Generic Assurans (Sildenafil Citrate)

Introduction

Assurans is a tablet formulation containing the active ingredient sildenafil citrate, supplied in a 20 mg strength. It belongs to the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor class and is primarily prescribed to manage erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult males. In addition, sildenafil citrate is approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) at specific dosing schedules. The medication is marketed by an international manufacturer and is distributed in pill form. Off-label investigations have explored its utility in conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and Raynaud’s phenomenon, but these uses are not sanctioned by regulatory agencies.

What is Assurans?

Assurans is a pharmaceutical product that delivers sildenafil citrate, a small-molecule inhibitor of the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5. The drug was originally developed by Pfizer and introduced under the brand name Viagra for erectile dysfunction and Revatio for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Assurans represents a generic alternative that provides the same therapeutic molecule at a lower cost. The tablet is manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and is supplied in a 20 mg dosage form, ideal for initiating therapy or for patients who require a reduced dose.

How Assurans Works

Sildenafil citrate selectively blocks PDE5, the enzyme responsible for degrading cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) in smooth-muscle cells. By inhibiting PDE5, intracellular cGMP levels rise, leading to relaxation of vascular smooth muscle and vasodilation. In the corpus cavernosum of the penis, this enhanced blood flow produces an erection when sexual stimulation triggers nitric oxide release. In the pulmonary circulation, vasodilation lowers pulmonary arterial pressure, improving exercise capacity in PAH. Clinical onset typically occurs within 30-60 minutes after oral ingestion, with therapeutic effects lasting 4-6 hours. The drug is primarily metabolized by hepatic CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 enzymes, and its elimination half-life ranges from 3 to 5 hours.

Conditions Treated with Assurans

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Sildenafil improves the ability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. The drug’s efficacy is supported by multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrating statistically significant improvements in erectile function scores versus placebo.
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): At a regimen of 20 mg three times daily, sildenafil reduces pulmonary vascular resistance and delays clinical worsening. Regulatory bodies such as the FDA and EMA have approved this indication based on long-term outcome studies.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Assurans

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Small pilot studies have reported symptom relief when sildenafil is added to standard α-blocker therapy, likely due to smooth-muscle relaxation in the prostatic urethra. Formal approval has not been granted.
• Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Clinical investigations suggest that PDE5 inhibition can ameliorate digital ischemia by enhancing peripheral blood flow. Evidence remains limited to case series.
• Altitude-Related Pulmonary Edema: Research in high-altitude environments indicates that sildenafil may prevent hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, though larger trials are required.
• Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: Early-phase trials are examining whether pulmonary vasodilation improves exercise tolerance.

These applications have not received regulatory endorsement. Patients should discuss any off-label consideration with a qualified healthcare professional, and treatment should only proceed under direct medical supervision.

Is Assurans the Right Medication for You?

Assurans is appropriate for adult men who experience consistent difficulty achieving an erection despite adequate sexual stimulation, as well as for patients diagnosed with PAH who require oral vasodilator therapy. The medication is especially useful when a rapid onset and short duration of action are desired, such as occasional sexual activity or in patients who cannot tolerate higher doses.

Contraindications include concurrent use of nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin), severe uncontrolled hypertension, recent myocardial infarction or stroke, hereditary retinal disorders (e.g., retinitis pigmentosa), and known hypersensitivity to sildenafil or any tablet excipients. Caution is advised in patients with moderate hepatic or renal impairment, as dose adjustments may be necessary.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Headache
• Flushing
• Dyspepsia or indigestion
• Nasal congestion
• Visual disturbances (e.g., blurred vision, blue-tinted perception)

Rare

• Priapism (prolonged erection lasting > 4 hours)
• Hearing loss or tinnitus
• Skin rash or pruritus
• Gastrointestinal upset (diarrhea, nausea)

Serious

• Severe hypotension, especially when combined with nitrates
• Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) leading to sudden vision loss
• Cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or stroke in high-risk individuals

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Nitrates (e.g., isosorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin): additive vasodilation → life-threatening hypotension.
• Guanylate cyclase stimulators (e.g., riociguat): synergistic blood-pressure lowering effect.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, ritonavir): increase sildenafil plasma levels, raising the risk of adverse events; dose reduction recommended.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine): reduce effectiveness, may require dose escalation.

Drug-Food Interactions

• High-fat meals can delay absorption and reduce peak plasma concentration, potentially delaying onset of action.
• Alcohol in excess may exacerbate hypotensive effects and impair erectile response; moderate consumption is generally acceptable.

