Viagra, widely regarded as the most popular erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment is often mentioned alongside another ED medication, known as Sildenafil.
Sildenafil and Viagra are medically identical, as they contain the same active ingredient, sildenafil citrate. In other words, Viagra and Sildenafil work in the same way, making them equally effective at treating erectile dysfunction.
With that said, there are also several notable differences between Viagra and Sildenafil, such as the price of each ED treatment as it relates to the brand and manufacturing.
This guide offers an in-depth Viagra vs Sildenafil comparison, explaining key similarities and differences between these ED treatments to help with choosing between them.
A brief history of Viagra and Sildenafil
Viagra was first introduced in the UK[1] in 1998, two years after it was introduced in the United States by American pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc.
Following its launch, Viagra became the fastest-selling ED medication of any kind in the history of medicine, gaining immense popularity and positive publicity.
In the 15 years that followed, Viagra remained the only medication for erectile dysfunction containing sildenafil citrate that was approved for sale in the UK, due to the patent held by its manufacturers.
The expiration of Pfizer’s patent for Viagra in the UK in 2013 made it legal for other pharmaceutical companies to manufacture their own generic forms of Viagra[2].
These generic ED treatments contain ‘sildenafil citrate’, which is the same active ingredient in Viagra, and are sold under the name ‘Sildenafil’.
Recommended: Watch our Video Guide to Sildenafil (Generic Viagra)
What are the similarities between Viagra and Sildenafil?
Active Ingredient
Viagra and Sildenafil contain the same active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, which reduces the activity of an enzyme known as ‘phosphodiesterase type 5’ (PDE-5) in the body[3].
PDE-5 breaks down a compound called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which helps relax the smooth muscles of blood vessels.
By inhibiting PDE-5, sildenafil citrate promotes higher cGMP levels in the body. This subsequently helps relax the blood vessels in the genital area, ensuring sufficient blood flow to the penis to achieve and maintain an erection.
Generic treatments, such as Sildenafil, are made by manufacturers who must demonstrate that their product offers the same quality, strength, stability, and effectiveness as branded treatments.
Dosage
Viagra and Sildenafil are both available in three dosages at Pharmica. Each dosage is suited to different needs and circumstances:
- Sildenafil 25mg (the same dosage as Viagra 25mg) - this is considered a ‘low dosage’ and is typically prescribed to men who have tried the 50mg dosage at least four times but continue to experience side effects, including headaches, flushing, and dizziness. This dose is also recommended for younger men who may not need to take a stronger dose.
- Sildenafil 50mg (the same dosage as Viagra 50mg and Viagra Connect) - this is considered a ‘standard dosage’ and is generally recommended for men taking Sildenafil or Viagra for the first time.
- Sildenafil 100mg (the same dosage as Viagra 100mg) - this is considered a ‘high dosage’ and is typically prescribed to men who have tried the 50mg dosage at least four times but still experience erectile dysfunction.
Recommended reading: Why is Erectile Dysfunction in Young Men on the Rise?
How are Viagra and Sildenafil different from each other?
Branding
Viagra is a branded ED treatment manufactured by American multinational pharmaceutical company Pfizer Inc, while Sildenafil is a generic ED treatment manufactured by several different companies.
The original Viagra packaging consists of a white-coloured box with blue accents and the Pfizer Inc. company logo. Viagra Connect, which was launched in the UK in March 2018 as an over-the-counter version of Viagra, is available in blue-coloured boxes.
Recommended reading: The Blue Pill (Viagra) - Everything You Need to Know (2024)
In contrast, Sildenafil is available in various different types of packaging, depending on the manufacturer and dosage.
For example, the Sildenafil made by Teva Pharmaceuticals Inc. consists of white boxes with purple accents and additional, different-coloured accents for different sildenafil dosages.
Price
Sildenafil is available at a lower price than Viagra, as it is a generic ED treatment. In comparison, Viagra is more expensive due to the branding associated with the treatment.
Despite the price difference, Sildenafil and Viagra are medically identical, which means there is no difference between the efficacy and mechanism of action of these treatments.
Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient and are equally effective and equivalent as the branded products but are available at a lower price. Generic manufacturers have to demonstrate that they are medically identical to the branded product before they can be sold - i.e. they offer the same quality, strength, stability and effectiveness.
Appearance of the Pill
Viagra is often referred to as the ‘little blue pill’ due to the distinctive blue colour and diamond shape of Viagra tablets.
