Erectile dysfunction is a usual problem among aging males. Studies reveal that 40-70% of men ages 40-70 tend to have erectile dysfunction. This is in particular among men with diabetes, heart diseases and emotional problems. The availability of active testosterone decreases by ten percent in every 10 years as a male grows older. By 60 years old, the level of testosterone becomes three times lower and by 80, it could decline as much as 50-70% relative to the testosterone level in a twenty year old male.

There are three chemical drug names indicated for erectile dysfunction. These include sildenafil (Viagra, Andros), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra). Among the three, Viagra may be the most popular, however with the rise of some natural dietary sexual supplements for men, Viagra and the other drugs for erectile dysfunction may fall out of use.

In the Philippines, Robust is one of the well used dietary sexual stimulants. It is cheaper and has the least side effects compared to Viagra. But considering Robust as a dietary supplement, we may wonder if it can be really as effective as Viagra.

• Viagra facts

Viagra manufactured by Pfizer, is a prescription drug. It is available in tablet form with the strength of 25, 50 and 100mg.

Dose: 50mg to be taken as needed one hour before sexual activity. Dose maybe increased to 100mg or be decreased to 25mg. Maximum dosing is once a day only.

Contraindication: Patients who use nitric oxide – antianginal or heart drug that causes stimulation as it dilates the veins; men whom sexual activity is not advisable; and women.

Special precaution: Doctors should consider the CV (cardiovascular) status of patients; anatomical deformity of penis; patients with conditions which may predispose them to priapism - a condition with the symptoms including penile pain and the inability to urinate.

Adverse reactions: Headache, flushing, dizziness, dyspepsia, nasal congestion and altered vision.

Drug interaction: Nitrates and enzyme inhibitors like the Ketoconazole, erythromycin and cimetidine.

• Robust facts

Robust is a non-prescription dietary sexual stimulant imported and distributed by ATC health care Intl corporation. It is a 550mg tablet composed of natural extract from plants as epimedium, L-argine, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, dahurian, angelica root, dansheng root, GABA or Gamma Amino Butyric acid and cnidium monnier whole plant.

Dose: 1 to 2 tablets, one to two hours before sexual activity. It is best taken in an empty stomach.

* No citation of contraindication, special precaution and adverse reaction from the leaflet.*

Image by the author

Viagra VS Robust

Viagra is regarded as a drug or medicinal agent. Its efficacy and safety has been established through years of clinical trials and testing. Robust on the other hand, is referred to as a dietary supplement or a health food. It cannot be considered as a medicine since as a food supplement, drug authorities do not require it to have clinical trials. Hence, considering the years of step by step testing, Robust has no reliable evidence that it can be effective for impotence.

However, health foods, herbal and dietary supplement manufacturers make use of anecdotal evidence as proof. They make use of ‘success stories’ of people for promotions. With Robust, some success stories are found in forums in the internet.

So, is Robust as effective as Viagra?

While some males may claim that Robust actually works, the other who used the dietary supplement would still recommend Viagra. One Viagra user from a forum revealed that the effect of Viagra can last three days. A Robust user announced that the dietary supplements effect is just right during a sexual activity. Although, one of his complaints, included headache, nasal congestion and stomach upsets – same side effects like Viagra.

The bottom line is this, Viagra works differently on different men. There is no harm in trying herbal or dietary supplements as long as they are taken correctly. As for Robust, since it is also a stimulant like Viagra, care should be considered in taking it with other drugs (e.g. nitrates). Robust may be an OTC product but if a male is hypertensive or has a heart condition, it is always best to consult a physician. 

If you are interested in trying a Viagra alternative for yourself, GNC has many similar non-prescription brands at affordable prices. Horney goat weed, L-arginine, and their Prostate and Vitality multivitamin for men.

References:

http://www.mims.com/

Men's forum http://redlight-ph.forums1.net/the-lobby-f10/enduranz-capsules-vs-robust-for-men-t256.htm

Smart Medicine by Peter Weaver

Robust leaflet

Wilson and Gisvold’s Textbook of Organic Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry 9th edition