Patients should avoid operating heavy machinery or driving until they know how sildenafil affects them, particularly during the initial dose.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard dosing for ED: One 20 mg tablet taken orally about one hour before sexual activity. The dose may be increased to 40 mg or decreased to 10 mg based on efficacy and tolerability. Do not exceed one tablet per day.
• Dosing for PAH: 20 mg taken three times daily, spaced evenly (e.g., morning, midday, evening).
• Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten and more than four hours have elapsed, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not double-dose to compensate.
• Overdose: Symptoms may include pronounced hypotension, prolonged erection, and severe headache. Immediate medical evaluation is advised; treatment is supportive, focusing on blood-pressure stabilization and symptom management.

Practical precautions: The tablet can be swallowed with or without food; however, a low-fat meal may facilitate faster onset. Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, and patients should refrain from using recreational drugs that affect blood pressure while on sildenafil.

FAQ

• What should I do if I travel internationally with Assurans? • Keep the tablets in their original packaging, carry a copy of the prescription (if required), and store them at room temperature away from direct sunlight.

• Can I take Assurans with grapefruit juice? • Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4 and may increase sildenafil concentrations, potentially heightening side-effects. Limit grapefruit intake or discuss alternatives with a healthcare professional.

• How does Assurans differ in appearance from brand-name Viagra? • Assurans tablets are typically round, 20 mg, and may have a distinct imprint or color designated by the manufacturer; they are not identical in shape or hue to branded products but contain the same active ingredient.

• What inactive ingredients are present in Assurans tablets? • Common excipients include microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and lactose monohydrate. Individuals with severe lactose intolerance should verify the specific formulation.

• Will taking Assurans affect drug-testing results for employment? • Standard workplace drug screens do not test for sildenafil. However, specialized testing for PDE5 inhibitors exists and could be requested in rare circumstances.

• Is it safe to use Assurans while pregnant or breastfeeding? • Sildenafil is not indicated for women. Animal studies have not demonstrated teratogenic effects, but human data are insufficient; use is discouraged during pregnancy and lactation.

• How long can I store Assurans before it expires? • The manufacturer assigns a shelf-life of 24-30 months from the date of production, provided the tablets remain unopened and stored below 30 °C, protected from moisture.

• Can Assurans be taken by individuals over 65 years old? • Yes, older adults may use the drug, but dose adjustments are often recommended due to age-related changes in hepatic and renal function.

• Does Assurans interact with antihypertensive medications? • When combined with blood-pressure-lowering drugs, sildenafil may cause additive hypotension; monitoring blood pressure after the first dose is advisable.

• What is the cost advantage of purchasing generic sildenafil like Assurans? • Generic formulations are typically 50-70 % less expensive than branded equivalents, offering comparable efficacy and safety at a reduced financial burden.

Glossary

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitor

A class of drugs that block the PDE5 enzyme, leading to increased cGMP levels and smooth-muscle relaxation in vascular tissue.

cGMP (Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate)

A secondary messenger molecule that mediates vasodilation; its concentration is regulated by PDE5 activity.

Priapism

A prolonged, often painful erection lasting more than four hours, which requires urgent medical attention to prevent tissue damage.

Buying Assurans from Our Online Pharmacy

Assurans can be obtained through our online pharmacy, which specializes in delivering certified generic medications worldwide. By sourcing directly from licensed overseas suppliers, we are able to offer the tablet at a price close to the manufacturer’s cost, providing a cost-effective alternative for patients who encounter high out-of-pocket expenses. All batches undergo stringent quality verification to ensure authenticity and compliance with international pharmacopeial standards.

Our fulfillment process includes discreet packaging and reliable shipping options, typically delivering within 7 days for express service or approximately three weeks for standard airmail. Because we operate as a pharmacy broker service, we collaborate with accredited foreign pharmacies, enabling us to serve individuals who may have limited access to sildenafil through local channels. Privacy is a core priority; orders are processed under strict confidentiality protocols, safeguarding personal information throughout the transaction.

Choosing our online pharmacy means receiving a trustworthy, affordable supply of Assurans while benefiting from a professional, privacy-focused delivery experience.

Disclaimer

The material presented about Assurans is intended for general education only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. All therapeutic decisions, including those concerning unapproved off-label applications, must be made under the guidance of a qualified health-care provider. Readers are presumed to be competent adults capable of making informed health choices. Our online pharmacy supplies Assurans for persons who may encounter limited availability through conventional pharmacies or insurance-based dispensing, and who seek an economical generic option. Prior to initiating, altering, or discontinuing any medication, please consult a medical professional.