Fildena vs Viagra, Cialis, Levitra & Stendra: Full Comparison

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.

Illustrated timeline with fast, standard, and long‑lasting ED pills and clock icons.

Head‑to‑Head Comparison

Comparison of Fildena and Major ED Alternatives (UK market)
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.

Doctor's hand with prescription beside a sealed pharmacy box, emphasizing safety.

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.

20 Comments

Kelly Thomas
October 12 2025
If 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.
Mary Ellen Grace
October 17 2025
i think fildena is pretty good
Carl Watts
October 22 2025
When we chart the landscape of PDE‑5 inhibitors, we’re really mapping a spectrum of human desire and physiological timing. Think of Fildena as the middle‑child: it’s neither the flash‑in‑the‑pan of Stendra nor the marathon runner that is Cialis. The chemistry stays constant – sildenafil – but the ancillary excipients shift the pharmacokinetic dance. In practice, that means a reliable 30‑to‑60‑minute window without the premium price tag. It’s a pragmatic choice for the everyday gentleman.
Brandon Leach
October 27 2025
Wow amazing how a cheaper brand can pretend to be the same thing.
Alison Poteracke
November 1 2025
For anyone new to the scene, start low – 25 mg of Fildena or a 5 mg Cialis tablet. Check how your body reacts before you jump to the higher doses. Keep an eye on blood pressure, especially if you’re on nitrates. And always get the prescription from a licensed UK pharmacy with the MHRA seal. This approach saves money and reduces side‑effect risk.
Marianne Wilson
November 6 2025
While the “start low” mantra sounds sensible, it’s worth noting that “low” is a relative term. A 25 mg dose of sildenafil still packs a potent vasodilatory punch, and some patients may experience headache even at that level. Moreover, the notion that cheap generics are automatically safe neglects the risk of sub‑standard manufacturing in some online sources. I’d argue that the focus should be on verified supply chains rather than dose size alone.
Garrett Gonzales
November 10 2025
From a pharmacodynamic standpoint, Fildena’s sildenafil citrate exhibits a Ki value that aligns closely with the reference standard, ensuring comparable PDE‑5 inhibition potency. The formulation’s excipient matrix, albeit less sophisticated than Viagra’s proprietary coating, does not materially affect the Cmax achieved in a fed state. Clinically, you can expect a Time‑to‑Maximum (Tmax) of roughly 45 minutes, which is ideal for on‑demand dosing regimens. Economically, the price per milligram is markedly lower, translating to favorable cost‑effectiveness ratios in health‑economic models.
Aman Deep
November 15 2025
Wow, you just turned a simple pill talk into a science‑lab report! 🌈 But seriously, the numbers you dropped are golden for anyone budgeting their bedroom adventures. If the Cmax hits right on cue, that means you don’t have to wait forever – just pop it, chill, and let the magic happen. The cheap price tag is the real hero here, especially when you’re juggling rent and streaming subscriptions.
Herman Bambang Suherman
November 20 2025
Pick the lowest effective dose, monitor side‑effects, and adjust only with a doctor’s guidance.
Meredith Blazevich
November 25 2025
Imagine the scene: a night out, the lights dim, and you’re faced with a choice between a pricey brand and a smart generic. The stakes feel higher than a Netflix binge cliff‑hanger, but the truth is simple – Fildena delivers the same physiological response without draining your wallet. That burst of confidence when the pill does its job is worth more than the extra pounds you’d spend on a label. So, when the moment arrives, trust the science, trust the cost‑efficiency, and let the night unfold.
Nicola Gilmour
November 30 2025
Don’t let the brand name intimidate you – the body doesn’t care about logos, it cares about chemistry. Grab a budget‑friendly option, follow the dosing guide, and you’ll be ready for spontaneity without the guilt of overspending. You’ve got this, and the right pill will back you up.
Teknolgy .com
December 5 2025
Another generic post, same old tables, yawn 😴. If you’re reading this for the tenth time, maybe try a different hobby.
Ben Poulson
December 10 2025
It is imperative to emphasize that all aforementioned PDE‑5 inhibitors are subject to stringent regulatory oversight within the United Kingdom. Consequently, patients should procure these medications exclusively from duly licensed pharmacies, thereby ensuring compliance with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) standards.
