Sildenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It’s a PDE5 inhibitor, which means it improves blood flow to help men get erections and to lower blood pressure in the lungs.
You’ll most often find sildenafil in tablet form (Viagra), but it’s also available as a compounded troche, which dissolves in your mouth.
This article compares sildenafil troches vs tablets, looking at their differences, advantages, and things to consider before taking either form of the drug.
Understanding Sildenafil: Mechanism and Uses
Sildenafil is a medication that helps increase blood flow. It’s part of a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. Sildenafil blocks PDE5, an enzyme, which allows blood vessels to relax and widen. This is why it’s useful for:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED): By increasing blood flow to the penis, sildenafil helps men achieve and maintain erections.
- Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): Sildenafil increases blood flow in the lungs, reducing blood pressure and making it easier to breathe.
Sildenafil Tablets: The Traditional Form
The most common way to take sildenafil is in tablet form. You swallow the pill, and it’s absorbed into your bloodstream through your digestive system. Viagra is probably the most well-known brand name for sildenafil tablets.
Sildenafil Troches: A Compounded Alternative
If you find tablets difficult to use, you might consider sildenafil troches. But what are they?
What are Sildenafil Troches?
Sildenafil troches are a compounded form of sildenafil. That means they’re created by compounding pharmacies, rather than mass-produced by major drug companies.
Troches are designed to dissolve in your mouth. As they dissolve, the sildenafil is absorbed directly into your bloodstream through the lining of your mouth. This is called buccal administration.
Because the sildenafil enters your bloodstream directly, it bypasses your digestive system. That may mean it takes effect faster.
Advantages of Troches
Besides potentially working more quickly, troches are easy to use, especially if you have trouble swallowing pills. You simply put the troche in your mouth and let it dissolve.
Also, if you experience adverse effects, you can simply spit the troche out.
Compounding pharmacies can also customize the dosage to meet your specific needs. Common dosages include 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg, but any dosage is possible.
Comparing Absorption and Bioavailability
The biggest difference between a sildenafil troche and a sildenafil tablet has to do with how your body absorbs the medication.
Oral Absorption (Tablets)
Sildenafil tablets are designed to be swallowed and absorbed through the digestive system.
However, food and drink in your stomach can affect how well your body absorbs the medication.
Buccal Absorption (Troches)
A troche is designed to dissolve between your cheek and gum, in your buccal pouch. As the medication dissolves, it’s absorbed directly into your bloodstream.
Buccal absorption is typically quicker than oral absorption because it bypasses the digestive system. This also means that food and drink are less likely to affect how well you absorb a troche.
Factors that can affect buccal absorption include dry mouth and saliva levels. Smoking can also decrease absorption.
Bioavailability Considerations
Bioavailability refers to how much of a drug makes it into your bloodstream and how quickly. Because troches are absorbed directly into your bloodstream, they may have higher bioavailability than tablets. However, everyone’s body is different, so results can vary.
Practical Considerations: Dosage, Cost, and Prescription
Dosage and Titration
Tadalafil is often available as a compounded troche in 2.5mg, 5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg dosages, while sildenafil troches are compounded in 50mg and 100mg dosages.
Troches can be a good option if you want more control over your dose. The troche form allows for customization and easier dose adjustments. Plus, some people report that troches work faster than pills you swallow.
Cost Comparison
Keep in mind that compounded sildenafil troches may be more affordable than brand-name Viagra. However, it’s important to check with your insurance plan about coverage.
Prescription Requirements
You’ll need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to get sildenafil, no matter whether you choose a tablet or a troche.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sildenafil make you rock hard?
Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, doesn’t directly make you rock hard. Instead, it enhances blood flow to the penis when you’re already sexually stimulated. So, if you’re not feeling aroused, sildenafil won’t magically give you an erection.
How long do troches last?
The effects of a sildenafil troche can vary from person to person, but generally, you can expect it to last around 2 to 4 hours. Several factors can influence this, including your metabolism, dosage, and individual response to the medication.
Is it better to take Viagra sublingual or oral?
Sublingual administration, like with a troche, allows sildenafil to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, potentially leading to a faster onset of action compared to swallowing a tablet. However, the “better” method depends on individual preferences and how quickly you need the medication to work.
What is the most effective way to take sildenafil?
To maximize sildenafil’s effectiveness, take it on an empty stomach, about 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. Avoid consuming high-fat meals beforehand, as they can delay absorption. Additionally, make sure you’re sexually stimulated for it to work properly.
How can I make sildenafil more potent?
You shouldn’t attempt to make sildenafil more potent on your own. Stick to the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Increasing the dose without medical supervision can lead to dangerous side effects. If you feel your current dose isn’t working, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Wrapping Up
Sildenafil troches dissolve in your mouth, which may lead to faster absorption and more customized dosing. Tablets are the standard, widely available form of sildenafil.
If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional. They can help you decide which form of sildenafil is the best fit for you.
Keep in mind that you’ll need a prescription for either form.