September, 30 2025

When you hear the name Penegra, you probably think of a prescription tablet that promises to help men facing erectile dysfunction (ED). But the market is crowded with other options - some brand‑name, some generic, some even taken on an as‑needed basis. This guide walks you through how Penegra stacks up against its main rivals, so you can decide which pill fits your lifestyle, budget, and health profile.

Quick Take

• Penegra is a branded sildenafil 100mg tablet; onset 30‑60min, effect up to 4‑5hrs.
• Viagra (brand sildenafil) is similar but often priced higher.
• Cialis (tadalafil) works longer - up to 36hrs - but may cause deeper muscle aches.
• Levitra (vardenafil) and Stendra (avanafil) act quickly but differ in side‑effect profiles.
• Generic sildenafil tablets provide the same chemistry as Penegra at a lower cost.

What Is Penegra?

Penegra is a pharmaceutical preparation that contains 100mg of sildenafil citrate, the same active ingredient found in the well‑known brand Viagra. It is marketed primarily in the UK and some European countries as a prescription‑only medication for treating erectile dysfunction. The tablet is round, blue‑grey, and bears the manufacturer’s logo - GlaxoSmithKline. Penegra’s key selling point is its consistent dosage and a reputation for reliability among men who have tried other products.

How Sildenafil Works (and Why Penegra Is Effective)

Sildenafil belongs to the phosphodiesterase‑5 (PDE‑5) inhibitor class. By blocking the PDE‑5 enzyme, it boosts cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels in penile tissue, which relaxes smooth muscle and allows blood to flow in when sexual stimulation occurs. The result is an erection that can be maintained for a few hours. Penegra delivers the same mechanism as any other sildenafil product, but the branded formulation claims tighter quality control and a rapid onset of action.

Major Alternatives to Penegra

Below are the most common ED medicines you’ll encounter, each with its own pharmacological profile.

Viagra is the original brand‑name sildenafil tablet launched in 1998. It typically comes in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg strengths. While chemically identical to Penegra, Viagra often carries a premium price due to brand recognition.

Cialis contains 10mg or 20mg of tadalafil, another PDE‑5 inhibitor that lasts up to 36hours. Its long window makes it popular for “weekend‑ready” use, but it may linger in the bloodstream longer than needed for some users.

Levitra (vardenafil) is offered in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets. It works a bit faster than sildenafil, with onset as quick as 15minutes, but it can cause visual disturbances in a small subset of patients.

Stendra (avanafil) is the newest entrant, available in 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg doses. Its rapid onset (as fast as 10minutes) and relatively mild side‑effects make it attractive for spontaneous encounters.

Generic Sildenafil refers to non‑brand tablets that contain the same 50mg, 100mg, or 150mg dosage of sildenafil citrate. They are usually 30‑40% cheaper than Penegra, with identical efficacy when sourced from reputable manufacturers.

Side‑Effect Landscape Across the Options

All PDE‑5 inhibitors share a core set of possible reactions: headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and upset stomach. However, subtle differences arise.

• Penegra / Viagra (sildenafil): Most common are mild headaches and facial flushing; rare cases of visual tint changes.
• Cialis (tadalafil): May cause back pain or muscle aches, especially after the first dose.
• Levitra (vardenafil): Slightly higher incidence of visual disturbances, such as blue‑tinted vision.
• Stendra (avanafil): Generally the mildest side‑effect profile; occasional dizziness reported.

Patients with cardiovascular disease should discuss any ED medication with their doctor, as the vasodilatory effect can interact with nitrates or certain antihypertensives.

Price Snapshot (UK 2025)

How to Choose the Right Pill for You

1. Identify your timing needs. If you prefer spontaneity, Stendra or Levitra’s rapid onset may suit you. If you want flexibility over a whole day, Cialis shines.
2. Consider budget. Generic sildenafil offers the same efficacy as Penegra at roughly half the price.
3. Review health conditions. Men on nitrates must avoid all PDE‑5 inhibitors. Those with chronic back pain might shy away from Cialis.
4. Trial period. Start with a low dose (e.g., 50mg sildenafil) to gauge tolerance before moving to a full 100mg tablet.
5. Doctor’s input. A GP can help you navigate interactions and decide whether a prescription brand like Penegra is necessary for your situation.

Real‑World Experiences

Sarah’s husband, Tom, switched from a handful of generic sildenafil tablets to Penegra after reading about its stricter batch testing. He reports fewer “head‑pounding” mornings and a more reliable erection during weekend trips. Meanwhile, Mark tried Stendra for a vacation in Spain; the 10‑minute onset let him feel confident without planning medication timing.

When Penegra Might Not Be the Best Fit

• Men looking for a “daily low‑dose” regimen - Cialis daily 2.5mg is designed for that purpose.
• Patients highly sensitive to visual side‑effects - they may prefer avanafil, which rarely causes vision changes.
• Those on a strict budget - generic sildenafil provides identical chemistry at a fraction of the cost.

Safety Tips and Common Pitfalls

Never double‑dose. Taking two 100mg tablets within a short window can spike blood pressure and increase the risk of priapism (a painful erection lasting more than 4hours). If an erection lasts longer than 4hours, seek medical help immediately.

Avoid alcohol excess. While a moderate drink may not hinder Penegra’s action, heavy drinking can blunt the response and increase side‑effects.

Store tablets at room temperature, away from humidity. Moisture can degrade the active ingredient over time.