Sildenafil vs Viagra: Which is Better?

Impotence or Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is an incapability in males or Assigned Males at Birth (AMAB) to get and maintain a firm erection.

Several physical and psychological factors can cause ED.

However, treatment for ED is available in the form of medicines like Viagra and Sildenafil Citrate (generic Viagra).

Just like generic Viagra, brand-name Viagra also contains Sildenafil as an active ingredient.

In this article on Sildenafil vs Viagra, we will compare both medicines to know which is better for managing ED. 

Viagra and Sildenafil basics

Sildenafil is the first medication that got FDA approval to treat Erectile Dysfunction. Pfizer, in 1998, made it available in the market under the brand name Viagra.

Viagra is popularly known as the “Little Blue Pill” due to the size and color of the tablet. 

Sildenafil and Viagra are the same medicines. 

The only difference is that Viagra is a brand-name medicine, whereas Sildenafil is a generic version of Viagra. 

Some examples of Sildenafil generic medications are Cenforce, Kamagra, Fildena, Suhagra, and Vigora.

Sildenafil vs Viagra: Which works faster

Source: Grapix

As mentioned, Viagra and Sildenafil contain the same salt Sildenafil Citrate.

Viagra and Sildenafil medications contain the same salt Sildenafil.

Thus, they both start working at the same time.

Sildenafil typically starts working within 30 minutes of consumption.

But, as per a study on Sildenafil, its peak effects will be visible after 1 hour of consuming it.

Viagra vs Sildenafil Citrate: Which lasts longer

Sildenafil lasts for 3 to 5 hours, depending on an individual’s health.

As mentioned, Viagra contains Sildenafil Citrate. 

Thus, both generic medications and Viagra effects last for the same amount of time.

Which has more side effects: Viagra or Sildenafil

Source: Rido

Sildenafil and Viagra have the same side effects as they have the same active component.

Possible side effects you might encounter after consuming Sildenafil Citrate tablets are:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)
• Muscle or back pain
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Nausea
• Sleep problems
• Heartburn
• Abnormal (blurred) vision
• Ringing in your ears
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Priapism

Are Sildenafil and Viagra the same

Viagra and Sildenafil perform similarly from a medical perspective.

Sildenafil is the active ingredient in both brand name medicine and generic medicines.

The key differences are cost, marketing, branding, and distribution.

Generic medications are not branded. It can only be manufactured once the original medication’s patent has expired.

Sildenafil became widely available after the expiration of Viagra’s patent.

The effectiveness of generic medications is comparable to that of Viagra. But they are substantially less costly.

Sildenafil vs Viagra: A cost comparison

The only difference between Viagra vs Sildenafil Citrate is the price.

The price chart for the blue pill is more costly than that for generic medications.

Viagra 100mg costs over $20 per unit on average. Whereas, Cenforce 100mg, which is a generic medicine containing Sildenafil, costs over $1 per unit.

Hence, generic medications offer the same benefits as brand-name medications but at a lower price.

Which is better, Viagra or Sildenafil

When we compare Sildenafil vs Viagra, their pricing is the only noticeable difference between them.

Sildenafil generic medications provide the same benefit as Viagra. But at a far lower cost.

Also, the name, color and packaging might differ.

From a drug action aspect, it is safe to state that Viagra and Sildenafil’s mechanism of action is the same.

Both of these medications function by increasing blood flow to the penile area. As a result, it helps men get a firm erection.

However, you should consult your doctor before consuming any of these medications. They will diagnose your condition and prescribe you accordingly.

• webmd.com
• drugs.com