In contrast, Sildenafil tablets can vary in colour, shape, and size depending on the manufacturer.
Additional Ingredients
Sildenafil and Viagra contain the same active ingredient, as well as the same four core ingredients - Microcrystalline Cellulose, Calcium Hydrogen Phosphate, Croscarmellose Sodium, and Magnesium Stearate.
However, the film coat ingredients differ slightly between Sildenafil and Viagra.
The film coat on Viagra tablets includes hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), lactose monohydrate, triacetin, and indigo carmine aluminium lake (E132).
In comparison, the film coat on Sildenafil tablets consists of hypromellose, lactose, triacetin, and titanium dioxide (E171), but it does not include the indigo carmine aluminium lake (E132) and uses lactose instead of lactose monohydrate.
Viagra Connect vs Sildenafil 50mg
Viagra Connect and Sildenafil 50mg both contain 50mg of the active ingredient sildenafil citrate, making these treatments medically identical to one another.
The only difference between Sildenafil and Viagra Connect is the brand and price. Sildenafil 50mg is the generic version of Viagra Connect, which is why it is available at a significantly lower price, despite working in the same way as Viagra Connect.
Viagra vs Viagra Connect
Viagra and Viagra Connect are made by the same manufacturer, Pfizer Inc., and contain the same active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, but in different dosages.
Viagra is available in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg dosages, while Viagra Connect is only available in a 50mg dose. Additionally, Viagra Connect is available over the counter.
What are the best alternatives to Viagra and Sildenafil?
In addition to Viagra and Sildenafil, there are a number of erectile dysfunction treatments that all help inhibit the PDE-5 enzyme to prevent erectile dysfunction but have additional varying properties.
We’ve summarised the primary Sildenafil and Viagra alternatives below. If you’re seeking a more in-depth, comprehensive guide to the various ED treatments that are available, read our ultimate guide to erectile dysfunction treatment.
Tadalafil (Generic Cialis)
Tadalafil contains the active ingredient ‘tadalafil’, a PDE-5 inhibitor similar to sildenafil citrate (the active ingredient in Viagra and Sildenafil).
Tadalafil remains effective for up to 36 hours as it has a half-life of 17.5 hours, which means it takes 17.5 hours for the concentration of tadalafil in the blood to halve in volume.
In comparison, Sildenafil and Viagra remain effective for a shorter period as they have a lower half-life (4 hours) than Tadalafil.
Tadalafil is available as:
- Tadalafil 36-Hour, which is formulated to be taken on demand and when required. Tadalafil 36-Hour is available in a standard dosage (containing 10mg of tadalafil) or a high dosage (containing 20mg of tadalafil).
- Tadalafil Daily, which is formulated to be taken daily to provide the option of always being ready for sexual intercourse. Tadalafil Daily is available in a standard dosage (containing 5mg of tadalafil) or a low dosage (containing 2.5mg of tadalafil).
Cialis
Cialis is the branded version of Tadalafil. Both treatments are medically identical to one another, as they contain the same active ingredient ‘tadalafil’.
However, Cialis is more expensive than Tadalafil, as it is a branded ED treatment.
Recommended: Watch our Video Guide to Cialis
Cialis Together
Cialis Together contains 10mg of Tadalafil and can be purchased without a prescription. Cialis Together and Tadalafil 10mg are medically identical to one another.
Vardenafil (Generic Levitra)
Vardenafil (Generic Levitra) is a PDE-5 inhibitor that works in the same way as Sildenafil and Tadalafil. Vardenafil is typically recommended for diabetic men due to its slightly different molecular structure.
Spedra (Avanafil)
Spedra (Avanafil) is an ED treatment known for its rapid onset of action. Spedra works within 15 to 30 minutes of taking the treatment, while Sildenafil, Viagra, Tadalafil, Cialis, and Vardenafil take longer to take effect.
Summary
Viagra and Sildenafil contain the same active ingredient and hence treat erectile dysfunction in the same way - yet despite this, Sildenafil is significantly cheaper than Viagra, as it is a generic ED treatment.
Individuals seeking alternatives to Viagra and Sildenafil can also consider a range of other PDE-5 inhibitors, each of which provides differing benefits and can be obtained from Pharmica after completing a medical assessment for ED to determine treatment eligibility.
This includes Tadalafil (Generic Cialis) and Cialis, which remain effective in the body for longer, in addition to the fast-acting Spedra (Avanafil and Vardenafil (Generic Levitra), which is suitable for diabetics.
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