Medicines can look very different from one product to another, but it is the active ingredient that plays the main role in how a medicine works. Knowing the active ingredient can therefore make it easier to understand the differences between products and why one medicine may not be suitable for everyone.

The main active ingredients covered across our product range include sildenafil citrate, tadalafil, vardenafil and dapoxetine. Sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil belong to a group of medicines known as PDE5 inhibitors. Dapoxetine is a different type of medicine and is associated with the treatment of premature ejaculation.

Below is a straightforward introduction to each ingredient.

Sildenafil Citrate

Sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient found in a number of medicines used for erectile dysfunction (ED). Sildenafil belongs to the PDE5 inhibitor group of medicines.

It works by supporting the natural process that increases blood flow to the penis when a man is sexually stimulated. Sildenafil does not automatically produce an erection and sexual stimulation is still required for it to work.

Sildenafil is available in different strengths and formulations, so the amount contained in one product should always be checked rather than assuming that all sildenafil-based products are the same.

Some people should not use sildenafil, particularly when certain other medicines are being taken. This includes nitrate medicines used for conditions such as angina. Medical advice should be sought if there is any uncertainty about suitability.

Tadalafil

Tadalafil is another PDE5 inhibitor used for erectile dysfunction. Although it belongs to the same medicine group as sildenafil, it has its own duration of action and dosing considerations.

One of the main characteristics associated with tadalafil is its longer period of activity in the body. This does not mean that an erection remains for this length of time. Instead, it means the medicine may continue to support an erectile response when sexual stimulation occurs during its effective period.

Tadalafil may not be suitable for people with certain heart, blood pressure, liver or kidney conditions. Other medicines can also affect whether tadalafil is appropriate, so individual circumstances need to be considered.

Vardenafil

Vardenafil is also part of the PDE5 inhibitor family and is used in medicines intended for erectile dysfunction.

Like sildenafil and tadalafil, it works with the body's response to sexual stimulation rather than creating an erection on its own. Although these three ingredients have a similar purpose, they should not be treated as interchangeable without considering their strength, formulation and individual suitability.

Vardenafil is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. Anyone considering a vardenafil-containing product should read the accompanying information carefully and seek professional advice where appropriate.

Dapoxetine

Dapoxetine is different from sildenafil, tadalafil and vardenafil. It is a short-acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for premature ejaculation in adult men in certain circumstances.

It works by affecting serotonin activity and can help increase the time before ejaculation for some men. As with other medicines, results and suitability vary between individuals.

Dapoxetine can interact with certain medicines and is not suitable for everyone, including some people with particular heart, kidney or liver problems. Headache, dizziness and nausea are among the side effects that can occur.

Why the Active Ingredient Matters

Looking at the active ingredient rather than only the product name helps you understand what type of medicine you are considering. Two products with different names, for example, may contain the same active ingredient but come in different strengths or formulations.

The active ingredient also matters when checking for allergies, medicine interactions and whether a product is appropriate alongside existing health conditions.

Do not combine medicines simply because they have different brand or product names. Products containing sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil may have similar effects on the body, and taking them together can increase the risk of unwanted effects.

Always check the product information supplied with a medicine and follow the recommended instructions. If you take other medicines, have an existing medical condition, or are unsure whether an ingredient is suitable for you, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before use.