Key Takeaways
- Fildena is a branded generic sildenafil that offers fast onset at a lower price than many name‑brand pills.
- Viagra (sildenafil) and Fildena share the same active ingredient, but brand reputation and tablet coating differ.
- Cialis (tadalafil) lasts up to 36hours, making it the go‑to for spontaneous intimacy.
- Levitra (vardenafil) and Stendra (avanafil) provide quicker onset for men who dislike waiting.
- Choosing the right ED drug depends on how fast you need results, how long you want the effect, and your health profile.
What Is Fildena?
Fildena is a branded formulation of sildenafil citrate, the same compound found in Viagra. It comes in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets, priced between £0.30-£0.55 per pill in the UK market. The drug works by inhibiting the phosphodiesterase‑5 (PDE5) enzyme, which allows blood vessels in the penis to relax and fill with blood when sexual stimulation occurs.
Typical onset is 30-60minutes, with a therapeutic window of about 4-6hours. Because it’s a generic‑type product, manufacturers often use a simpler tablet coating, which can make the pill dissolve a bit faster for some users.
Side‑effects mirror those of other sildenafil products: headache, facial flushing, indigestion, and occasional visual changes. Men with severe heart disease, low blood pressure, or who take nitrates should avoid it.
Major Alternatives at a Glance
Below are the most widely prescribed PDE5 inhibitors that compete with Fildena. Each has its own pros and cons.
Viagra - The original brand name for sildenafil. Known for reliable performance, priced higher than generic options.
Cialis - Contains tadalafil, offering the longest duration (up to 36hours) and a daily low‑dose option.
Levitra - Uses vardenafil, slightly faster onset (about 15‑30minutes) and a thinner tablet that some find easier to swallow.
Stendra - Features avanafil, the quickest‑acting PDE5 inhibitor on the market (as fast as 10minutes) with a favorable side‑effect profile.
Generic sildenafil - Unbranded versions sold by various pharmacies. Cost‑effective, same dosage range as Fildena.
All five drugs belong to the broader class of PDE5 inhibitors, which act on the same biochemical pathway but differ in pharmacokinetics.
Head‑to‑Head Comparison
| Brand | Active Ingredient | Typical Dosage Forms | Onset | Duration | Half‑Life | Average Price per Pill* (£) | Common Side‑Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fildena | Sildenafil citrate | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg | 30‑60min | 4‑6hr | 4hr | 0.30‑0.55 | Headache, flushing, dyspepsia |
| Viagra | Sildenafil citrate | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg | 30‑60min | 4‑6hr | 4hr | 1.20‑1.80 | Headache, nasal congestion |
| Cialis | Tadalafil | 5mg (daily), 10mg, 20mg | 30‑120min | Up to 36hr | 17.5hr | 0.80‑1.20 | Back pain, muscle aches |
| Levitra | Vardenafil | 5mg, 10mg, 20mg | 15‑30min | 4‑5hr | 4‑5hr | 0.90‑1.40 | Flushing, dizziness |
| Stendra | Avanafil | 50mg, 100mg, 200mg | 10‑30min | 4‑6hr | 5hr | 1.10‑1.60 | Headache, nasal congestion |
| Generic sildenafil | Sildenafil citrate | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg | 30‑60min | 4‑6hr | 4hr | 0.20‑0.40 | Similar to Fildena |
*Prices are average UK online pharmacy rates as of October2025 and can vary with bulk purchases.
How to Pick the Right Option for You
Consider these real‑world scenarios and match them with the drug that fits best.
- Need speed? If you want results within 15minutes, Stendra or Levitra are the most reliable choices. Fildena can work, but you’ll usually wait at least half an hour.
- Want flexibility? Cialis shines when you’d like a “weekend‑ready” pill that stays effective for up to a day after taking it.
- Budget‑conscious? Fildena and generic sildenafil provide the same efficacy as Viagra at a fraction of the cost.
- History of heart issues? All PDE5 inhibitors share contraindications with nitrates, but tadalafil’s longer half‑life can be gentler on blood pressure fluctuations for some patients. Always discuss with a doctor.
- Food sensitivities? High‑fat meals can delay sildenafil’s absorption. Tadalafil and avanafil are less affected by meals, making them smoother for men who eat before intimacy.
When in doubt, start with the lowest effective dose (e.g., 25mg Fildena or 5mg Cialis) and assess how your body reacts before moving up.
Safety, Legal, and Purchasing Tips
All the drugs listed are prescription‑only in the UK and regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Buying from unverified online sources can expose you to counterfeit pills, which may contain harmful fillers or incorrect dosages.
Here’s a quick safety checklist:
- Obtain a valid prescription from a qualified GP or urologist.
- Use reputable online pharmacies that display a UK registration number and a clear privacy policy.
- Check the packaging for the MHRA logo, batch number, and expiry date.
- Be aware of drug interactions - especially nitrates, alpha‑blockers, and certain antifungals.
- Start with the lowest recommended dose; increase only under medical supervision.
If you experience chest pain, severe dizziness, or a sudden loss of vision, seek medical help immediately. These could signal a rare but serious reaction.
Quick Decision Checklist
- Do you need fast onset (<10‑30min)? → Choose Stendra or Levitra.
- Do you prefer long‑lasting effect (up to 36hr)? → Choose Cialis.
- Is price the biggest factor? → Choose Fildena or generic sildenafil.
- Do you have cardiovascular concerns? → Consult a doctor; consider the lowest dose of any PDE5 inhibitor.
- Will you be eating a heavy meal before intimacy? → Tadalafil or avanafil are less affected.
Match your answer to the column in the table above and you’ll have a clear picture of which pill suits your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Fildena stay effective?
Most users feel the effect for about 4 to 6hours after taking a 50mg or 100mg tablet. The window can shrink if you drink alcohol or eat a high‑fat meal.
Is Fildena safe to use with alcohol?
Moderate alcohol (one to two drinks) usually doesn’t cause problems, but heavy drinking can increase the risk of side‑effects like dizziness or low blood pressure.
Can I take Fildena daily?
Fildena isn’t designed for daily use. Daily dosing is a feature of low‑dose Cialis (5mg). Daily use of sildenafil can increase tolerance and side‑effect risk.
What’s the main difference between Fildena and Viagra?
Both contain the same active ingredient, sildenafil. The differences lie in branding, tablet coating, and price-Viagra is a premium brand, while Fildena is a cost‑effective generic version.
Which ED pill works best after a fatty meal?
Tadalafil (Cialis) and avanafil (Stendra) are least affected by food. If you often dine heavily before intimacy, these are safer bets than sildenafil‑based options.
Kelly Thomas
October 12 2025If you’re hunting for a cost‑effective sildenafil, Fildena nails the sweet spot. It drops the price by a solid 60‑70% compared to brand‑name Viagra while keeping the same 25‑100 mg dosing flexibility. The tablet coating is a bit simpler, which some folks report gives a whisper‑quick dissolve, translating to that 30‑minute kick‑in. For guys who don’t need a 36‑hour window, it’s a smart budget‑friendly pick. Just remember to pair it with a light meal to avoid the classic “food‑slowdown” effect.