When exploring Erectile Dysfunction (ED) treatments, Viagra comparison with Sildenafil is a hot topic of debate in online forums. Even though their names differ, they actually share the same active ingredient, Sildenafil Citrate. And thus, serve the same purpose, that is, helping men achieve and sustain strong erections.
The key difference lies in their branding, with Viagra being the original branded medication while Sildenafil refers to its active salt as well as its generic version. Thus, they also differ in price, manufacturer, appearance, and availability.
Before choosing between these two ED pills, it is important to understand how they compare in terms of cost, effectiveness, dosage, and safety. Read below to learn about generic Sildenafil vs Viagra similarities and differences to make an informed choice about your sexual health.
Sildenafil vs Viagra: Quick overview
Both Sildenafil and Viagra refer to the same active salt, Sildenafil Citrate, and therefore work identically to improve erections. This Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor relaxes the smooth muscles and boosts blood flow to the penis. Contrary to common misconception, it won’t give you an automatic erection; it will only work when you are sexually aroused.
The usage instructions, too, remain the same for both medications. You need to take a single tablet an hour before sexual activity, only once in 24 hours. The difference lies in the regulation, availability and cost of these oral tablets.
Here’s a simple side-by-side comparison of these branded vs generic Erectile Dysfunction medications at a glance:
| Parameter | Sildenafil | Viagra |
| Regulation | WHO-compliant generic variant | FDA-approved brand since 1998 |
| Manufacturer | Multiple FDA-approved or WHO-compliant manufacturers | Pfizer Inc., USA |
| Appearance | Round or oval tablet in blue or white (varies by manufacturer) | Blue, diamond-shaped tablet with imprints indicating its strength |
| Onset of Action | 30-60 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
| Duration of Action | 4 to 6 hours | 4 to 6 hours |
| Strengths and their availability | 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 120 mg, 150 mg and 200 mg. | 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg maximum dose. |
| Price range | $1-3 per tablet; up to 80% cheaper than Viagra | $5.00 to $80.00 per tablet, making it an expensive option. |
| Efficacy and safety | Comparable to Viagra under medical guidance | Clinically proven in FDA trials |
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Now that you have a brief idea about these two, read about Sildenafil vs Viagra appearance, uses, cost and dosage differences in detail.
Approval status and medical uses
Viagra made history in 1998 as the first FDA-approved and European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved oral treatment for Erectile Dysfunction in adult males. Interestingly, it was being researched as a heart medication by Dr. Nicholas Terrett, who is named in its British patent. But it was submitted for approval as ED treatment when men started experiencing improvement in erections.
Once Pfizer’s patent expired, generic Sildenafil received regulatory approval as a medically equivalent alternative. This means that with the same active ingredient, it provides the same benefits and can act as a substitute for Viagra.
Thus, Viagra offers brand familiarity and trust, while Sildenafil provides the same medical benefit under a different name.
Brand vs generic Sildenafil appearance
Viagra is popularly known and marketed as the little blue pill due to its signature blue, diamond-shaped tablet with an engraved dosage. For example, VGR 50 is imprinted for a 50 mg Viagra. Every batch adheres to strict pharmaceutical quality standards for uniformity.
Sildenafil, on the other hand, is the generic version produced by several FDA-approved or WHO-compliant facilities globally. Although the active ingredient remains the same, the name and appearance can vary. These tablets can be round or oval, and are often available in blue or white. They can even be in green, black, or other colors, based on the dosage and manufacturer.
Thus, you might have come across people comparing Viagra and Sildenafil as the little blue pill vs. the little white pill due to the popular color difference between the two.
Global availability
Viagra is a prescription-only branded medication available only through licensed online and offline pharmacies.
As the generic equivalent, Sildenafil is widely available online through pharmacies, telehealth services and manufacturer websites. You can also purchase locally from nearby pharmacies. Some popular little white pill options include Accord, Cenforce, Fildena and Penegra. They also require a valid prescription from a doctor in most countries.
Apart from the oral tablet, you can also purchase generic Sildenafil as Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODT), dissolvable strips, or oral jelly in various flavors.
Overall, the broader availability of generic Sildenafil makes it a more accessible ED treatment for most users.
Cost of Sildenafil Citrate vs Viagra
Price is one of the most significant differences between these two ED pills. As expected, branded Viagra costs much more, often ranging from $10 to $80 per tablet, depending on the dosage and seller.
