑£58 | Dizziness, nasal congestion |
| Stendra | Avanafil | 50‑200 | ≈15min | 4‑6h | £60‑£70 | Headache, nausea |
| Generic Sildenafil | Sildenafil | 25‑100 | 30‑60min | 4‑5h | £12‑£20 | Similar to Penegra |
Choosing the Right Option for You
Here’s a quick decision guide:
- If budget is the main concern, generic sildenafil gives you the same efficacy as Penegra at a fraction of the cost.
- If you want spontaneity without planning the timing, Cialis’s long window may be appealing.
- For a rapid onset (under 20minutes), Stendra or Levitra are worth a trial.
- If you’ve tried other PDE5 inhibitors and experienced visual disturbances, Penegra’s formulation (which includes specific excipients) might be slightly better tolerated, though evidence is limited.
- When you have cardiovascular disease or are on nitrate medication, avoid all PDE5 inhibitors and consult a cardiologist for alternatives.
Discuss any existing conditions, other prescriptions and lifestyle factors with a qualified pharmacist. They can help you navigate insurance coverage, potential drug‑drug interactions and the best dosing schedule.
Next Steps & Practical Tips
- Book a private consultation with your local pharmacy. Bring a list of current medications.
- Ask for a side‑by‑side price comparison; many pharmacies can order generic sildenafil and provide a pack‑size discount.
- Start with the lowest recommended dose (usually 25mg for Penegra) and increase only if needed.
- Track effectiveness and any side‑effects in a simple diary for at least two weeks.
- If the chosen drug isn’t delivering, revisit the pharmacist or GP to consider switching to another alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penegra the same as Viagra?
Both contain sildenafil citrate, but they are marketed under different brand names and may have slightly different inactive ingredients. Clinical efficacy is essentially the same.
Can I take Penegra with alcohol?
Moderate alcohol (one‑two drinks) usually doesn’t interfere, but excessive drinking can reduce blood flow to the penis and worsen side‑effects like dizziness.
How does Cialis differ from Penegra?
Cialis contains tadalafil, which lasts up to 36hours, while Penegra’s sildenafil works for about 5hours. The longer window makes Cialis popular for spontaneous activity, but it may cause more muscle‑pain side‑effects.
Is the generic version of sildenafil as safe as Penegra?
Yes. Generic sildenafil must meet the same regulatory standards for purity and dosage. The only differences are price and possibly the filler ingredients, which can affect tolerability for very sensitive users.
What should I do if I experience a painful erection?
Seek medical help immediately. A prolonged erection (over 4hours) is called priapism and can cause permanent damage if not treated promptly.
Courtney The Explorer
September 29, 2025 AT 23:56Patriotic men choose Penegra, because foreign brands can't match our standards!
Ashleigh Connell
October 4, 2025 AT 01:09I’ve tried a few of these pills and the price difference really matters for most of us.
The generic sildenafil feels just as effective as Penegra, but your wallet will thank you.
If you’re on a tight budget, start with the cheapest option and see how it goes.
Remember to talk to a pharmacist for the best advice.
Drew Burgy
October 8, 2025 AT 02:22Oh sure, because the only thing stopping you from a good night is the color of the tablet.
The science behind sildenafil is the same whether it’s branded or not, no conspiracy there.
If you think the side‑effects are a secret government plot, maybe stick to the basics.
But hey, enjoy the drama!
Jacob Hamblin
October 12, 2025 AT 03:36When you look at the table, the numbers speak for themselves.
Sildenafil, whether sold as Penegra or as a generic, peaks in the bloodstream within 30 minutes for most men.
The duration of about five hours is consistent across the board, so you can plan accordingly.
Cost is the real differentiator; a generic pack can be a fraction of the price.
Always check with your doctor if you have heart conditions before starting any PDE5 inhibitor.
Andrea Mathias
October 16, 2025 AT 04:49Don’t be fooled by the glossy packaging of Viagra or the hype around Cialis.
Penegra is just another re‑brand of the same old sildenafil, and it costs way more than it should.
If you’re looking for value, the generic version is the obvious choice.
The side‑effect profile doesn’t magically improve because of a fancy label.
Save your money and your sanity.
TRICIA TUCKER
October 20, 2025 AT 06:02Totally agree, Ashleigh! I’ve been ordering generic sildenafil online and it arrives fast, cheap, and works just fine.
If you ever feel unsure, a quick chat with the pharmacist clears up any doubts.
Dave Tu
October 24, 2025 AT 07:16From a pharmacoeconomic perspective, the utility of Penegra relative to its branded counterpart is negligible.
The active ingredient is identical, and the marginal increase in cost does not correspond to an increase in therapeutic efficacy.
Consequently, prescribing practices should favor the generic formulation to optimize resource allocation.
Moreover, the side‑effect incidence remains unchanged across formulations.
It would be prudent for clinicians to consider these factors when advising patients.