Viagra vs. Sildenafil

See how Viagra and Sildenafil compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Viagra and sildenafil are the same active drug, sildenafil citrate, at the same FDA-approved doses of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.

  • Generic sildenafil typically costs far less than brand-name Viagra for the identical medication.

  • Sildenafil is also FDA-approved as Revatio for pulmonary arterial hypertension, an indication Viagra does not carry.

Viagra vs. Sildenafil Drug Summary

Viagra

Viagra is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It contains sildenafil citrate and is taken as a tablet only when needed, not on a daily or weekly schedule. Viagra was the first oral ED medication approved by the FDA, in 1998.

Sildenafil

Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra, a PDE5 inhibitor taken as needed to treat erectile dysfunction. It is also sold under the brand Revatio to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. Like Viagra, it comes as an oral tablet in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg strengths.

Viagra vs. Sildenafil Side Effects

Viagra

Most common
headache (up to 28%)
flushing (up to 19%)
dyspepsia (up to 17%)
abnormal vision (up to 11%)

Sildenafil

Most common
headache (up to 16%)
flushing (up to 10%)
dyspepsia (up to 7%)
nasal congestion (up to 4%)

Viagra vs. Sildenafil Dosage

Viagra

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 25 mg as needed At the start
Maximum dose 100 mg as needed If needed
Dose changes 2 increases As tolerated

Sildenafil

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 25 mg as needed At the start
Maximum dose 100 mg as needed If needed
Dose changes 2 increases As tolerated

Viagra vs. Sildenafil Indications

Viagra

Viagra is FDA-approved only to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It carries no additional FDA-approved uses beyond ED.

  • Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men

  • Not approved for use in women

  • Not approved for children

  • Works by increasing penile blood flow during arousal

Sildenafil

Sildenafil is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction and, under the brand Revatio, pulmonary arterial hypertension. Some clinicians prescribe it off-label for conditions such as Raynaud's phenomenon or high-altitude pulmonary edema prevention, though these uses are not FDA-approved. It works the same way as Viagra to increase blood flow.

  • Treats erectile dysfunction in men

  • Treats pulmonary arterial hypertension (as Revatio)

  • Off-label use for Raynaud's phenomenon

  • Off-label use for altitude sickness prevention

Viagra vs. Sildenafil Pros and Cons

Viagra

Viagra is chemically identical to generic sildenafil and has the same effectiveness and safety profile. As the original brand, it has the longest track record of any oral ED medication, but it costs substantially more than the generic version.

Pros

  • Long-established brand with decades of clinical use

  • Widely recognized name among prescribers and patients

  • Same proven effectiveness as generic sildenafil

Cons

  • Costs far more than generic sildenafil: roughly $550 to $2,570 per month without insurance

  • Only FDA-approved for erectile dysfunction, no other indications

  • Insurance plans often limit brand coverage once a generic exists

Sildenafil

Sildenafil is the generic form of Viagra, offering the same active ingredient at a much lower price. It also carries FDA approval for pulmonary arterial hypertension under the Revatio brand, an indication Viagra lacks. Some patients explore off-label uses, though these are not FDA-approved.

Pros

  • Costs far less than brand-name Viagra, often well under its $550 to $2,570 range

  • Also FDA-approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension (as Revatio)

  • Widely available as a low-cost generic at most pharmacies

Cons

  • Off-label uses like Raynaud's phenomenon lack FDA approval

  • Lacks the brand recognition some patients associate with Viagra

  • Pill appearance can vary between generic manufacturers

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