On the contrary, generic Sildenafil can be up to 80% cheaper than Viagra, especially when purchased online. The price, typically ranging from $1 to $3 per tablet, varies based on manufacturer, strength, and pharmacy.
You can choose Viagra for the reassurance of a trusted branded medication, whereas you can opt for Sildenafil for the same medical benefits at a fraction of the price.
Effectiveness
Since both medicines contain Sildenafil Citrate, their clinical efficacy is identical at the same dose. They are effective not just in cases of Impotence due to physiological factors, but also in treating Psychological ED stemming from Anxiety, stress or Depression. The treatment success rate depends on the dosage, timing, and overall health of the individual rather than the differentiation between branded and generic products.
The only difference is that Viagra’s clinical data comes from original trials conducted by Pfizer, while Sildenafil generics demonstrate equivalent results through FDA-approved bioequivalence studies.
Dosage strengths of Sildenafil Citrate vs Viagra
Viagra is available only in three strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Your doctor will prescribe or adjust the dose based on your response, age, and overall health.
Generic Sildenafil is available in the same strengths as Viagra. Additionally, in some regions, more potent doses of 120 mg, 150 mg or 200 mg are offered for severe, persistent or treatment-resistant cases of ED.
Although their impact is identical, generic Sildenafil variants allow your doctors more flexibility in dosage and scheduling based on your medical profile.
Side effects and risk factors
Because Viagra and generic Sildenafil contain the same active ingredient, their safety profile is medically identical when taken at equivalent doses. The most common side effects for both include:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Flushing or redness of the face and ears
- Headache
- Light-headedness
- Indigestion or nausea
- Muscle pain
- Mild vision changes, such as blurred or blue-tinted vision
Most reactions are mild and subside as your body adjusts to the medicine. You can effectively manage side effects by staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol consumption.
In rare cases, ED medications may cause serious side effects. Seek immediate medical help if you experience chest pain, severe dizziness or fainting, sudden vision issues or hearing loss, or an erection of more than 4 hours (Priapism).
However, generic formulations above 100 mg may increase the likelihood or severity of side effects. This is because higher concentrations of Sildenafil Citrate can also amplify drug interactions.
Conclusion
Both generic Sildenafil and branded Viagra have the exact mechanism of action because they share the same PDE5 inhibitor, Sildenafil Citrate. The effectiveness, safety profile, onset time, and dosage options for these ED pills are also comparable. Both begin working within 60 minutes and provide support for firm erections when sexually aroused.
Understanding the key differences of Sildenafil vs Viagra in branding, manufacturer, regulation, cost, dosage options, and availability will help you choose the best ED pill that fits your needs. Viagra, backed by Pfizer’s FDA-approved formulation, offers brand assurance, consistency and reliability. On the other hand, generic Sildenafil offers wider accessibility at up to 80% lower cost.
Both can restore your sexual confidence and improve intimacy, but the most effective choice depends on your health profile, past treatment response, and your budget. A urologist or a sexologist will determine which is better, Sildenafil or Viagra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Viagra more expensive than Sildenafil?
Viagra is more expensive than Sildenafil because it is the original, patented brand by Pfizer. It is backed by decades of research, marketing, and clinical trials. Sildenafil is the generic version without any brand or patent-related costs, which makes it a more cost-effective option.
What to avoid while taking Sildenafil?
Avoid nitrates, HIV medications, strong antibiotics or antifungals and High Blood Pressure medications while taking Sildenafil. You should also avoid recreational drugs, heavy alcohol use, and grapefruit products. All of these can severely lower blood pressure, blunt the efficacy or intensify the side effects of Sildenafil.
Is Sildenafil 100 mg as strong as Viagra 100?
Yes, generic Sildenafil 100 mg is as strong as Viagra 100. They both contain the same active salt, Sildenafil Citrate, in the same quantity of 100 mg. Therefore, they function identically in the body, with no clinical difference in erection quality, duration, or effectiveness.
Can I switch from Viagra to generic Sildenafil?
Yes, you can switch from brand-name Viagra to generic Viagra only if it is the exact Sildenafil dosage. Since both contain Sildenafil Citrate and work the same way, you can opt for cost-effective generics instead. However, switch only after consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or medications.
Where can I buy Viagra safely?
You can buy Viagra safely from licensed pharmacies or trusted online platforms with a valid prescription. One such trustworthy option is Cheap Medicine Shop, which offers discreet packaging and global delivery. You can also order FDA-approved generic Sildenafil variants, which include proper labeling, batch numbers, and expiration dates.
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