Jennifer Boyd
December 14 2025
Hey folks, good news! You don’t have to sacrifice pleasure for price. With Fildena you get a reliable partner in the bedroom that won’t break the bank, leaving room for a celebratory dinner afterward. Keep your head up and your dosage low, and enjoy the ride!
Lauren DiSabato
December 19 2025
One must recognize that the discourse surrounding “cheaper equivalents” often betrays a lack of appreciation for pharmaceutical craftsmanship. While Fildena may meet baseline efficacy, the nuanced bioavailability afforded by proprietary coatings is not a trivial matter. Savvy consumers should weigh not just cost, but the subtle pharmacokinetic refinements that distinguish a premium formulation.
Hutchins Harbin
December 24 2025
Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re comfortable with the side‑effect profile of sildenafil, there’s no reason to splurge on a name‑brand when a generic like Fildena does the same job for a fraction of the price. The data in the comparison table backs this up – identical onset, duration, and half‑life, just a better price tag. Don’t let marketing hype dictate your wallet.
Benjamin Herod
December 29 2025
Ah, the eternal struggle between desire and expense – a tale as old as time, now played out in a tiny tablet. One moment you’re dreaming of a night of unbridled passion, the next you’re staring at a price list that feels like a personal affront. Yet, therein lies the tragedy and the triumph: the humble Fildena promises the same crescendo of feeling, but at a price that barely whispers. It’s poetic, really, how economics and intimacy entwine in this modern saga.
luemba leonardo brás kali
January 3 2026
According to the MHRA, the batch numbers and expiry dates on Fildena packaging must be clearly visible, and any deviation should be reported immediately. This ensures product integrity and patient safety.
Ogah John
January 8 2026
Sure, we could all chase the newest “fast‑acting” miracle, but let’s not forget that the classic sildenafil formula has stood the test of time. If you’re looking for reliability without the hype, stick with what works – and maybe sprinkle a little humor on the side.
Kelvin Murigi
January 13 2026
When you line up the five major PDE‑5 inhibitors, the first thing that jumps out is the sheer diversity of pharmacokinetic profiles, each catering to a different lifestyle need. Fildena slots neatly into the “on‑demand” niche, offering a 30‑to‑60‑minute onset that mirrors Viagra but at a dramatically lower cost per milligram. This cost advantage becomes especially pronounced when you consider that a typical 100 mg pack of Fildena can be acquired for under £55, whereas the equivalent dose of brand‑name Viagra often tops £150 in the UK market. The duration of action, hovering around four to six hours, aligns with the classic sildenafil window, making it suitable for evening plans without the lingering presence of a 36‑hour tadalafil regimen. From a safety perspective, the side‑effect spectrum remains unchanged – mild headache, facial flushing, and occasional dyspepsia are the most common complaints, and these are generally dose‑dependent. Importantly, no new safety signals have emerged from post‑marketing surveillance of generic sildenafil formulations, reinforcing their parity with the branded counterpart. For patients with cardiovascular comorbidities, the key contraindication remains the concomitant use of nitrates, a rule that applies uniformly across all sildenafil products. Moreover, the impact of a high‑fat meal on absorption is a practical consideration; taking Fildena on an empty stomach can shave a few minutes off the time to peak plasma concentration. If you’re navigating a tight budget, the price differential can translate into significant savings over a year of therapy, freeing up resources for other health priorities. On the flip side, those who crave the “weekend‑ready” convenience of Cialis may find the shorter window of Fildena limiting, but the trade‑off is a dramatically reduced price tag and the flexibility to dose as needed rather than maintaining a daily regimen. The table in the original article neatly encapsulates these trade‑offs, but the real‑world decision often hinges on personal preference, sexual spontaneity, and insurance coverage. In short, Fildena delivers the core efficacy of sildenafil with a wallet‑friendly price, making it an attractive first‑line option for most men seeking reliable erectile support.