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
Sildenafil
Viagra vs. Sildenafil Dosage
Viagra
Sildenafil
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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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